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Racing and Poker Runs
by Published on 07-17-2020 11:45 PM
Whether it's an offshore race, a poker run, or just a day out running with friends, perfect offshore water is tough to come across. Saturday's Rock The Coast run delivered. 92 boats were registered, I think most made it even though there was a wave advisory sent out on Saturday morning with a forecast of 3 to 5's.
Sometimes the water is way to smooth to have fun in the bigger offshore hulls, sometimes to rough for the smaller offshore hulls to have a good day. But, this Saturday, Lake Michigan gave one of those days where the elements cooperated to where the bigger boats could challenge themselves, and the ...by Published on 06-26-2020 10:42 PMCategories:
If you've ever wondered what it's like on a hot Saturday in southern Florida late in June, let me tell you it's no fun. Boden has done it over and over, for me, this was a first. 100 degrees, humidity off the sweat scale, cars and trucks zipping by, (at least they made a breeze), all for the pleasure of watching offshore performance boats participate to raise money for charity and to take their pictures. It was worth it. (I may have to give Pete even more respect for what he accomplishes. Don't tell him that though.).
Based on the way they run, great name!!!
One thing that is certainly frustrating while standing out there is when there is some boats ...by Published on 01-23-2020 11:34 PM Number of Views: 11843
Having the opportunity to spend time at Douglas Marine, the home of Skater Performance Boats, gives one the fortune to watch special projects from beginning to end. One of the latest just arrived in New Zealand, after a long ocean voyage, this New Years. Just like every Skater Race Boat to leave the factory, once again this one is special.
This boat is a special build to meet the latest rules and requirements of the premier offshore race class in New Zealand. 8000 pounds with 565 Mercury's and #6 drives. As the rules change, so must the boat.
Current ...by Published on 07-11-2019 08:49 AM
Having just left Skater yesterday, the latest 46' Skater arrived in Boyne yesterday for its initial shake down and dial-in. An 8 passenger stunner, with beautiful paint by the in-house Skater paint team and a custom designed interior by Appearance Products, we are sure it will be a show-stopper at Boyne Thunder. Its big Sterling blower power, and an old-school gauge dash makes it even more interesting.
Watch for an in-depth article ...by Published on 06-16-2019 10:17 AM
As seems to be the issue with every pre-planned boating weekend in West Michigan, the weather forecast was making the planning interesting. Depending on what weather person you listened to, or what forecast you looked up on the internet, the weather could be anything from 6 to 8 foot waves on the lake with gale and small-craft warnings with a 90% chance of rain. To partially sunny and 2 to 3 footers with a 20% chance of rain or less.
Heading out the Muskegon Channel
Although there was a bit of rain during the street show on Thursday evening, the overall weather was fine. The boats on display stayed almost completely dry, and ...by Published on 06-03-2019 10:53 PM
West Michigan Offshore is inviting you to be in the middle of the high-performance powerboat action aboard the Aquastar on Saturday, June 15 at 11:00 am.
The Aquastar, Muskegon Lake’s sightseeing fun ship, will take a Make-A-Wish Cruise on Saturday, as riders donate for a ride on Muskegon Lake and out to Lake Michigan. Be a part of the Parade of Power high-performance boat parade.
Watch as the powerboats take off on the Poker Run.
Join the Grand ...by Published on 04-17-2019 10:25 PM Number of Views: 19839
It's the time of year for the first major performance boating event of the Spring. Desert Storm, at Lake Havasu in Arizona, is one of the premier events anywhere in the nation for performance boats of all manufacturers to show off their style and speed. One of those manufacturers is Skater Powerboats by Douglas Marine. Skaters have won numerous speed titles and Best In Show awards at previous events.
A new Skater, not even rigged yet, will be on display at the street party this year. Make sure to stop by and see this new custom 28' Skater Wide-Load model.
...by Published on 08-27-2018 10:49 PM Number of Views: 20354Categories:
Detroit's Hydrofest was quite the event. From bad weather, to worse weather, to the busiest and most exciting race day possible. All in a short three day span.
What was supposed to be a three day span of testing, qualifying, and racing did not have Mother Nature's blessing. Somebody must have forgotten to inform her to put it on her schedule. When we arrived on Friday, the wind was blowing pretty strong out of the South, straight up the Detroit River, opposite of the current flow. The waves on the water were in the neighborhood of a foot to a foot and a half.
Not good water to run an Unlimited Hydro at speeds up to 200 MPH;
...by Published on 08-20-2018 09:00 AM Number of Views: 17870
The first Traverse City Invitational Poker Run, put on by the Offshore Powerboat Association and the Offshore Classic group, was a great success for participants and beneficiaries. From the beginning on Friday where participants started showing up to the hotels, to the finale on Sunday where rides were given to both Bigs and Littles from the Big Brothers Big Sisters, everybody we spoke with had a great time and good things to say.
Getting ready for the start on Saturday morning.
Saturday started out overcast, but the water was nice for running. The drivers meeting at 10:00 went off without a hitch, it looked as if every ...by Published on 07-31-2018 08:57 AM Number of Views: 15929Categories:
The Offshore Powerboat Association's St Clair River Classic of 2018 had a few glitches this past weekend, mostly ships on the course, but the cream of the event for the spectators appeared to be Class 7.
Five of the seven Class 7 boats at the start.
Part of the reason for being most exciting, the number of boats. With seven entries, there was obviously more competition just because they had the most boats racing of any class. But, with St Clair being a, (usually), flat water race when compared to Great Lakes offshore races and offshore races in the ocean or gulf, the class 7 boats also make the most exciting action around the course.
...by Published on 07-26-2018 08:13 PM Number of Views: 13726Categories:
Race World Offshore's very first race was something else. Many things were working against the event, including weather and boat count, but my final opinion was completely different than what I expected. When all was said and done, I made the comment it was the most exciting offshore race event I've ever seen where a total of only 11 boats showed up to participate.
The day started out with a slight drizzle. We had to be at the Priceless turn boat's slip by 9:30, so off to the Yacht Club it was. Pete Boden of Shoot 2 Thrill was going on Priceless, as was Jordan from the M-Con team to help with lap counting for the races. It was interesting as Priceless is owned by very good friends of the owner of the Cleveland Construction team, and Jordan was the only person who had team gear on which was not Cleveland Construction. She did make it back no problem though. Everybody I met on the boat, owners, captain, ...by Published on 07-26-2018 07:58 PM Number of Views: 6848Categories:
The WMO Muskegon Powerboat Weekend's Poker Run was almost a Deja Vu all over again. The forecast was calling for rain and possible thunderstorms, just like in June. Because of the conditions, the helicopter had to be cancelled at the last possible minute before it had to leave its home airport to arrive for the scheduled photo shoot with Pete Boden of Shoot 2 Thrill Pix. But, even though there were weather issues, almost 40 of the 100 plus registered boats decided to do the run from Grand Haven to lunch at the Boat Werks waterfront restaurant in Holland.
Leaving Holland's Lighthouse Behind
Heading Out Grand Haven Channel
Although the plan was for the ...by Published on 07-19-2018 06:02 PM Number of Views: 5326
What else can be said. Almost perfect weather. Almost perfect water. Almost perfect events. And almost perfect food. Boyne Thunder once again improved the package which had already become known as the "World's Best Poker Run".
This year's Boyne Thunder Poker Run was maybe the best yet. We had some rain Friday during the street party and Stereo War, but other than that there was not much to complain about. A bit of near shore fog on Saturday on Lake Michigan, but that burned off fairly quickly.
The event started with the lunch run to Bay Harbor on Thursday, leaving Round Lake around 10:30 AM. Well, there was rain and thunderstorms in the forecast, so many of the people drove up by car instead of their planned boat trip, ...by Published on 06-21-2018 10:09 AM Number of Views: 5783
West Michigan Offshore's only 2018 Poker Run certainly had its challenges, all weather related. Mother Nature decided to not be very motherly for some reason this June 16th. Thunderstorms started rolling through fairly early in the morning on Saturday, postponing many of the boats arriving by water and delaying the launch of many others. But, that was not the only thing happening over the course of the Muskegon Powerboat Weekend.
The beginning of the postponed Poker Run start.
The Friday evening street party by Muskegon's Hackley Park had perfect weather, all of the storms stayed to the north. The food and drink provided by the Taste of Muskegon, live bands in the park, along with the ...by Published on 08-30-2017 11:12 PM Number of Views: 12074
It seems as if the summer boating season had just begun, but West Michigan Offshore's final run of the year just took place this previous Saturday. Hard to believe the first signal of the end of the boating year has already taken place.
Start of the run in the Grand Haven channel. Special escort by the County's fire patrol boat.
They must have known there was a group of "Hot" boats heading out.
The day started out a bit cool. The forecast was for a high of 71, and the Lake Michigan water temps were in the high 60's. There were major decisions to be made. Like, shorts or jeans??? Lake Michigan was supposed to be flat to 1', making the big offshore boats think the run would be a bit on the boring ...
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Official...raise your post count thread!!
Awesome day today.
sonicss31 Today, 07:53 PM