Poker Run Boat Size
 

How small is to small of a boat to run in a poker run? Also how slow is to slow?

That's a loaded question!

Where is the Poker Run? River, small lake, big lake, open water?

What organization is putting the PR on? The FPBC runs typically have the boats broken down into speed brackets so that most everyone in that bracket can run together.

Typically, if the body of water and the weather conditions allow, you can "run watcha brung". And, as long as you are back at the dock in time to turn in your cards, it doesn't matter how fast you run.

Remember, a Poker Run is not a race!!!:cool::cool:

Alright, I'll bite even though it is a loaded question.
I have run poker runs now for 8 years. I started in a 22' Donzi Classic and ran that for 3 years and had a blast. There were a few runs where I got beat up and there was no ocean running for me. My next boat was a 29' Kryptonite and that was a great single engine poker run boat and size. I still took a beating once in a while but could hang with the 70-80mph group with no problem. Of course like everyone on here I had dreams of stepping up to a true offshore runner and last year bought a 38' Donzi Comp. It is awesome.
To answer your question though, the beauty of our sport is that you can run watcha brung. If you have a small boat pick and choose your poker runs carefully so you avoid some of the big open water. As far as speed, you will want something that can comfortably cruise over 50mph otherwise you won't have many "friends" to run with. I know they say speed doesn't matter but, we all have speed boats! The best thing to do is hook up with a couple of boats that run similar speeds and plan to run together. That is what I try to do on these runs.
Most of all have fun and don't push the boat past its limits or as importantly, the limits of your crew members.

Like Tom I started in a 22ZX, we have had some guys start in as small as a 13ft bullet, like Tom said you pick a group that fits your need and run with them.
Now all Poker Run Clubs are not the same, The NJPPC has a group for almost anyone to run, If I remember Poker Runs America is 27ft up and I don't know what Florida Powerboat is.
Rock the Bay had (2) 24 ft Bajas running.
I ran my 22ZX for 2 years and I was Poker run Hooked. :D

Best advice right here!!! When you get a group together that you are going to run with, decide on a cruise speed that's comfortable for all and STICK TO IT! Nothing gives me the red ass worse than when people start inching the speeds up and then you wind up running the guts outta your boat all day.

Additionally, things happen fast at speed. As Tom said, don't outrun the capability of your boat or yourself & crew!!! For evidence, see the video of the Sunsation @ the Emerald Coast PR last year.

Be safe and have fun!!!

Tom, the 22 Donzi comment reminded me of running some of our local poker runs years ago in my old Hydrostream and my old STVs. Good old times - a lot cheaper too!!!:D:D

I ran my 22 Scarab the last 2 years. Stepped up to a 28 Active Thunder for this coming season. I have run with boats as small as 16 Donzi's.

im looking to do local poker runs around NH and Mass. The boat that i would be using is a completely stock 02 27 fountain fever with 500 efi. Runs about 75-76 max.

you should be fine with that boat

No issues with that boat in those areas. I did the Donzi PR on Lake Winni with Jon (AudioFN on the board here) and the wives a few summers ago and it was a seriously rough day that day!! We were both in 18' Classics and honestly - I have NEVER seen an 18' Classic run like that - all it takes it ballz and skillz and you can run with the big dogs.

(yeah, that was a compliment brotha'!) :D

You will do fine with that boat. Just remember it's not a race. Run with boats that are similar in size and capabilities and let the big guys do their thing. I had a 32' Sunsation, my buddy has a 29' Superboat, and had no problems. Many of the boats that ran with us are that size or smaller. We just moved out of the wake zones of the bigger- faster boats and did our own thing. We always had a great time. I wouldn't run in the ocean or big water without being real careful of the weather and conditions. Learn how to drive the boat to use it as efficiently as possible, learn how to use the tabs, they will be your best friends. Have fun.

I run a 21 scarab and have a blast. But im crazy:party-smiley-004::D

ive run a 22 foot larson (runs about 55mph max) in a small poker run on lake erie and it was fine, only about 25 miles and it was a clam day. don't think i'd attempt the western ny fun run cus thats about 65 miles and if its rough it wont be much fun.

Whatever you end up with for a boat...enjoy those Poker Runs.

After watching a 24 ft Baja have a blast (I think!) in last years CPC run on Lake Michigan, there are no rules to the size of the boat. 45 foot V-bottoms and cats both got beat up and half broken during this run and the guy in the 24 footer makes the run every year. He definitely believes in Aleve!

Now that we are actively back in the business again, and making our 24 footer, we will be sponsoring some poker runs for smaller boats in both Florida and New England.

If anyone has more info on that poker run at Lake Winni,please let me know, I used to do the marathon, 50 and 75 mile ski races there when I was a kid.

www.bananaboatco.com

Hey Top why not do the Fall Rier MA run

You can prob. find more info at donzi.net as it is a run that was an exclusive Donzi event. There was also a Baja / Easter Seals run too up there each year. Not sure with all the BS on the speed limit and noise issues what is on tap for this summer.

Fall River sounds good too. After the race in June to Bimini, I'll be able to spring a boat for myself and start covering some of the North East events. Can't wait to get back out on some of those old waters again.

Thx for the tip to Donzi.net. We have a customer who boats up in NH too, maybe he can dig out some info for me.

Thats why Reggie bought Baja :evilb:

I would suggest to anyone that has never been to a poker run, no matter what size boat you have, to contact the organizer and see if you can donate your time/services to be a marshal boat, card boat or rescue boat. That way you can take part in the fun and learn what it is all about.

I ran the Lake George PR in a 21' Checkmate with a 225. Things got a little rough in the main lake and was soar the next day but would do it again over and over.

I also did the NYC PR (spectator) in my 29 and had a blast. The waves were huge from the ferry's and the East and Hudson rivers meeting at the bottom by the statue.

I Would rather do 80 mpg 100 % of the Time, Than 100 mpg 80 % of the Time !!!!

bob is that you...... mpg or mph ? lol.....its bazooka

Wow I feel alot better about my 33 Scarab now. Most of my ocean running has always been in a 40+ footer

ooops my bad, MPG = MPH
no its Mark

:Dwhats up....lol:D

you'll probably find the guys that run your speed very quickly.......like halfway to the first cardstop........some tips?....try and hold your line as well as you can in the early stages of a leg when its busy and keep your head moving looking out for other boats that want to pass etc.....
and if theres some faster boats behind you who should be passing you and their not their probably waiting for some kind of a signal from you to pass.......point at them and wave them by

The bottom line, is you have different calibers of Poker Runs. You have high stakes Poker Runs with a BIG DOLLAR look, feel, and presentation. And you have Average Joe Poker Runs with a perspective of get out on the water and lets have a good time. They are actually ALL about a good time, until someone shows up with a raceboat and a camera crew and turns it into a race movie.

Bottom line is pick your "battle" or Poker Run in this case, wisely. You can run just about any boat in just about any Poker Run. Its not a race. Its about having fun.

With the proper "accouterments" shall we say, you can make a 27' Fountain gain more attention than anything else out there. A certain 29' Fountain here in VA with a stripper pole sticking 7' out the bow comes to mind.