|
The
incredible growth of poker runs over the past few years
shows no signs of slowing down. Not only are more boaters
taking advantage of a weekend of fun and camaraderie, there's
been a sizeable increase in the number of poker runs all
over North America (including three brand-new Poker Runs
America events - check our calendar on pages 104 and 105!).
While many poker runs invite every conceivable type of boat
owner, the emphasis on performance boats is pretty evident,
judging from the sleek, fast-forward designs owned by power-hungry
participants, some equipped with three - even four - motors.
 One
of the reasons behind this craving for power is that more
and more poker runners are itching to race. And, while I
must make it clear that poker runs are NOT A RACE, I can't
say that I blame performance boaters for wanting to get
out on a course and show their stuff. Boat builders, too,
have recognized this growing trend. That's why many of today's
performance boats are dual-purpose designs. They make excellent
poker run boats and, if buyers are so inclined, they can
use the same boat for racing. Strangely enough, the reverse
is true of racers - more of which are discovering the fun
of poker runs. In their case, Factory or Manufacturer Class
boats also make excellent poker run boats.
The
list of performance boat manufacturers supplying both catamarans
and V-bottoms for fun events and racing is pretty extensive,
as we saw when we visited the recent Miami International
Boat Show. I, for one, certainly feel this is just the tip
of the iceberg. In the years to come, I believe there'll
be even more poker runs and more boats and boaters getting
into poker runs and racing.
Let's
face it, performance boaters are born to run!
|
