Image of the Week: Block This

As an NFL offensive lineman for the New York Giants, Brad Benson was an immovable object that helped his team to a Super Bowl victory over the Denver Broncos in 1986. Long since retired, Benson, who owns and operates the Brad Benson Auto Group in South Brunswick, N.J., is still a formidable presence, particularly in Pass Blocker, his 52-foot Marine Technology, Inc. (MTI) catamaran with twin 1,650-hp Mercury Racing quad overhead cam turbocharged engines. The general high-performance boating public got its first view of Benson’s newest ride during the Florida Powerboat Club’s Key West Poker late last year.

Brad Benson’s 52′ MTI Pass Blocker catamaran will be part of the stellar fleet during next month’s Florida Powerboat Club Miami Boat Show Poker Run, and speedonthewater.com’s Matt Trulio will be along for part of the ride. Photo courtesy/copyright Jay Nichols/Naples Image.

In a few weeks, the catamaran, which reportedly has topped 180 mph with “plenty left,” will be part of the fleet heading to Holiday Isle, Fla., during the FPC’s annual Miami Boat Show Poker Run. And speedonthewater.com’s Matt Trulio will be on board for the second leg of the run after it reaches Gilbert’s Tiki Bar in Key Largo, plus a little “play time” after Benson and his passengers reach Holiday Isle.

You’ll find an in-depth feature on this remarkable six-person canopied MTI cat in the upcoming March/April issue of Speed On The Water magazine. (Download the latest issue at no charge by clicking here.) In the meantime, enjoy this Jay Nichols image from the 2013 Key West Poker Run.

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