I believe the races were moved to June this year. It should make for better weather.

I really want to go to the Cumberland poker run. I'm not sure of the best way for me to enjoy it. I have a 280 PQ Silencer that I will trailer from Michigan. Top end is mid 60s, But for an extended run and unfamilar waters I prefer to stay around 50. Are the boats in the under 70MPH class out of my league, or would I fit in with some? If I don't participate, I would still like to go as a spectator. So, a few questions:

1) Can I rent a houseboat at State Dock, or is that reserved for participants? When should I reserve?

2) If I don't stay at State Dock, should I rent a houseboat from someone else, stay in a cove with my PQ tied up? Or, is their another marina I should stay at?

3) If I stay on the lake, where is the best place to tie up (for both the houseboat and PQ)?

4) On "run day" where should I be (if I'm not a participant)?

5) What are the best party coves? Any bars or marina's that we should party at?

Thanks for any advice, as you can tell I know almost nothing about the run.

Steve you would fit n with plenty of boats to do the run, I run high 60's & was askin myself the same question thispast year & glad I chose to go ahead & do the run.... They actually said #'s were down this past year from 100+ in years past to around 80 or so boats.
Houseboat rentals from state dock are likely all booked up, state dock is "THE PLACE" to be, there are no bars on Cumberland, the whole lake is dry(alcohol) so always bring way more fun drinks then expected to consume, better to have to much then not enough.
There are so many places to stay but you being unfamiliar with the lake you should try & stay @ either state dock or Jamestown, they both have nice cabins & hotels, if you wanna be @ the poker run party Saturday night. if you wanna party hard all weekend, day & night get a houseboat & park her in Harmon creek. For warned though I love Harmon but there's alot of idiots through there, you could also always get a houseboat & find any 1 of the thousands of nice coves on Cumberland, but highly suggest not driving @ night if new to the lake.

Try this website out lakecumberland.com join there forum, nice group of people they'll answer your questions much better than I....

Thanks Jim, very helpful. It sounds like I should think about renting a houseboat /s (I'll have a group of 10 or so) and tie up at a cove. Keep the PQ with the houseboat. I'll probably arrive early Thursday, so that should give me time to find a place to tie up, and explore the lake a little before the run. I've heard of Harmon Creek and that may be a consideration also. Are you going to do the run this year? I'm kinda leaning toward just being a spectator this year, and see what it's all about, and maybe next year participating. But, your comment that you're glad you ran it is making me think.

Ahhhhh, decisions decisions!

Ooops sorry if it's not "Jim". I read the JMoore too quick and assumed it was Jim. Eithr way, thanks for the response

Hey no problem,
I plan on doing the run again, it's a great excuse to see most of the lake(which is gorgeous by the way) & not get lost which is easy to do If new to the lake.... 10 people is no problem on just 1 houseboat, try state dock for one of there's 1st! Then conley bottoms or jamestown...

I'm Josh by the way hope to see ya down, it's a hellauva good time!

Steve
State Dock will only reserve houseboats for registered participants. If you did not have one rented last year you can call down and be placed on the waiting list. Jamestown is across from the cove and has houseboats for rent. Much closed to the activities than other houseboat rental facilities.
I have been on both sides of the run ( a participant and observer) The lake can get very ruff during the run (much different than open water i.e. Lake Erie) due to the narrow rock walls.
Regardless, if you have never attended it is one to attend. If I can help in any way let me know. Hope to see you and many of your friends there.
Steve

Steve, Thanks for the response. I think I'm leaning toward not participating, but going as a spectator. I figured StateDock would be reserved for participants. If I go to Jamestown, how would I get to StateDock for the party? I'll have my boat and the houseboat I rent, but I'm assuming that there won't be any room to dock, and it might not be too smart to go back to wherever I'm tied up at......at night. We'll also have a couple of cars. What do you think?

Jamestown runs a water taxi Fri. & Sat. night over to State Dock. Like you said you need to be very careful boating and drinking the water patrol is very visible around the lake that weekend. I know it sounds like so work but it's worth it.
Steve

Originally we were looking at going as a group of couples. A few are teachers, so the September date wasn't working. Now, it looks like it will be myself, and 3-6 buddies. As of now, 4 are committed. Checking the houseboat prices, Conley Bottoms sounds like the best size/style boat for the money. Questions:

1) Does Conley also have a water taxi?
2) What time on Fri/Sat does the taxi stop running?
3) How far is Conley from Statedock?
4) Should we stay at Conley or a cove (Harmon Creek)?
5)If we stay at Harmon Creek, I would need enough space to tie up the houseboat and attach my Powerquest. Is that possible?
6) Will I be able to get the Powerquest out, to go watch the run and visit other coves, or will I be too jammed in?

Anything else I need to know? Thanks again to all, this is very helpful