Idea sounds great BUT....what would it really do?

Most of the issues with these fast boats are already driven or throttled by experienced people with lots of wheel time....not joe blow that just got a boat.

You ban them from a poker run for a "mishap"...... then what? They can't run in a poker run? Big whoop to most of them, like others said too they will just run hard on Sunday.


I like the idea of they have their own group but instead of penalties, fines, and what not......just make sure that group has the best safety possible for them and the boaters following behind. Maybe a trailing safety group, smoke signals if something happens, and other vital resources to aid all.

Things are going to happen at times no matter what at those speeds. NASCAR is a billion sport with safety as a KEY and still can't totally prevent a harmfull accident. The best you can do is make sure everything is in place for the person involved as well as the people that COULD be involved that are following behind.

Just my 0.02

That's the last thing we need : a bunch of law enforcement hyper-enforcing every f'ing thing they can...no thanks !

Hey, has anybody see the new youtube vid of the DCB - pontoon boat blow by that is on a different thread, any thoughts on that.

I didn't say ticket or speed limit enforcement; as such please don't put words out of my keyboard. Law Enforcement has the tools; so they use them just keep things safe and sane on Saturday during the Poker Run.

I agree, the other problem is when you start implementing things like this you also start to shoulder more liability. More things for lawyers to blame when something goes wrong. The biggest problem i see is there is always going to be that one guy that cant seem to check his ego at the door and lacks the ability to make good decisions taking all factors in. There will always be a potential for accidents but we have to remember these are not closed course events. They are on open water where it is not the publics obligation to "keep a cleared distance" and i strongly believe it should be the direct opposite. We collectively just have to run smarter and safer, and for the most part i think we do. Its just that "first to the card stop at all cost" attitude that needs adjustment. (notice i said adjustment because it does have a cool validity )

we just gotta be safe and smart out there.

You are correct sir!!! The more rules, regulations, and requirements for certifications you put in place, the more it becomes like a race... sanctioned or not... attorneys and jurors really don't care what you call it. Therefore, if you go that route you'd better have the correct permitting and event insurance.

If you want to race and enjoy close proximity, side-by-side action, and the adrenaline rush that goes with it, then do that in a sanctioned event on a closed course with other trained drivers and appropriate rescue personnel. If you want to prove you have the fastest boat, go to the shootout or compare tattletales at the end of the event.

If you want to continue to have fun weekend long events that give people a chance to socialize with friends from around the region or country and enjoy some sun (and skin), music, nice boats, and a little speed on the water... then you might want to reconsider running a buck-fifty in and out of families on pontoons and waverunners.

OK, and how's that workin' out for everyone so far?

Schedule them between 4 and 6 am on a Wednesday. The water will be less congested...

Then someone is gonna run over a bass boat.

A problem that comes to my mind on the issue is "mindset". Before the event, the morning of the event at the driver's meeting, when the event starts... the big guns are wondering "who is fastest" and they want to find out during the event.
As mentioned in this thread, it can be a dangerous situation considering the logistics of a poker run versus a race.

Perhaps the poker run participants can look at it as more of a "demonstration" to show off their equipment (their boats, you sick perverts) instead of doing everything they can to "win". Maybe even discuss formation, etc beforehand. Not quite like the Blue Angels or Thunderbirds, but structured enough to let 'em rip safely. They could still open them up a bit when conditions allowed and stretch their legs. Maybe take turns hammering away from the group? The big runners will have better ideas than I would.

The challenge is defining a goal that the FAST boats would still enjoy taking part in.

And, as mentioned, if anyone wants to find out who truly is the fastest, run the Shootout or compare tattle tales.

Don't do them