Key West Poker Run
 

We are making the run from Miami to Key West on thursday. My concern is are there any boats that run an average of 50 to 55 to the Keys. I sure cant run 80 down there. It is my first run down there and dont want to be left behind. Is there a slower pack that runs there also.

Not sure what the plan is this year but last year's Thursday run had a 100mph group then another that left later that cruised around 50-60mph.

I will be on the Thursday run and will be happy to run with you at the 55-60mph pace. Its usually myself and OSO Steve that take up the rear of the pack with our boats and make sure no one needs assistance.

Bob

Lookin forward to seeing you again this year Bob!!

We are dragging the boat out this year for the first time too...
Plan on running down Thursday also....We'll probably need help with directions too.. You know how us Left Coasters are...
Tom

still waitn for verification on 2 seats and room for some luggage !!!

That would be great.

I'm just confirming Otis....You and Steve usually take up the rear??!!:D

We're running down on Thursday too. I think we're going to cruise down with Phil and his crew and Tom (Hustlethis), Dan (H2Otioe Playboy) and Tim (38 Cig T/S). I don't assume the speeds will be very fast, though Toms boat runs well over 100, we'll see if he can keep it mellow! :rolleyes::D

Here's the three boats from Cali coming out....Phil will have a new boat there (I'm assuming his new Gladiator).

Jeff
We all run a Slow pace on this run once in key west :D


OSG Rick

LMAO Rick, Thats when I speed the pace up..for a day or two atleast

I didnt say we what rear we took up..and it aint each others !!

See you in 2 months !!

Cant wait !!

Hey, we doing the sand bar Friday or Saturday???!!!:ernaehrung004:

Think its Saturday

Can you guys make it down there on one tank, and if not where is a good place for fuel...my first long trip so im still in the learning stages...LOL

Im pumped up..cant wait to get there..

You can fill up at Gilberts or there is another place like .5 mile away that we used. You can also fill up at Sunshine Key.

Next year im going to try and run in the 70mph group...If things work out im puttin some tall decks in this winter...

My new boat...

Tank, I think they are racing on Wed, Friday and Sunday. lets plan a Saturday run over to the Boca Grande sand bar. Ill head it up if Stu doesnt already have something planned

Jeff I saw that boat in Destin, very pretty. Have no fear we will make sure that you arrive safely and get everything you need.

No one gets left behind, especially an OSO member.

Jeff, there are no speed groups as you are speeking of. Its a real simple run to make. The first leg is only 6-7 mile and you can keep all boats in site. The second leg is thru Biscane Bay down to Gilberts. If you run at 60-65 mph for this part you wont lose sight of all the roosters and wakes. There are only a few critical areas to make it through on this leg of the run. The lunch stop will be a Gilberts. Being one of the slower boats is a definate advantage at this stop. As you pull into Gilberts, all the confusion from 75 boats trying to dock at the same time will just about be over. You will be able to pull right up and raft off a boat and go right up and have lunch. The next leg is thru some very critical areas and most the boat will keep a slower pace and you will keep up just fine until the next stop which will be Sunshine Key. Fuel up at Sunshine Key which is about 125-135 miles from Miami. When you leave Sunshine Key you will be going out into the open ocean for the last 40 miles into KW. It is a real simple trip from Sunshine to KW. All you have to do is head out aprox 1.5 -2 miles hang a right and then follow the shoreline until you see until you KW Harbor and all the tall buildings. Take a right into KW harbour and follow the channel into the bight where all the other boats will be rafted up.

Thanks for all the info...

Us small guys gotta stick together...LOL

Sounds like it is going to be an awsome run..

It will be. Just make sure that your boat is in top notch condition and prepared for the run and you will be fine. Dont be over concerned with the speeds.

Sounds good. I spoke with Steve about it and he's down so I'm sure we'll have a nice little OSO condingent running out. I just asked Steve to lead the way since we haven't run out to the sand bar before.

Also fuel at the Tiki Bar at Holiday Isles in Islamorada.
Make sure you have spare parts such as extra types of hoses, clamps and the such. Also any pertinent papers for the boat.
Florida has more marine enforcement agencies than we have in Texas. Been years since I,ve been check down there. Just be prepared for anything. What a blast. Did the run again last year with Clarks new boat and what a blast!! That's how we know about hoses.
Did in my 32AT years ago also.:ernaehrung004::cool-smiley-026::cool-smiley-026:

wow sounds like a good time this year will be the first one I have missed in the past 5 years

I ran out there last year and can easily get us all out there again. What is Steve running these days

The Tiki bar at Islamorada is our fuel / lunch stop on the way back home on Monday. Ill be leaving KW around 900 am on Monday am if you want to run with us

I have always wanted to do this run, we were thinking of trying it next year, what is the minimum size boat that could make it safely? Currently our boat is a 32 advantage, but hoping to upgrade by next year?

We have done this run (05) and several FPC events including the Bahamas trips. Reliablilty is more valuable than speed. Our 32 Sunsation runs low 70's and has never failed to complete a poker run. A few of the other posts are correct, no one gets left behind, getting to Gilberts will be easy docking since you will be rafted on the outside row and FPC does a great job helping newcomers feel welcome. Even running at the back of the pack you won't get lost.

My biggest complaint with the KW run is that it is a long way to go on the way home. The Winter Rally is the same run but the destination is in Marathon at Hawk's Cay with a day trip to Key West the next day. This gives you the option of skipping the last 60 miles to Key West and if you still want to go you break the run into 2 days. The KWPR has the best hardware in the country but it is 150+ miles each way of fast boating. I would have much preferred having trailering out of KW at the end of the event which is what a few people do. I just was beat Sunday after drinking all the whole weekend, 150 mile ride back to Haulover, 90 mile trailer home, wash/flush boat then get back to work on Monday to pay for it all!

Thanks, thats the info I am looking for, my boat is mid 70s tops but with stock set up it is reliable, so I may plan this for next year. Regardless if I upgrade. It looks like a fun trip to get away from the kids for a weekend.

I think it's top secret, he's tight lipped:D but it's supposed to be done for the run.....

Let's get a group to go back too. That's always the problem, big groups going down, solo going back. We're rolling back to Miami on Sunday mid morning.

We'll be there... just not sure in which boat.

P.S. Still can't believe the detail in the paint (interior and exterior). Amazing job you two did!!!

P.S. Stay off the curbs in front of my house the next time you get a great idea to trailer it over to Jim's at 3 a.m. :p:D

Joe

The sand bar is easy... Just don't follow York (txspeedfreak)! LOL... :D

Joe, we'll see you there. You're not bringing your boat???

Sounds like there should be strong Cig showing for the Thursday run. We're in and looking forward to it.

In 04 there was a guy in a 29 Scarab that dumped his g/f and kid on the pace boat because it was so rough coming back on Monday. But there was a group of 3 guys with a 27 Fountain that made the run both ways, wet, but safe.

if anyone knows of anybody with room for 2 and a couple pieces of luggage please let me know. have a few if, come , maybe's but nothing definate.

Sounds like in the 32 it will be completely dependant on the conditions then. I wont have to wory about the kids, I wouldnt want to risk that, they are 6 and 4.