Power Boating Canada/Poker Runs America
1000 Islands Poker Run
August 13 - 15, 2004


Starting time for boats in the over 100 mph class...


The fleet enters the speed zone at the Ivy Lea Bridge

The 17th annual 1000 Islands Poker run set the stage in Kingston, Ontario - this year's event highlighted some of the heaviest iron ever to run the mighty St. Lawrence River. The Poker Run Fleet of more than 130 boats was divided into two flights - the first comprising boats capable of speeds in excess of 100 mph, and the second for boats under 100 mph. Kingston, Ontario closed the streets Friday and Saturday to provide public access so that some 40,000 people could view the boats and partake of the many on-site exhibits. The action commenced at 11:00 a.m. when the first wave throttled up, led by the Power Boating Canada/Poker Runs America pace boat - a 42' Fountain powered by twin Mercury Racing 900 SC engines. More than 40,000 spectators lines the shores and filled the spectator fleet to see the headline boats - including Barry Zekelman's "Man of Steel" with his twin 1400 hp Sterling engines, capable of speeds in excess of 175 mph, Gerry Chastelet's GC Motorsports 44' MTI Scism Cat powered by twin Eickert 1000 hp motors, capable of speeds in excess of 150 mph; Jim Leonardo's four-engine NorTech "Extreme Exhibits" with more than 4800 hp; World Champion Mike Fiore with his 47' Outerlimits, pushing in excess of 160 mph; and the "king of the 1000 Islands", Bill Tomlinson, with his 47' turbine powered Skater "My Way" - the boat that shattered the 175 mph barrier in the Kilo Run on Sunday morning. Among the highlights of the run were a two-hour lunch stop in Brockville, where Bud's on the Bay played host, while the staff of Excel Marine refueled the fleet with their high-speed gas pumps, and a step back in time dinner at Kingston's historic Fort Henry. For the full story on North America's #1 Poker Run, watch for the next issue of Poker Runs America Magazine!

Driver's meeting at Kingston City Hall


Aerial view of Fort Henry -
site of the "step back in time" 1832 style dinner