Poker run capable?
 

Curious what would be considered minimally capable for Florida Powerboat Club poker runs.

The Tuff 28? http://www.tuffmarine.com/Boat_Pages...28_inboard.htm

Could work but don't expect to get to the card stops anytime but last! My 32 Sunsation is very often one of the slowest boats on FPC runs, lots of heavy iron in the club. Pick your events and that boat will be cool, KW run that boat would be a beating (long ride, can get rough on the last 30 miles through open ocean). On the Winter Rally run in January to Hawk's Cay it could be fun (small group, not likely to run 90 MPH to get there).

The biggest obstacle to smaller boats is your top speed is very likely the rest of the boats "cruise" speed. So if a run is going 65 MPH (in a 38 525 powered anything that is cruise) you will be running WFO.

The other thing is that boat will only run 95 MPH on relatively flat water, I wouldn't think you could maintain 60 in a 2-3 ft chop without having white knuckles.

I've heard good things about this brand, but have never seen one up close.

jupiter is correct.

Whats the angle of the V in that boat?

It's one thing to be able to run in that water-

You also have to navigate and in a sub 30 non 24degree v's you have to expend considerable effort actually navigating while wave jumping as you start getting pushed off course.
The v angle starts to make a big difference in a small v with big waves.

I have a fast ocean capable 28 footer myself and usually run with boats 5-10 feet longer and its work if at all possible-

Same run on a lake the small boats become a better proposition.

Its still better to be out there rather than not and Im sure you'll run into a lot you can beat with it. It just wont be at poker runs in florida.

Keep us posted if you do go out though that boat looks fun!

Uncle Dave

I have run with Mark side by side in some pretty nasty no wave pattern wind blown breaking 2 to 4 footers and the 28 does the job very well.

As for cruise speed, 80. It is a very well built custom boat. Nothing bad about its design or execution.

That said, was it designed to be an "ocean boat"? No. Will it run bow to bow with a 38 ft V in big swells? No.

If you want to do the runs, just do them. Dont let the boat dictate your level of fun. We did the Key west run a couple years ago in a 26 Sonic w/ a 496. were we the smallest and slowest boat there? Yes. Were we the last to all the stops? No. Fast boats dont always run fast for long!

We had an absolute BLAST, by the way!

I love that 28, if I had the $$$$ I would own the Black 06 28 they have on the web site.
But I wouldn't be running in the open ocean with it...no way.

It's on the small size of boats, but you can have alot of fun
doing the runs. I had a 30Y2K Superboat. and the boat ran
94mph and I was one of the first V bottoms to the stop at the
Miami boatshow run last year.Boat ran and I kept up with the
big boys loved 2-3 chop. But I did do the Royal Purple Poker Run, and that lake beat the sh-t out of us. It was rough that day, lots of boats stayed in but we did the run and it was good 5's on the lake. Put that boat up forsale when I got home and bought a bigger boat. Just go have fun and besafe.

Have you considered the new Outerlimits SV29? It will be more than capable to run in some choppy water and will be very fast for the power.

FWIW - If I were wanting to ride in rough with a 28' anything I would prefer some more freeboard on the sides, and dropdown bolsters. I just personally don't feel safe in those sleeker style sit-down boats, but maybe that's just me.

If I were looking into a 28' boat for FL poker runs I would be looking more at the Pantera and Apache hull.

I really appreciate the replies, thanks.

I understand the 28 Active Thunder with a 525 is the more capable 28' rough water boat, but considerably slower. Is something like the 33 Active Thunder with 496HOs probably the minimum V then?

How about a 28 Skater? Are cats that much more capable in the rough? They the most efficient way to run with the group? Or are they more expensive (incuding insurance) that the 33 AT?

Poker Runs in general are a part of a boat's use. You seem to be all over the place in your considerations. You should buy a boat that fits your style of boating and can accomodate a poker run or two when you want to. Small cats will run fast but like your Tuff 28.....under the right water conditions.

You will see all types of boats at FPC runs, plenty of small cats and 28-33 v bottoms.

Buy my 35 Motion Cat and you'll be set to go on any poker run.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...o36325-en.html

I love red boats(used to own one). Saw yours yesterday while browsing, really nice. Tabajay you can't go wrong with this boat. It's a legitimate rough water masher for its size. And the price is right no question. If I had the money it would be mine.

(LOL at the browser highlighter on 'the price is right' :D )

I ran "ROCK THE BAY" poker run this past year in my 2007 donzi 27zr.496ho.I started up in the front and was not the last boat to the lunch stop.We were on the cheapeake bay in a little choppy water.No problem.

Thanks Cat! Its priced to sell!!

Horses for courses, Jupiter Sunsation. I used to do track days and am now thinking to do poker runs. I'd like to do it for GT3 money ($120k) in the most capable, newbie manageable, new boat possible.

Beautiful boat, fountain40icbm. I'm probably a year away from buying, however (currently living/working overseas).

We ran the Destin PR in a Hurricane deck boat. Most fun I ever had on a poker run.

Go with a cat 28 skater will do it easily..

Dude, I didn't realize your motion was so nice! Sweet boat and the price does seem to be very good for what you get. Great looking ride!

Here is a great video of the 2005 FPC calender of events: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGk5HGyeAjI
Smallest boat I saw on the highlight reel was a 33 Powerplay.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALw-SALL4to&feature=fvw
This is the KW run the following year.


*these years were easily the biggest events in the history of PR's. The slow economy has shrunk these events and the amount of big iron that attends.

That is the best deal on a Merc Powered 100 MPH turn key boat!

buying a "NEW" boat is the most expensive mistake you can make.

if its a completely capable under 30ft V your looking for...look here.
http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...o35884-en.html

I started poker running in a 22' Donzi Classic. Yes I got beat up but I was also 25 and could take it. I moved up to a 29' Kryptonite and ran many more poker runs including 1000 Islands, Atlantic City and others. The boat was awesome, never really got beat up and was never last.
Also, nowadays with all the center consoles running, there is usually a group running in the 65-70 range and even bigger boats like to take it easier and not break things on a long run.

We had a 25AT with a HP500 (carb) and a plain B1 run the entire Key West Poker Run a couple years back. They ran with the slow group, and were often in the middle of the pack.

It really all depends on your equipment and your driving skills; not just the hull/length/deadrise.

Give me a shout if you would like to discuss anything further.

Cool looking boat. That would be fine on the FPC runs that use the Biscayne Bay to navigate the Keys. The Bay stays smooth, and only produces a lighter "chop" when the wind kicks up. The last 30 miles to South Key West as others mentioned, gets rougher due to being on the outside, but it can even lay down at times.

The Islamorada, Hawks Key, & other runs FPC has down in the keys, would be fine in that boat as well.

Also, I have run down to Key West with some friends that were in a 28 Skater, and they had a total blast the whole run. They weren't even close to being the last boat everywhere, & could cruise easily in the 70's the whole way down. Those are great boats, and TONS of fun to drive.

Thanks Tank and if you really want to see custom rigging check out our Sutphen, which is also for sale!!:D Would like to sell quickly to get a new ride ready to take to Havasu!!

Ive toyed with the idea of picking up a 30 or 36 spectre in the future. If I was ready I'd snatch that motion up in a heart beat. Cleanest one I've seen. Ill look for the sutphen. Look forward to seeing you in havasu and we can argue about boats. I'll even buy you a beer...you are old enough to drink now right? :drink:

some one correct me if i am wrong but some 40' cats getting the s^%T beat out on them on the royal purple and some cigs getting wet also from the lakes.:evilb:

On shootout weekend at LOTO, you'll get beat up unless your on a 50' SeaRay or bigger :lolhit:

I really appreciate the replies. I've some thinking to do. Thanks.

That's the spirit...

There is always a bigger fish, just do things for yourself no one worth it will ever think less of any other ride. And if they do I would not hang with them a whole lot.

It's a fine rig.

Hell I did Miami to Vermont in May 1989 in 6 days with a smaller boat than that! Norfolk to New York offshore also...

They called it a 27 then but it has grown corporately to 29 through the years!


http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/a...fountain_1.jpg

I agree - you've got a great budget (wish I had that kind of budget) so take your time and figure out what you want. Lots of Donzi's, Cigs, Fountains in that price range if you want a V-Bottom.

If you don't have much offshore experience the Cat Insurance might be a floor drop to the jaw for you.

Don't forget that you are going to have to tow this thing - that is a big part of the equation.

I have consistently been the last person to every card stop I have ever arrived at, and I have LOVED every minute of it.

I understand it's expensive. Just thought maybe the total costs would favor the (smaller, equally capable) cat.

Another reason why I really favor a smaller boat.

Enough have said this now that I believe it! :drink:

I know I was wishing I had another 10' on my boat there this year at one point :lolhit:

What's the purpose of a smaller boat exactly? cost? If it is.. the FPC runs aren't cheap. I just looked this week because I really want to run the Bahamas run next year. But the price to get in is $750 for two people. Plus fuel, dockage, hotel, customs fees, tolls to get down there, etc.

This isn't just FPC either, it seems pretty much across the board poker runs have increased in entry cost exponentially over the past 10-15 years. With those increases the smaller guys with smaller budgets are getting flushed out.

As Tom A. said he did runs with his 22 Donzi. My brother did the same many years ago. In today's times less frequent.

Stu prefers not to have single engine boats on his Bahamas Runs. He doesn't want to leave anyone out there if they break. You can call and he might make an exception because the boat is new. That run can get ugly quickly, seas flat on the way over like sitting in the bolster the whole 50 miles and then 2 days later you are leaving in 4-6 footers trying to get home before seas build to 8-10's!

I have always wondered what size is acceptable for a poker run, from this discussion it looks like it depends on the run, and skill for the most part. I just got a Formula F3LS that I am going to restore and was hoping to be able to do some of the easier runs. Its 21' 8" so it will definately be the smaller/smallest boat out there...

As all have said, the boat will do fine, maybe not the first there, but you will have fun.

But, the Bahamas Poker Run is a different animal. i've done it 3 times, '07, '08 and '10, in a Donzi 38ZR and wished I had had a little more length. Of all three years, the smallest boat to go was a 35' Fountain, and they got beat up. The average sizes are 38' - 42'. This year going over was the roughest, boat came out of the water many times. I would not even think about attempting in a 28'. I can attest first hand, DON'T break down out there.

It is expensive, but probably the most fun i've ever had in my boat. The $750 sign up fee is just the beginning of the cost. It cost $300 just to enter the Bahamas and you are raped every where you go. But, Stu and Jackie do a real good planning job.