What is going on with Poker Runs?
 

Is it me or is attendance way down at the poker runs? I was just reading another thread on here and I wanted to chime in but not seem like I was pisssing on the guys thread. When I count the boats there seems to be about 1/3 less than 3 years ago. What do you guys think the reason is, poker run entrance fees, gas, safety issues? I hate seeing this trend!! Tell me what is going on.

The entrance fee has scared me off of a couple.

Chuck- The answer is pretty simple.....with the economy and gas prices today it's no surprise that many people are opting out of events to save money. Some of the events are also pretty expensive to enter. Alot of people travel to get to an event, so there's alot of expenses, gas for towing vehicle, gas for boat, food, hotel, etc.....

Probably a combo of all the things you have listed.

I would think that also if it were primarily the last year, but even two years ago I thought I saw a trend downward.

Sorry Semper , i am not agree with you ...because when you bought a boat of many thousand $$$ , it`s not a entry fee at 500 to 800 $ can stop you to show your boat at this kind of event .... i think we have to dig more than that ....

and for the gas ...not a 30 % more $$ for a day compare than 2 year a go can stop the Big end boat owner ...
this my 2 cent ...sorry for my bad engish
Regards

For me it's a 6yr old and a 3yr old.

Hey.........go easy- I sold you the mufflers!! How are they doing?? Anyway, what we have to remember is that some people have an unlimited budget and some people don't. There are people with 22' boats and 50' million dollar machines on this website. With the economy the way it is and gas prices- that could make the difference for alot of people to boat less. I can personally see the difference in the crowds in Lake Havasu- there has been at least 1/3 less people on the water!!

It's all about the Benjamins !

In 2005 I spent 30K doing poker runs in Florida. New boat, new places to go. 2006 spent about 18K, skipped some events that were ok but not awesome. 2007 spent about 3K, boat smoked both motors and it took 4-5 months to get it straightened out. 2008, wife broke her foot, don't expect to do more than 3 runs this year.

How many runs can you do to the same places for 600-1000 a pop, plus hotels, fuel, booze, food etc.?