Red-Hot Phantom 30 Going To Key West Owner
Whether it’s a catamaran or V-bottom, the average go-fast boat painted at Stephen Miles Design is well north of 40 feet long. But the Owensboro, Ky., graphics outfit does handle smaller jobs between the big ones, and the most recent example—a new 30-foot V-bottom from Phantom Boats—is simply smoldering.
Next up for this 30-footer is interior and engine installation at Phantom’s home in Southwest Florida.
The 30-footer, which will be powered by a pair of Mercury Racing 300R outboard engines, is owned by Jose F. Rodriguez, a lifelong resident of Key West, Fla., and among the best friends of the paint-shop’s namesake. The two met in 2009 when was Rodriguez was building radio-control boats and Miles was painting them.
“We hit it off immediately,” said Miles. “I had him and my friend Lance Hoversen build a 70-inch, twin-gas-engine Outerlimits SV 40 RC boat for me. I think we had become good friends before I ever shook his hand. We’ve been pretty much best friends ever since.
Enjoy more images of the red-hot 30-footer in the slideshow above.
“We talk almost every day on the phone—plus texting,” he continued. “The dude just makes me laugh. I don’t care how crappy of a mood I might be in, just 10 minutes on the phone with this nut and I’m in good spirits again.”
Rodriguez works for the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority, which is responsible for supplying fresh water throughout the Keys. His previous boat was a 24-foot Spectre center console also painted by Miles and powered by a Mercury Verado outboard 350 “flashed” to produce 425 hp.The boat topped out at 78 mph.
“That was my first boat and I like it a lot,” he said. “I’m figuring this boat will be considerably faster and safer for Keys Island Runners events.”
Next week, Rodriguez will head to Kentucky to pick up his 30-foot beauty. From there he’ll haul it to Phantom Powerboats in Sarasota, Fla., where company principal Will Smith will install its interior and 300-hp, naturally aspirated V-8 outboards. He expects the work to be completed three to four weeks after he delivers it to Smith, but he isn’t about to rush it.
“I’m very patient as long as something is being done right,” he said.
Editor’s Note: Speedonthewater.com will publish a feature story on Jose Rodriguez’s 30 Phantom once it is complete.
Related stories
2021 Key West Poker Run And Offshore World Championships Coverage
Keys Island Runners Organizing Rey Marino Memorial Fun Run
and then