Countdown to Key West: Duval House-Backed Fountain Steps Up to Extreme Class

For five years the Duval House in Key West, Fla., has stepped up to support Joe Ferrer and his girlfriend (now wife), Jackie Piper, in their quest to win a world championship at the annual Super Boat International event. In recognition of the quaint bed and breakfast’s continued backing, the team decided to enter its 40-foot Fountain Powerboats V-bottom under the Duval House moniker for next week’s races.

Formerly Sheds Plus and Airway Aerospace, this year Joe and Jackie Ferrer will be running their 40-foot Fountain under the Duval House moniker. Check out the team’s Facebook page for updates throughout the Key West World Championships.

This year, though, the husband-and-wife team is jumping up to the Superboat Unlimited class, where it will be pitted against the formidable Miss GEICO, CMS, Lucas Oil SilverHook and other teams. Ferrer said they’ve been testing since early October and can’t wait to get to Key West this weekend—the team races Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

The throttleman also said the team had Tommy Hofstetter from Chief Performance Engines rebuild the team’s 1,200-hp engines and that Jason Ventura with Brand X Hi-Performance Marine has been a blessing when it comes to parts and service, particularly in the propeller department.

“All we know is that we’re going to have to finish every race to have a chance,” said Ferrer, who confirmed that the team is going to be part of the Friday night boat parade on Duval Street. “We’ve got some serious competition in the Unlimited class, so we need to be consistent. The boat handles great and feels very solid with its current setup. We can’t wait to see everyone at the races.”

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Complete 2014 Key West Coverage