Florida YouTuber Cleetus McFarland unleashes jet-engine boat at America’s wildest race
Published on Aug 27, 2025 at 2:26 PM (UTC+4)
by Daisy Edwards
Last updated on Aug 27, 2025 at 4:34 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
Florida YouTuber Cleetus McFarland unleashed a hilariously overpowered jet-engine boat at America’s wildest race, and it created chaos at the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri.
Powered by twin T-53 Lycoming turbine engines, the 50-foot Mystic boat, known as the X Insurance Twin Turbine, can produce an absolutely staggering 3,000hp.
The boat really put on a show with the jet engine breaking a long-standing record, reaching 160mph at some points.
The X insurance is built with a need for speed, purposely made to be durable with a seriously impressive braking system.
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Cleetus McFarland unleashes jet-engine boat at America’s wildest race
By now, any car lover will know that Cleetus McFarland loves crazy stunts and even crazier car challenges.
However, this time, he took it to water by riding a jet-engine powered boat at Lake of the Ozarks at America’s wildest race in Missouri.
The boat is a masterpiece in design. It’s built truly for speed and durability, and has the potential to reach top speeds of up to 200mph.
The X Insurance Twin Turbine is a 50-foot Mystic boat entirely made from carbon fiber. And it can kick out a combined top horsepower of 3,000.
The race itself
When the turbine engine roared to life, it took off with electrifying speed. It easily smashed the long-standing dam race record that McFarland set out to break.
Reaching top speeds of 160mph, the boat completed the 188-mile race in just one hour and 17 minutes, even momentarily ‘getting air’.
While this display certainly looked impressive, it was overwhelming to the senses for the passengers, who had to deal with an extremely hot cockpit and the acrid smell of jet-A fuel.
McFarland described the whole experience as being similar to that of driving sprint boats, race cars, airplanes, and helicopters. It truly was the best of all worlds.
Daisy is a technology journalist, covering artificial intelligence, consumer tech, Apple news, cryptocurrency, digital business, and emerging technologies. Since joining the team in 2025, she has reported on everything from AI-powered startups and major iOS updates to viral tech hacks and the latest developments in the digital economy. Drawing on her background in automotive journalism and a degree in History and Journalism from Goldsmiths, University of London, Daisy specializes in breaking down complex technology stories into clear, engaging reporting for a global audience. Her work focuses on the products, platforms, and innovations that are transforming the way people work, communicate, and interact with technology. Daisy has gained first-hand access to some of the world's most talked-about technologies and innovators, including meeting Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot during its first European appearance in London. She has also discussed the future of space exploration with an astronaut, bringing unique insights and real-world perspectives to her coverage of emerging technology.
