Idea to help with poker run safety...
 

OK, I like other have read about the issues surrounding poker runs for the last few year and I have a thought to help with these issues.
What if there was an "elite" class created for entry in these runs that required a license (training and skills testing would be a prerequisite) to run over a certain MPH in a group, say 80 mph for example. Promoters could hire safety personnel to run with this group like a sanctioned race and monitor the participants. Those that violated safe operation of their vessel and/or violated the rules of the event would face discipilanary action to eventually include suspension/revocation of their license.
Everyone else under the pre-set speed limit would not be required to obtain a license and could enjoy the run at their leisure.
I would think all involved would enjoy the run more secure in the knowledge that even the fast boats have something to lose by not operating their vessel responsibly.

Thoughts? Flame away.

I like the idea that would allow the fellas with bigger faster boats stretch there legs safely maybe if poker runs added sections that were patrolled by water police that would also provide an opportunity for safer high speeds

It makes sense, though the 80 mph bar is a little low. The biggest obstacle, Theres 3 racing orgs that cant cooperate, so how are you going to get all the different poker run groups to get interact?

JMO, but it seems as thought that kind of structure/definition would basically define it as "racing", which would require a closed course, which most poker run organizers (as far as I know) would have a very difficult time setting up considering the distances they run on public waters.

Flame away.

Let's face it, it already is racing for the fast group at some events, just needs some structure and common sense applied.

It doesn't matter if the three groups get along, the licensing should be independent of promoters anyway, thus no motivation to let someone or some group "bend" the rules.

Not a bad ideas, sensible stuff, see, discussing safety in a intelligent manor can actually work, I guess it wasn't so crazy bringing it up after all huh.

Thanks, SumOb

Not a bad idea, but unfortunately a quick way to put Poker Runs out of business.

Here's an idea:

Normal Poker Run on Saturday with a twist:
The local law enforcement will be out in spades with their radar/laser guns. No one runs over 90mph.
End of event Poker Run event, including associated insurance coverage.


sunday Sunday SUNDAY!!
Run what you brung challenge at 8AM sharp.
If you ran over 90mph on Saturday, you are disqualified from participating.
No safety boats.
Unsanctioned.
Place and collect your own bets, $$ or life.

Nah, that wouldn't work either. Someone will mess that up in 10 minutes.

Yes, but my point was that closing the course would be key and that would be near impossible. That's one angle I think that might kill the idea in reality.

Let me clarify... I'm all for the idea and I think it shows a desire to be safer, I'm just seeing a serious issue with it coming to fruition based on my observation.

I own a boat that goes 75mph on it's best day, but I run with lots of other that easily break 100+ mark and have been in tons of PR and fun runs over the years and the time I felt the safest was during a fun run this past New Years Day.

The first time I ran in open water (Gulf) FMO ran from Ft. Myers down to Marco Island and it was perfect, LOTS of open water for everybody to spread out and go as fast as you could or wanted, that's where these unrestricted runs would work the best, JMO.

Great Idea!

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 :cool:)

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? :rolleyes:

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. :D

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

well . . .for my self and my crew . . . take offs equal landings.


my statement is in general. Minimize your own risk and you minimize others i guess is my only point.

:offtopic:
LOL, reminds me of a story from my sister who is an airline pilot:

The first time she landed a 737 herself (as the FO), she hit the ground so hard the plane bounced up and she had to land it again.
The Captain told her "We call that 1 Departure with 2 Arrivals."
He added: "We'll keep the cockpit door closed until the passengers deplane." :lolhit: :helmet:

I still don't understand why these guys don't just race. I'm sure the big boys would welcome them with open arms. Think of how huge offshore racing would be if you could get 50% of these guys to race.

Duh they are racing. Just with full boats of people and no safety crews. :lolhit:






Rarely hear about safety issues with dingy pokerruns. Maybe all the yahoos should buy dingies? Nah they would fug that up too...

Bottom line: Poker Run organizers can not force anyone to do anything. Everyone has got to police themselves. Choose to be safe...

Racers and poker runners are totally different. Poker runners bring their family & friends on a vacation. Racers race.

By the way, the police we use on our events do not radar people and give tickets. They are there as a safety presence and there to help and guide the way safely. We now also employ paramedics and safety boats on FPC events, so if something bad happens at least someone can try to help.

Bad things happen in any situation, no one can control others.

I think your club is at the forefront of safety. This is from others as I have yet to attend an event of yours (soon I hope!)

I will add that if we can't (or more acurately) DON'T control ourselves, others will control us. I really don't want to see that!

Ok above said, here is where I disagree slightly. I don't believe you are FORCED to accept every entry. My entire premise of a license is to quickly assess those that are WILLING to police themselves and those that disregard others in order to SERVE themselves.

I realize this is a foreign concept to most and will gain no traction here...I just don't believe in *****ing about the problems without offering a solution! I have done that, enjoy!

screw it just go buy a couple of thoroughbreds and go horse racing its safer
good luck to vyjack in the derby tomorrow go get them rudy

Lots of reasons:

ditch the A/c
soundproofing
stereo
not to mention ordering the boat with a lighter layup
never mind all that heavy paint job

less weight = more effect from a given HP
less weight = quicker changes of direction

race boats or race cars are not pleasant to ride in, they are tools built for a job

at least that has been my experience.