Color me POOR !! ( NYC Poker-Run )
 

WOW, is all I can say,, I was actually considering joining in the fun at the NYC Hudson river poker run... Well after some investigating, I found that the entry fee is a wopping 550.00.... :( So much for boating on a budget... It also stated that over 175 boats register for the event, some simple math, and that means they collect over 85 THOUSAND DOLLARS,,,, :eek: :eek: with a grand prize of 5,000 going to the winner with the best poker hand.. So much for getting my feet wet... :(

Does anyone else think 500 bucks to enter a poker run is a little STEEP ????.....

That seems ridiculous! Sure sounds like a “for profit” poker run!

Check out what SCOPE is doing this year…………….

A 3-day event in August! Here is the scoop:

SCOPE (or AHBA) members: $200
Non-Members: $240

Includes the following:
2 T-Shirts
2 Poker Hands
Photos and negs of your boat running
1 year N/C subscription to the Robb Report Magazine
Friday: Team Archer Kick-off party Tequila Jacks for ALL your crew (evening)
Saturday : Multiple events happening during the day and dinner at night
Sunday: Poker run with 170+ boats!

Over $25,000 in cash and prizes!!!!!!!

1st Prize: $10,000
2nd $5,000
3rd $4,000
4th $3,000
5th $2,000
6th $1,000

Plus other prizes and awards. More info is coming soon!

I guess that’s the difference between a Non-Profit organization and others.

www.SCOPEinfo.com

Wellll,
Chris, I kinda feel the same way, kinda high for my wallet:( I've yet to have the opportunity to run in a poker run, but @ those $$, I guess us little dogs will have to stay on the porch!:D
MD

Smoke on the water is $1,000 to enter wow:eek:

Nope not worth that kind of scratch to me !!!!!!:eek:

That is part of the reason why I watch the event from the TZ bridge, too small a boat is the other. You are more than welcome to meet up with me that day. I think that some other OSO members are planning on doing the same.

Dave

I'll be one of the spectators at the bridge. After running the A bay poker run and seeing what you get for a $300 USD entry fee it don't compare. It was a all day event with thousands of spectators and some of the most beautiful scenery. Not like the 2 hour long run on the river that I run on all summer long. I don't find that you get much bang for the buck. Now maybe if they made it longer with more stops and further up the river it would be better. You never get to see any scenery. The last stop of the run is where the scenic part of the river begins. How about have the run go past West Point and Bannermans Castle (SP?) up through the Hudson Valley.I don't find boating down by Yonkers and the Bronx with abandoned buildings as scenery that enjoyable.

dckrafft.... I'll see you at the bridge :)

Thanks for the reassurance guys !!!...
 

Man,,, Glad I'm not the only one thinking that 550.00 is alittle STEEP.. I guess this little dog will be staying on the porch... :(

I am planning on making the trip down to watch, so hopefully I will get to meet a few members of the OSO family.

Hot-Boat, I am always up in the Gully's, Bannerman's and west point area,and your right, the scenery is really nice up in our neck of the woods.

Gee... That's only about $880 Canadian. :eek: What's your problem?

They need to get a reality check!

WOW, I had no idea the costs run so high.
I'm with Chris(and others) on this one...Not worth the money!

That could buy a lot of other boat goodies!

I did the NYC poker run last year and we were done in a 1 1/2 hours, plus the food was really beat. The fast boats were done in one hour. This year I 'm thinking about doing the red eye run on the bay.

This is the exact reason I have yet to run in a Poker Run. I cannot justify that kind of money to go run around with other boats. I do that every weekend and it only costs me gas! :D

I'd like to see some more "fun runs" for us little guys.

Anyone interested in organizing one on the Hudson? I'd like to unload somewhere north and run to NYC and back. Maybe overnight somewhere.
What do you think?

You can always move.
 

Bajadave, you will need to move to the southwest. American Hot Boat Association has its two HeatWave poker runs for $150 each. We also do a Lake Powell five day fun run, $10 a hand - just for fun. Now we are putting together a Elephant Butte, NM poker run July 27th - $100. This is just the start, not to mention all the other events and get togethers.

Mike Campbell
American Hot Boat Assoc.
www.americanhotboats.com

ps - we boat year around.:D

Where does the rest of the 80 GRAND go ??
 

Sure, they are paying for your slip and throwing a party,,, but B.F.D. !! I certainly know that, well in my case " semi-high-performance-boating " isn't cheap, they could certainly make it a little more affordable for the " General Public "...


There are enough of us on the Hudson, Why couldn't we all get together and organize some type of " poker-run " from like the TZ bridge up to the mid hudson bridge or something ?? or is that considered gambling ??, there is probably something illegal about it.....

I've been involved in the organization of our Poker Run in Richmond, and all we try to do is break even. We charge $250 for two people (one hand) and that includes prizes, 2 t-shirts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, and helicopter video. The entrant still has to pay for slip and hotel. It's amazing how much things cost. I have the income vs expense numbers, and right now we're in the red by a couple of thousand dollars. If we have a surplus we give away additional prizes at the awards dinner.

You as a "consumer" of Poker Runs need to look at costs vs benefits. I feel the people that attend our PR feel they are getting good value for the dollar, because they come back year after year.

Steve
www.geocities.com/Richmondpba

who's up for organizing a "poor people's NYC poker run" :D

i'd be in. I think at thos eprices i might have to hitch a ride on the linsen

In my early performance boating days, I really wanted to do that poker run, because on the east coast, it is the mother of all poker runs...simply by the sheer number of boats and the location being New York City.

Lately my thoughts have changed and maybe I'm just not that type of boater anymore, but it I still consider it the premier run on the east coast. It may have gotten too big for me to be comfortable running in it...the Manhassett Bay run is a bit smaller and probably more my speed...

As Cignificat pointed out, and what some of you guys may not realize, is that it takes and awful lot of money to put this thing on in NYC. The costs of the dock slips alone are quite high, not to mention the food, insurance, etc. Do I think Billy is making money at this? Probably, but I think he puts on one hell of an event. Yeah, I've heard in the past that the food has run out and has not been all that good, but I think each year he improves it.

The bottom line is that this is an expensive sport...every aspect of it and as my pop told a potential customer once..."if you have to ask how much it costs to fill her up, you probably can't afford her..."

...and as for the "poor people's run"...there's always my little Summer Fun Run to Claudio's which I'll be organizing again this year...probably towards the end of June(house closing pending).

I fully understand that putting on an event in NYC is costly,,, But
 

the old saying " if you have to ask how much, you probably can't afford it " is total B.S.. 550.00 is certainly not going to put me in the poor house, but for the average boater on this board, i'm sure 550.00 is a TOO little rich for their blood.

I guess this run seperates the boys from the men as far as bragging rights go, but there are four seperate classes,, + 100 mph, pro-class, sport class and cruiser class, so just by this fact alone, they are not trying to keep it out of reach for the rest of us..

I will stop *****ING now,,,,,

Anybody up for a NYC fun run ???

Hey Chris...after just buying the "new" boat and a "new" house, this run is certainly too rich for my blood as well. I'm under no delusions about my financial well-being either...but perhaps next year or maybe even this fall, I'll do a run with Mr. Frenz.

In the meantime, put the boat on the trailer and bring it down for the free Summer Fun Run...whe had roughly 25 boats in attendance last year and I expect more this year.

Sean

The money isn't always the issue. If it is something that you enjoy doing then you are going to pay the money. But It just don't seem like you get much bang for the buck. Like stated before most people finish in under 2 hours. Why not make it a bit longer like A. Bay with a few more stops. And what is this single file line up to get your card at each stop and from there they let one boat leave at a time. Why don't they organize it where everyone waits till everyone has there card and then have a fresh new start to the next stop. this way it would be like a race to every stop. It would be more exciting. I cant see it costing that much more $$$$ to make the run longer and with another stop or two in it. A two hour run for $500 just isn't cutting it.

I for one would love to help organize a fun run up the scenic part of the Hudson. How about Bear MT. to Kingston. I am sure there are places in the Kinston area that could accommodate a small feat of boats.

Paul

yo Sean, keep me in the loop for the Fun Run @ Claudio's. Had a good time last year. Unfortunately I had to leave early. P.S. I love the picture of my boat on the LIOPA website.

Good luck with the new ride, I am sure you will love it.

Matt

I'd be in for the TZ to midhudson bridge run for poor boys
sounds good to me!


Mattyboy

Hot-boat,,,, lets get something going......
 

we really should have some sort of get together for the people of the Hudson. Most of the people I have talked with are further North, up around the Newburgh area.. a run could take place going in either direction,, We could head down to the city or head up north..

I'd be up for a run to Claudio's too. I would be leaving from Old Saybrook though, not L.I. I thought it might be fun to organize a poker run in the sound somewhere, maybe hitting up Claudio's, Dock n Dine, and a few others in the area...

Ted

Hey Matt,

Yer definitely in the loop! I have a list of email addresses still and as soon as I get my act together, I'll get this thing going---probably toward the end of June. I spoke to The Wizard of Oz...and he is definitely in this year(he showed up late last year) and he'll probably bring a couple of boats as well. I suspect there will be at least 6 Skaters in attendance and the usual Cigarettes, Sonics, etc. Are you in touch with topgungcf? I wonder if he and his son will come this year...I haven't heard much from either of those guys? How about Andy?

P.S. Paul did the LIOPA thing...and has been running with it, I've not had the time to devote to this club thing.

Sean

Ted, You should hook up with Indy...I think he'll come this year again...

Hey bajaboss252 the pavillion (old Lymn) has a poker run every year in August he has been doing it for over 10 years now.

I'll have to call down there to the Pavillion and ask about it. Do you usually get in on that one Boomer? That was one of the other places I was thinking about. I think Harbor Park might be a bit too far up the river for being included but I'd really like to get in on one in the area of LI Sound.

Ted

Sean,
Congrats on the new boat. I'm in on any L.I. "fun" activity. Hopefully we can get some chop in the water this time for some real fun. It was like a lake last year.

I used to go I sold the boat about 2 years ago (Donzi z-22) so Now I can really enjoy boating I use other peoples boats..... Just kidding I miss my boat. The run is from the Pavalion to Caulidos and then one other spot in LI and back. Don't worry I will post when it will be. The harbor park one is for Jet skis.

The best poker run i ever did was the two out of oceanoutboards place on the southshore of L.I.,nice party,good spots to go to,three prizes,and the whole day only cost me 200. granted,not even the scope of the NYC run,but it was ten years ago,no helicopter,ok,but simple locale fun,yes. Billy does one helluva job putting this and other ones together,and all the people who help him,and his wife,i personally thank you all. im quite sure the marina isnt free,or the insurance,or video guys,the cranes to put the killers in the water(boats that is) and if he makes a couple of bucks along the way,he deserves it for planning it for months before,all the mailings,putting1500 cards in little envelopes (try it some time) all the paperwork,bringing all the stuff he brings,boards to show the stats of all the boats,was the tent free? how much does ICE cost to keep our beer and soda coooold,warm beer sucks,how much to feed 300 plus twice? i could go on and on but i wont,but the overall picture is it is a good time,the best showing of outrageous boats ive seen in this area. granted threr could be some more prize money or more prizes. one more thing,manhasset 55 paid boats? break even or lose money,or make alot? 1000 for a good time,illbethere,TRIPPS

Yes , I agree that $500, $1000 is too much for a poker run. BUT that is only in my " level" for lack of a better term.

Yes boating is an expensive sport but there many levels to it.

$1000 is nothing to a person with a million dollar boat, so there needs to be poker runs for people like that.

$150-$200 if acceptable for a poker run in my "level"

Just my opinion:)

NYC what is the date?
 

I have been reading the thread for the NYC poker run, but I have yet to see the date. I am from North Jersey and I have never run on the Hudson because I always had a small boat (18 Ft. Hydrostream Valero YT). I now own a 21' Superboat. Would I be welcome with the Poker Run watchers at the bridge, or is my boat too small?

PS - Where is a good place to launch
 

On the Jersey side? I would be coming from RT 46 / RT 3 near Montclair New Jersey?

I ran the run last year mostly to get the publicity to sell off my boat molds and hopefully get some great pictures of my boat airborne. Unfortunately the video footage never made it on the air, and I don't remember seeing Powerboat Mag have any write ups on it, although HotBoat did. Did i get any still photos of that day? Well no...:rolleyes: They did manage to get me in the video though, so that was great! ;) I know the entry is steep, but for those that really want to get in it, have you considered trying to get a sponsor for it? Think of the amount of people that are there and the exposure you can get. I must say, I was a bit disappointed with the person that was covering the event from "Poker Runs America". He could of had a good story there about the "Smallest Entry" the 13ft Mini Offshore with 100hp strapped to the back of it that started and finished all 75 miles of that run. But he showed his true colors, that if you didn't spend a couple hundred thousand dollars on your boat, you weren't worth talking to. I bought a 28 footer this season, but for NY, I'm still considering to run the 13 footer. The people at the card stops just loved that boat ;) and this year there are people getting the word out of where they are going to be with their cameras. Some of the BEST QUALITY Poker Runs I ran last year were with NJPPC.

Thanks for the plug Shark! :D :D

Hey Sharky
 

I used to have a 13' Bullet back in 1989. I bought it at Tuckerton Marine and rigged it with a 50 Evinrude. The transom cracked and I was young then, didn't have the money to build it up higher and do trick rigging. That was a fun boat. Would love to get together with you this summer. I have a house in Mystic Islands, and I do most of my boating on Great Bay and the Mullica River. Would love to check out your neck of the woods, I have never gone boating more towards the center of NJ because I always had poor rough water boats.

When the season gets closer I'll drop you a line and maybe we can get out schedules to match.

Mike

Like I said, I will quit Bitching now....
 

for those who pay a few hundred thousand dollars for a boat, sure, 500.00 bucks is a bar tab or gas money, but then again the 5,000 dollar first place prize isn't much either.. IT would be nice to join in the fun, but the entry fee is just ridiculous..

Anyway, I will be heading down to the city on saturday morning to check out all the hot boats, and then back up to the TZ bridge.. lets get a group together !!

The run is on saturday june 15, It starts at 12:00 for whoever asked...

at100plus anyone is welcome to hang at the bridge. the more the merrier. I would think a week or so before the run you will see a post on where and when to get together . I would like to meet somewhere around the Bear Mt bridge and have a run together to where we are going to raft up. Tantrum has a list of members in the area that are thinking of going . he was thinking of a place we could all meet for breakfast but the problem was where????