Episode 58 - Powerboat Talk with Chris Davidson from Hot Boat and Speedboat Magazines
Inside the Legacy of Hot Boat Magazine with
Chris Davidson
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In this episode of the Powerboat Talk Podcast, I welcome Chris Davidson, a veteran of the performance boating industry and the longtime publisher behind Hot Boat Magazine and Speedboat Magazine. With nearly four decades of experience covering high-performance boats and marine culture, Chris offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the rise, transformation, and enduring impact of two iconic boating publications.
Chris shares how his journey began with a passion for Elvis memorabilia and a family deeply rooted in boating. He reflects on the early days of Hot Boat Magazine and its pivotal 1989 sale to Larry Flynt’s LFP Inc.—a move that took the magazine from a regional niche to a nationally recognized brand in the high-performance marine world.
The conversation takes a personal turn as Chris recounts the events of 2006, when a shocking betrayal by his brother Darren led to a hostile takeover of Hot Boat Magazine. That experience ultimately pushed him to found Speedboat Magazine, which today remains the only print publication dedicated to performance boating.
Throughout the episode, Chris emphasizes the role of loyalty, teamwork, and relationships in building a lasting legacy. He credits much of his success to a trusted team of contributors who helped shape the voice of boating journalism. This conversation is a compelling and honest reflection on perseverance, leadership, and the evolution of media in the high-performance boating community.
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