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Regatta/Poker Run disenchantment

sMac

That was you in the blue Convincer? Sorry I didn't get a chance to say hello or meet you. I had some beers in my boat coolers to enjoy with you and your crew. We'll have to do it when we return to Sandusky next year. I love the dark colored boats and yours was my favorite so you get my kudos.

The Mooneys were the slowest out and back during the first 2 stops (but we made it to the 2nd stop and back), I think I averaged 25mph because Mya slept through all the bouncing until the rain started on the way back. She was a real trooper but I couldn't get the boat to skim over the waves and up to speed because she was on board, had to play it safe.

After seeing some of the posts I went out and did some research on Poker Runs myself. I thought the price was high but I've never owned a boat that was Poker Run worthy. The Power Run folks on the Chesapeake Bay regularly pay over $200 for these runs and that doesn't include any of the meals and stuff we got at the Checkmate Poker Run. They even have "no boat" folks who also pay the fee just to be included in all the activities surrounding the event. I think we got a great deal now that all is said and done and you won't see me questioning the fee again.

I'm starting to wonder if maybe the rest of us were the ones getting the cold shoulder and looked down upon by Flower Child because of her preconceived stereotypes. Thats' to bad because I find most boaters could care less about your work/money background and welcome all to the power boating community, well except maybe for the sailboating crowd
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I didn't go because of the 200 dollar entry fee, So can see where he is coming from. Poker runs are usually dominated by rich people, heck the one up in grand haven 2 weeks ago cost a grand to enter. I don't spend 20 bucks on a whole weekend of boating but thats just me, i'm sure some people spend hundreds of dollars every time they go boating so this was probably a good deal for them. I would love to have come to this and I'm only 2 hrs away but it was just out of my league too. I'm glad everyone had fun and I can't wait to see pics of the boats. P.S. I'm entering a poker run on my parents lake in ohio this weekend, entry fee is 10 bucks, I'll probably be the only checkmate there but It will be a blast i'm sure.
 
I have to agree with gus ,jw and chris this sight is for the fans of this brand of boat mostly the smaller ones . Yes we have big bad offshore boats here too but mainly its us that have small checks that hangout. Look at me i've been here from close to the start with a 16ft trimate I restored and am now doing an ambasador .I do it this way first because it is relaxing.(most of the time) and I'm a blue color worker as you put it. stick around and enjoy the sight there is alot of knowledge here to use.
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Mooneys,

Yup, that was me in that slow, dark blue convicor.

I think I drive by you after the 2nd pickup point?

My house is between point 1 and 2. I blew a water-pump gasket at 7:30am. So, we went out for breakfast (mainly to calm my nerves) and then to the boat store for some parts and came back to the dock to fix the boat.

I wanted to make it to stop 1, then 2 and back to Lyman's. At stop 1, they said just head to Lyman's since the rain was coming down.

I would have liked to drink some of your beer! We ended up sitting at the bar for an hour or so and chatting with a few others. Next year, I'll bring a cooler too!

Regarding Flower Child. Well, not only did they not ask us what we did for a living, but they never asked about my boat either. The conversation was focused on them and their boat. So, you might be right, we could have been the ones ousted by them before they gave us a chance.

And for the record, I hate sailboaters! hahahaha

Take care
 
I just want to clear the air and say that this is Flower Child’s opinion and not mine. I am pretty pissed off at her for using the words ‘we’ and ‘us’ in her post. I do not share the same opinion as her about the Poker Run experience. The Kunkel’s went out of their way to try to get us on a boat for the run. But I declined their offer not expecting a ride. I knew that attending this event without a boat would exclude us from a lot of the comradely that the other boaters experienced with an event like this. Apparently Flower Child had different expectations than myself.

As far as this ‘job’ issue, I really don’t care who makes what, the idea is to have fun. I observed a lot of boaters having fun even though the weather sucked. The flag dropped and the heavens opened up on the first morning run.

I also tried to explain to Flower Child that not everyone has the skill to turn a ‘wrench’. Some of us are very skilled at turning ‘wrenches’ (fiberglassing, re-wiring, etc.) to achieve our dreams. Others have to pay to achieve their dreams even if it means going out buying a new boat.

I think the event went pretty well. The Kunkel’s did a very good job at organizing this event being the first time. Yes, there were some glitches, the registration process and the totally non-smoking facilities of Lyman Harbor to name a few. They will be getting some positive E-mail from me in the future.

Next year I plan to attend if the Kunkel’s decide to do it again.

Flower Child will be left at home.
 
well I gotta say I think the event was a great success.I traveled a very long distance to attend (14 hrs one way)and I thought everyone was wonderful I tried to talk to everyone I could and wish I could have gotten their when planed to tour the plant but due to trailer problems I was set back over a day.I thought there was a great since of hospitality everyone I spoke with was super nice and very freindly, including the Kunkel's and Komb's I have seen the type of treatment that Flower child speaks of and didn't really observe It.As for the fee 200 per boat and 65 per deckhand wow it had to be close too impossible to cover this event with entry fees only.. I'm by far not a "blue Colar" work very hard for what I have. I make most every repair on my convincor and this is what allows me to be able to own it because I could not afford to take it to the shop every time something little or big goes wrong and let me tell you any boat owner knows what kinda maintence is involved in owning a power boat(mine is endless it seems)but its what I enjoy my passion and I was around people who shared that same passion and it showed!!!!
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I could not wait to get up there to the place my boat was built to run and get out in one of the great lakes were I have never boated before and let it rip because this is truly my passion but a mechinal problem prvented me from running any more at the end of the last run
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i felt bad for the guest that had made the trip with me travel 14hrs for a run on 1 of the great lakes and not leave the bay
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but I understand the fact that the smaller boats couldn't really handle the big water and my hat goes off to the event planners because they did everything possible to make sure everyone was pleased and had a good time and the food was wonderful I think they did an excellent job at planning and running this event and I cant wait to return next year so I can get out in the main lake and <span class="ev_code_RED">Let IT Rip</span>I want to thank every one there for such a wonderful time and I knew it would be this way because of the people here in OUR forum.
 
Hey Dwayne, next year I'll be your personal guide over at Put-in-Bay. As long as you bring that bucket of beads!

It was great meeting you and chatting. Hope you fix that bearing soon.

Take care.
 
I just found this thread and have to make a comment. I did not attend the regatta so I have no comment there, just a little upset with the post from flowerchild in regards to this site.

I see they registered in May and only have 3 posts ? So that means 2 things

One they registered another name just to hide their real username to make that post which is a bit cowardly

or

Second, only 3 posts means they have not been around this site long enough to comment on it's members and I find his commenst insulting to the members that are here.

As Chris and JW stated this site is FAR can I get that word any bigger FAR !!! from a site that has snoby people with 100K boats and then does not even stick around long enough to discuss his issues or give the site a chance ?

I say good riddens and good luck maybe you will find a web site that discusses issues you feel are more to your liking. Sorry if that sounds harsh but to make a post like you did with only 3 posts to your name and then casually group the members of this site into the disgust you feel after the poker run is just stupid.

Don't let the door hit you in the butt on your way out !!

BM
 
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