Poker Runs
 

I have not yet had the opportunity to participate in my first poker run, but if all things come together I would like to try next season. Here is my question,,,if you were going to participate in one which one would you choose? (Considering I am from the St. Louis area) Also how big of a boat is needed to function or what is the smallest boat and engine setup you would take in that poker run?

I run my 24 Skater in NYC, 1000 Islands, Mahasset Bay etc. etc. All depends on your boat and abilities. ENJOY!:)

Very true
 

Very true Shane,,, I am really not so much worried about the boat or driving ability,,,,, I just don't want to be out of my league trying to keep up with a bunch of 40' Skaters doing 125+. I would like to attend one that has a wide variety of boats. Don't get me wrong,,,would love to have a 40' Skater,, but the bank wont let me...:(

SOS,

I wouldn't worry about it a bit. Most poker runs I have been to are comprised of the whole gammot(sp?)! You will and can find everything from Donzi 18's to 40 Skaters. The only you need is to be ready to have a great time!:)

we are from central ill, just north of springfield. we went to smoke on the water in grand haven, mi last year. had a great showing and a lot of nice boats, varying in size. we plan to hit it again this year, along with cleveland and lake cumberland. once you start, you can't quit.

It's not all about the speed
 

Take whatever you got! Last summer there was a 30 something foot searay (One of the Giants coaches I think?). Maybe Sharkey will chime in here. He has a tiny boat, like 13ft? I don't know how he survives but I give him all the credit in the world.

In the next DSM Big Water Poker Run I plan on taking one of those 20'Baja Outaws to the Island Baby!!! Everyone with a 42 Tiger better get out of my way.

The poker run we went to this year actually had three different speed classes. You go with the one you are most comfortable with. The smallest boat I saw was a 24'.

Shane, Did you forget about the smallest boat ever to run in NY Hudson River Poker Run already??? :D :D :D

Thanks Panther....;)

You might try Kentucky Lake in June. It's put on by the same guys that do Lake Cumberland.

Sharkey,

I have been trying to forget the fact that you were so far out in front!;) Or so we thought. Sorry dude, I stand corrected. You were DEFINITELY the MAN!:D

Often it depends on the run... many have minimum length requirements.... for instance 1000 islands is 28' minimum.... however you will enjoy the commarodare & atmosphere even if you do not participate.... attend... its a great time....

A first timer perspective...
 

This past summer, I participated in my first (two actually) poker runs. They were rather small events compared to SMOTW or 1K Islands. Regardless, it was still a lot more fun that I could have ever imagined.

The first run, was an owners Rally for Sunsation Powerboats. The great thing about this, was that almost all of the boats were equally matched and there wasn’t one guy who would be running away from everyone else. Running with a large group of boats is a blast, almost like one continuous 30 minute race between stops! (even though a poker run is not a race... whatever :rolleyes: )

Second run I did last summer was small poker run down in Lake Erie. Probably about 50 or 60 boats, mostly 30’ish deep V-s with a handful of low 20’s V’s and a couple of 30’ish cats. The weather was pretty rough this particular day and most everyone was getting the schit kicked out of them. Also, the first leg was rather long at 50 miles. This, coupled with the large seas, helped space out the pack quite a bit. On the first two legs, I ran with a couple other boats, but it was at cruising (read: non-destructive) speeds since it was too rough to let them air out. Towards the end of the day. The wind let up, just enough for most of us to turn ‘em loose. However, by this late in the run, the majority of the pack was pretty spread out.

I think the biggest difference between the two runs was the organization of the events. The Owners Rally was strictly regulated with a long list of do’ and don’ts. The Lake Erie run was pretty much “Go nuts, have fun, and don’t get killed”. Regardless of who sets it up though, it an almost guaranteed good time!

-Bayley

We entered our first run last summer, The Thunder On The Bay out of Red Eyes, We have a 25 ft. AT. We were the 2nd smallest boat there, talk about fun and excitement!!!!! And to top it all off wew weren't far behind the big boats!!!! HAMMER DOWN & HOLD ON!!!!!!! :p

Here's my perspective on a few...
I know the NYC hudson run has 4 different speed classes, so it's pretty much open to everyone. Been on a few of CBPBA (Cheasapeake Bay) runs out east, most boats 28-38', speeds from 45mph - 150mph, most ran around ~60-65ish. Since the water patrol at LOTO won't permit the PRA to come anymore, the poker runs are more of a harbor hop style, less organized, less emphasis on speed, more emphasis on party/fun. Most of these aren't advertised to avoid run-in's with the water patrol.

Hope that helps some.
Shorty

:D :D :D Just too small to make out in any of the pics...:eek: :eek: :eek: ;)