Episode 46 - Jerry Gilbreath Boat Builder and Offshore Racer

Jerry Gilbreath has built a career around designing, constructing, and racing some of the world's most exotic and renowned boats. His journey started in the 1960s, driving flat-bottom endurance boats in events such as the Salton Sea 500 and the Parker Enduro. Gilbreath’s father, Jake, established Gil Marine, which began as a gas tank manufacturer and evolved into one of the largest aftermarket performance marine companies globally, known for producing iconic Gil Exhaust Manifolds and the first outboard set-back bracket, the Gil Bracket.
Gilbreath emerged as one of the most esteemed and skilled custom boat builders in the world. With his GMT Tunnel boats and collaboration with racer Greg Foster, he was instrumental in advancing the Mod-VP racing class. Gilbreath also outfitted water ski racing boats for Vic Edelbrock and Jerry Herbst.
Subsequently, Gilbreath ventured into offshore racing, partnering with Al Copeland and Matt Alcone to become one of the most dominant Open class catamaran teams in the late 1990s. He is frequently regarded as one of the best throttle man to ever operate an offshore race boat.
Though retired from racing, Gilbreath continues to be involved in high-performance boating, maintaining a collection of custom boats.
You can follow Jerry Gilbreath on Instagram @jerry_gilbreath
This episode is brought to you by: SoCal Jet Boats the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest River Attire, hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The SoCal Jet Boat SpeedShop.
Visit SoCal Jet Boats at www.socaljetboats.com on Instagram at @SoCalJetBoats and Facebook @SoCal Jet Boats Contact SoCal Jet Boats [phone] [e-mail]
This episode is also brought to you by: BoatLoanGuy.com your trusted source for Marine and RV Financing. BoatLoanGuy provides quick and easy stress-free financing for most types of boats including performance boats, pontoons, and center consoles. BoatLoanGuy offers loans from $20,000 to $5M with up to 20 year terms.
Visit BoatLoanGuy at www.boatloanguy.com On Instagram @rvboatloans and on Facebook @RV and Boat Loans Contact BoatLoanGuy.com [phone] [e-mail]
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[@mrpete5112]

Andy Casale had quite a vintage collection of Cadillacs. ( He showed them off, when I picked up the lower- adapters for the Popeyes outboard powerunits.....)

[@mrpete5112]

I haven't watched the video yet..... I worked for Jerry... on Mod-VP, Popeyes, & other boats at the shop. I 1st met Jerry, at our Arneson shop ( with Gary Garbrecht & Brett May), years before ( San Francisco).... Installing Keith Black power into the Aronow Unlimited U-19 " one-off built Seebold 30' tunnel boat. I crewed for our Mod-VP & also, Howard Arneson allowed me to join the Aronow team for the remainder of the Unlimited Series !! Thank you Jerry for the experience !! ( Even now, I am currently involved with the Ocean Cup series )

[@powerboat_talk]

How lucky that you got to work with Jerry. An amazing guy. Watch the video!

[@mrpete5112]

@@powerboat_talk I watched the video..... brings back memories !!