Originally Posted by ajfisher

I have to say, after the thorough explanation and repeated requests by the DNR for us NOT to run 4 wide and block the channel, it seemed like it was worse than last year. Some boats were blatantly on the left side of the channel and I can't believe some of the boats coming in weren't run into the wall because there had to be less than ten feet of clearance from the wall the some of our boats going out. A certain yellow cat comes to mind...

Also- maybe some others don't care as much... but for the second year in a row someone has been running their engines during the National Anthem. This is inexcusable in my opinion. I don't care if it isn't working and you're trying to get it running last second... or if you shut it off.

Hammer down!!

Originally Posted by Kelly O

The amount of boats turning around is a direct indication of the level of intelligence, competence, and responsible boaters who attend this event. These are not "beat-your-chest" boaters here. They have bad-ass equipment that does have the ability to handle the exact conditions presented on Saturday.

They have nothing to prove to anyone and are not willing to risk their crews, their equipment, or the reputation/safety record of the BT event.

I have nothing but praise for the organizers and the entire Boyne community for the event that they put forth. Our NY crew on the MTI were completely impressed and almost overwhelmed with what this event offers- the ability for us to participate in giving back to an amazing and appreciative charitable cause. We must thank all of Boyne for helping remind us that the greatest gifts are given, not received.We can't wait to bring our families next year to share this joy with them.

Plans are already in place to up our game at the street show, defend our stereo wars title by going WAYYYY over-the-top, and then get to run the full poker run coarse under safer conditions with the rest of some awesome boats overshadowed only by the quality of people and crews that truly make this event so much more than just boating.

With sincere gratitude, the CUZ I CAN MTI crew: Ken, Kelly, Mike and Nolan.

BTW.........Those that went out and ran and did so safely have all of our respect. Wish that was us too, but we did not bring the boat or the willingness to have that "fun".
Awesome pics and it is great to see offshore boats run in offshore conditions !!

Originally Posted by onesickpantera

I am sure I will get flamed for this, but I am going to say it anyway as I disagree. What I saw of MANY(not all) of the boats turning around wasn't responsible or competent, and definitely wasn't intelligent. Go out a bit and turn around where you are out of the way.

As far as nothing to prove, I do agree with that. Especially if you have an uncomfortable passenger. And I definitely don't want to see anyone get hurt because of an ego.
BUT, people seem to have forgotten what "offshore boats" are designed to do. If you can't go out and push the sticks forward, trim it up and leave it they're not interested(again, not everyone). How about going out there, using your head and crushing some waves?

We weren't in the poker run, but we were out in Lake Michigan all day in a 28 Powerquest. We probably averaged 25-30 mph, but we were smiling the whole time! Even when we were soaking wet.

Originally Posted by Pete B

Originally Posted by glassdave

Totally agree some of the boats turned around IN the channel and that really made it difficult. We were in a 22 footer so it wasnt to bad for us lol hell it coulda been worse if we tried to go out an turn around

I also agree with the using your head but I do have to add something. After we tied up at the lunch stop we walked out to the lighthouse to kill some time till lunch and chatted with some other boaters and participants. Something we have to consider is while running our boats in those conditions is basically what they are made for, that would be great if it was just you and one other bolstered passenger that is familiar with running big water. I could not for one second put back seated passengers through that kind of day. When we looked at boats in the run that were fully capable of it they also had six or eight people on board and made the right call to come in. You have to consider those people on board behind you, seated - standing - hanging on or whatever there just inst enough to ensure their safety even if they want to go hit it. I prefer not to risk it anyways . . . . . now if you were on of those guys by themselves with a buddy ya got no excuse grow a pair and get out there . . . .


also big water is not "trim it up time" not if you really want to run it, its about balance . . . . precise surgical balance and timing.