Desert Storm-A recipe for disaster?

[HighRoller]

So after watching all the trash talking and salivating over potential 200mph boats on Havasu during a crowded weekend, how many of us have really thought about the potential for something really bad to happen. I love horsepower and boating as much as anyone and I too have done stupid things on land and water when the blood started pumping and my pride was on the line. Luckily I survived.
So what's the possible consequence if a 40+ft boat going 150 or so clips a pontoon boat with 12 or 15 people on it? Death and destruction, of course, but what beyond that? We've all seen the draconian measures taken to try and correct bad behavior in the channel so how hard do you think the authorities will come down in reaction to a mass casualty event on the lake? "Hot Boaters" will become public enemy #1 once the blood hits the papers.
Not to mention the organizers of the event will eventually be found partially liable for the incident and Desert Storm will be nothing but a memorial next year. The "idle" start shows that the people in charge already know trouble's brewing. Ironically, this change of policy will be a nice feather in the litigating attorney's cap when he sues them because he can show that they were aware of the possible danger and continued on.
I no longer will go to Havasu on weekends for this exact reason, but I'd hate to see all Hot Rod type boats get clamped down on because the big boys couldn't keep it in their pants when their ego was at stake. A Poker Run is a PLEASURE BOAT event where people are supposed to cruise and relax and have a good time. The cards, not speed, decide who the winner is. But if a lack of discretion brings about the worst case scenario, we'll all lose in the end.
Excuse me while I go get a bag of microwave popcorn. All the flaming should make it pop in no time!!:D

[STV_Keith]

This isn't the first post (or the first year of these posts) and it's not clamped down yet. My suggestion, stop putting the ideas in their heads that they can/should clamp it down.

[riverbound]

And in all reality what is the difference of this weekend over any other given weekend? Except the hardware that is out there and the fact that most everyone knows when and where these boats will be running so we can stay out of the way. In all honesty Im much more worried about showing up on a holiday weekend and getting into trouble thatn I will be this weekend. by the time the big boys run, I will be nice and nestled in the cove tied up away from them and dont plan on leaving the cove until after they are done running.

[Not So Fast]

Your post is not without merit as I have thought the same thing over the past 5 times I have had the pleasure of watching these guys run their stuff on our lake. I have personaly seen boaters who were unaware of this event leisurely cruizing the lake right before these big dogs come storming by, are they wrong for being there, after all its a public lake right?? Maybe a little more info given out at the launch ramps would help educate the average Joe boater that this event is coming down or patrol boats (volunteers) warning with bullhorns of the impending horde about to come down the lake at tremendous speeds.
I happen to love watching these guys and most of them are very professional and safe drivers but as you said "one incident where someone dies as the result of thses kinds of speeds and it will be all over" and I would hate that!! We are seeing too many restrictions being placed on the boating community as it is, noise, speeds, CATALYTIC CONVERTERS:( etc and we dont need to be under the microscope any more than we already are.
Why do you expect to be flamed ? This just an open discussion isnt it?? JMO! NSF

[INSman]

There is a very specific and well thought out "Safety" plan that I happened to be a very small part of. There are 17 or so Safety Boats that will be on the event parts of the lake prior to the first boats being released to keep boats, jet ski's, houseboats, etc. informed and out of harms way should they not know that this event is taking place. There are Rescue Crews, Divers, and such on some of these boats and this event is not taken lightly nor is the safety of the participants or the viewing public.
We hope to have NO incidents. :D

[77charger]

could be a recipe for a disaster for sure just hasnt happened yet!!!
IMO in any situation where speeds can reach excess speeds a portion of the lake should be shut down and be made a closed course deal or have certain acces points for the rec boater to cross under watch or a course official to give an escort when time permits.
But you know this is ***boat so if a 42 ft boat doing 150 hits an older couple cruising in their pontoon boat on a cruise at lake speed the old couple wil be at fault since they dont have high post counts on ***boat.com or some other lame excuse will be used.Fact is it aint a closed course and anyone can get in the way its the drivers who are going high speed who have to be the ALERT ONES.

[ChumpChange]

There are 17 or so Safety Boats that will be on the event parts of the lake prior to the first boats
Hopefully all 17 boats will start. :D

[Xlration Marine]

I remember hearing stories about the Parker Enduro. They would run those little 8' Adictors in the race and the 12' Lazer's as well. I forget the year, but some one ran over one of the 8' boats. Guess they will need some mighty fast rescue boats and a few copters. Oh well, good luck to them all. Being a land lover for a day isn't all that bad.

[YeLLowBoaT]

its just a matter of time before something bad happends and it gets shut down. Look at what happend last year at that poker run, there was only a few deaths. It will never happen again, just think of what would happen if some one were to take out several small boats... Just look at some of the people on this site, I would say atleast half of the people here that own boats that can go around a 100 mph don't have the proper gear or exp to do so safely. I won't even get into the mentality of some of these guys. Its just a matter of time before some jack ass does something dumb and every one else will pay for it.
i've never been to havasu, but just from the posts on this web site I never want to.

[Not So Fast]

There is a very specific and well thought out "Safety" plan that I happened to be a very small part of. There are 17 or so Safety Boats that will be on the event parts of the lake prior to the first boats being released to keep boats, jet ski's, houseboats, etc. informed and out of harms way should they not know that this event is taking place. There are Rescue Crews, Divers, and such on some of these boats and this event is not taken lightly nor is the safety of the participants or the viewing public.
We hope to have NO incidents. :D
Point taken Insman, and I did see people trying to tell the parent who was pulling kids on a tube last year in the middle of the lake, of the impending danger. Apparently he either didnt understand what was happening or didnt give a crap as he stayed out there for the big boats return up-river and It was surprising nobody got hurt. I know a lot of HB'ers saw this same guy.
I know this event is not taken lightly by the organizers and thats a good thing, hopefully it all goes off without a hitch:) NSF

[77charger]

Just look at some of the people on this site, I would say atleast half of the people here that own boats that can go around a 100 mph don't have the proper gear or exp to do so safely. I won't even get into the mentality of some of these guys. Its just a matter of time before some jack ass does something dumb and every one else will pay for it.
got to remember thay are the are part of the "cool clique"so that makes them exempt.Right aways dont apply to them etc.
its that time of the year when they start crying.Been hearing it for years on this site although it does a bring a good laugh.

[HighRoller]

Yup, was watching a video of some guy in his fancy new DCB with 1800hp racing another bonehead. Doing 120 plus with a boatful of people and not a PFD in sight.

[superdave013]

I'm kinda shocked they even let these Poker runs happen. I'm not hating on them by any means. But like others said, they are not on a closed course but an open public water way.
Can't really compare it to the Parker enduro's. Those are held on a closed course.
I hope all goes well and they keep being able to have them. But yeah, how would you like to be teaching a kid to ski when those guys come blasting by?

[superdave013]

its that time of the year when they start crying.Been hearing it for years on this site although it does a bring a good laugh.
No no, it's the time of the year to hear "OH my god, I can't believe that happened" again.
I know you remember hearing that one a few times. Like the HTM flip. Tragic deal but come on people. What do you expect when someone crashes a boat @ 150mph (they ran 149.9 2 days before) with no life jackets?? Even with jackets, people are gonna get hurt/killed.
What do you mean you can't believe it? WTF did you expect?

[Warlockjer]

Was just over at the Nautical Inn. Some pretty fancy stuff there. Big boats and big boobs......everywhere!!!:) :)

[77charger]

I'm kinda shocked they even let these Poker runs happen. I'm not hating on them by any means. But like others said, they are not on a closed course but an open public water way.
Can't really compare it to the Parker enduro's. Those are held on a closed course.
I hope all goes well and they keep being able to have them. But yeah, how would you like to be teaching a kid to ski when those guys come blasting by?
Like i said dave a closed course does give the poker run entries the right away to do whatever they please.Open course well technicaly have to follow the rules just like everyone else on the water that day no special priviledge there.
some things stil amaze me as far as accidents go.At glamis the sand drags can get very close to people,and you see many close callsbut yet no deaths but out in the open most accidents do end in death never figure that one out.

[DCBob]

Was just over at the Nautical Inn. Some pretty fancy stuff there. Big boats and big boobs......everywhere!!!:) :)
As it should be ;) :) Pics please!

[HighRoller]

Actually the HTM deal happened at less than 100mph when the boat was heading back to shore. But without PFD's or seats I'm sure everyone got chucked out and probably knocked unconscious. Just goes to show you that disaster can happen at any speed. Didn't LeeBob Honeyhut roll his Skater at lake Pleasant doing like 17mph??:jawdrop:
Oh now it's gonna be on like Donkey Kong. HTM AND HoneySkater in one post??? :D Beat that shyt.

[CARLSON-JET]

17 safety boats? How long (distance) is this "poker run"? Any links that show the route on a map?

[27 Awesome cat]

Was just over at the Nautical Inn. Some pretty fancy stuff there. Big boats and big boobs......everywhere!!!:) :)
And you didn't take pics?:mad:

[RiverToysJas]

An HTM Rolled going around the corner just south of sandbar a few years ago, driver said he was going less than 25mph.
And one more thing......eventually, one by one, and occationally in small groups, we're all going to die!!!! :eek: ......Live like you're going to die tomorrow, dream like you're going to live forever. ;)
RTJas :D

[unleashed]

Ok...I've done this poker run for 6 years. Not one death or injury. Can it happen....ofcourse. But the orgainzers try to take every precaution. Highroller...U are always predicting gloom and doom. Get over it. Life isnt that tough. Try to enjoy it. You are such a sourpuss. You bring such a negative tone to these boards and you always have. Why dont you move to a cave and live your life...you'll be safe there!
As far as boating goes...there is always a potential for disaster. Not everyone follows the rules and not every piece of machinary can perform flawlessly. Accidents will happen and sometimes people will be at fault....Unfortunatly its the way life works. We could start threads about how crazy the hiways are...or how crazy cage fighting is...or how crazy it is to have bars that serve alcohol...and slippery bathtubs...and backyard pools...gun control....geeeeeezzzzzzzzzzz.....lighten up and think of the positive things for once.
Ok Im done rambling...been here at the lake since sunday and have met a ton of courteous boaters that are all here to have fun and enjoy life. Hopefully everything turns out great and nobody gets injured...but geeezzzz start a positive thread for once!
Deano
UnleashedhardcoreApparel (http://www.unleashedclothing.com)

[SHAKE-YO-AZZ]

So after watching all the trash talking and salivating over potential 200mph boats on Havasu during a crowded weekend, how many of us have really thought about the potential for something really bad to happen. I love horsepower and boating as much as anyone and I too have done stupid things on land and water when the blood started pumping and my pride was on the line. Luckily I survived.
So what's the possible consequence if a 40+ft boat going 150 or so clips a pontoon boat with 12 or 15 people on it? Death and destruction, of course, but what beyond that? We've all seen the draconian measures taken to try and correct bad behavior in the channel so how hard do you think the authorities will come down in reaction to a mass casualty event on the lake? "Hot Boaters" will become public enemy #1 once the blood hits the papers.
Not to mention the organizers of the event will eventually be found partially liable for the incident and Desert Storm will be nothing but a memorial next year. The "idle" start shows that the people in charge already know trouble's brewing. Ironically, this change of policy will be a nice feather in the litigating attorney's cap when he sues them because he can show that they were aware of the possible danger and continued on.
I no longer will go to Havasu on weekends for this exact reason, but I'd hate to see all Hot Rod type boats get clamped down on because the big boys couldn't keep it in their pants when their ego was at stake. A Poker Run is a PLEASURE BOAT event where people are supposed to cruise and relax and have a good time. The cards, not speed, decide who the winner is. But if a lack of discretion brings about the worst case scenario, we'll all lose in the end.
Excuse me while I go get a bag of microwave popcorn. All the flaming should make it pop in no time!!:D
what a buzz kill, I am glad you no longer boat at havasu but you know I bet some where near you there have been a few traffic accidents. dam I guess no more driving for you WTF LMAO

[CornWater]

Ok...I've done this poker run for 6 years. Not one death or injury. Can it happen....ofcourse. But the orgainzers try to take every precaution. Highroller...U are always predicting gloom and doom. Get over it. Life isnt that tough. Try to enjoy it. You are such a sourpuss. You bring such a negative tone to these boards and you always have. Why dont you move to a cave and live your life...you'll be safe there!
As far as boating goes...there is always a potential for disaster. Not everyone follows the rules and not every piece of machinary can perform flawlessly. Accidents will happen and sometimes people will be at fault....Unfortunatly its the way life works. We could start threads about how crazy the hiways are...or how crazy cage fighting is...or how crazy it is to have bars that serve alcohol...and slippery bathtubs...and backyard pools...gun control....geeeeeezzzzzzzzzzz.....lighten up and think of the positive things for once.
Ok Im done rambling...been here at the lake since sunday and have met a ton of courteous boaters that are all here to have fun and enjoy life. Hopefully everything turns out great and nobody gets injured...but geeezzzz start a positive thread for once!
Deano
UnleashedhardcoreApparel (http://www.unleashedclothing.com)
Ex-F'n-actly.... well said.

[phebus]

If my pontoon gets out of control, your all goona die. :D The thing is a fockin tank :)

[yamamoto]

I brought the family last year to see desert storm, the event was amazing to watch. Then I started to think about the 'ego to skill ratio' or 'ego to money ratio' (whatever you want to call it), I felt the best thing was not to bring my family on a this weekend. I am sure there were a few of the participants last year probably were involved in some sort of 'close call'. Espcially when you have 10-15 monster boats that are running neck and neck a 1/2 mile wide, and now they need to squeeze through the narrow parts of the lake by copper canyon. When your adrenaline is pumping you are going to put safety aside for a few minutes.
I am not saying they should not have this event, but in its current form, it is not worth the risk to myself and my family.

[TPI]

Definately some beautiful boats out there. I was out there doing some testing until Wed, and ran into several guys with big fast boats, that were cruising the lake on WED, just to be more familiar with it on Saturday. I thought that was cool! Pretty responsible IMO. Also, everyone I spoke with said that they hit there 250 boat max entries for the poker run. It should definately be a good showing. Have fun,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,:

[RaceFace]

I was on the water last year, strickly by chance in our 'lil 21'er. I never saw any signs or anything telling me what was going on at the ramp. When we saw all the hardware and helicopters, we pretty much guessed what was going on and went into a cove and threw anchor to stay out of the way. We could still see from where we were and my boys loved being in the water and feeling the vibrations from the boats while they were in the water. Of course, I had WOOD all day from the sound of horsepower!! :eek: I thought it was cool and our safety was never compromised. The way I see it, I would never put my family in any kind of danger and if I felt it was going to be dangerous to them, I would have put the boat back on the trailer. We all dug it from our vantage point.
Have fun this weekend guys!!

[trawfish]

So after watching all the trash talking and salivating over potential 200mph boats on Havasu during a crowded weekend, how many of us have really thought about the potential for something really bad to happen. I love horsepower and boating as much as anyone and I too have done stupid things on land and water when the blood started pumping and my pride was on the line. Luckily I survived.
So what's the possible consequence if a 40+ft boat going 150 or so clips a pontoon boat with 12 or 15 people on it? Death and destruction, of course, but what beyond that? We've all seen the draconian measures taken to try and correct bad behavior in the channel so how hard do you think the authorities will come down in reaction to a mass casualty event on the lake? "Hot Boaters" will become public enemy #1 once the blood hits the papers.
Not to mention the organizers of the event will eventually be found partially liable for the incident and Desert Storm will be nothing but a memorial next year. The "idle" start shows that the people in charge already know trouble's brewing. Ironically, this change of policy will be a nice feather in the litigating attorney's cap when he sues them because he can show that they were aware of the possible danger and continued on.
I no longer will go to Havasu on weekends for this exact reason, but I'd hate to see all Hot Rod type boats get clamped down on because the big boys couldn't keep it in their pants when their ego was at stake. A Poker Run is a PLEASURE BOAT event where people are supposed to cruise and relax and have a good time. The cards, not speed, decide who the winner is. But if a lack of discretion brings about the worst case scenario, we'll all lose in the end.
Excuse me while I go get a bag of microwave popcorn. All the flaming should make it pop in no time!!:D
JMO
I've been on this lake on Memorial day with an 18' jet, and now I'm going back after several years (right this minute) to this poker run for the first time (in a much bigger boat). I totally hear what you are saying, but I don't think an incident with one of these boats will bring down the clamps as described.
How many of you have been make shift drags at Glamis or Gecko or Gordons.... You can just sit there and see the potential for mass casualty/injury. Yes, they put some restrictions on them , but it still happens almost every weekend. I have seen a full on long travel car roll right through the crowd yet they still allow the drags to continue.
I beleive your right about educating people at the ramps and what not, but the fact is these boats are well engineered, the drivers are usually well uducated and an accident is usually the result of someone who is un-educated creating the situation.... no matter what the event.
my .02....... see you all in about 4 1/2 hours. yeeeeee haaaawww!!!

[hava life]

So after watching all the trash talking and salivating over potential 200mph boats on Havasu during a crowded weekend
I no longer will go to Havasu on weekends for this exact reason
I am glad you will not come out and watch the poker run, it is not a race. Any lake or body of water on any weekend will have problems with people. This is an event for this Lake that is very fortunate to have the participation by all involved. Yes, I drull at the site of these boats and l enjoy being able to see this calaber come to an area in the desert like this to display and have fun. I moved here well after this event was started and I could not tell you where you would be able to have the different types of boats and owners be so kind and actually be able to talk to. Today the event was ran excellent in from what I saw and as far as the course of safety is concerned all I saw was open lake. The event in my opinion was as safe as you could ask for. I have been to this event for many years and I do agree with the need for more people getting the word out and letting people know about this run. They are trying to make this event better every year and it is showing. I saw more boats letting people know what was going to take place and I did not see the danger to others on the lake. For me this was an excellent job done by all involved, it appeared to me that every person on the lake in the area I was anchored was well aware of the event. I was anchored between Steamboat and Catail cove and did not see anyone in that section that was not informed and staying off to the side. I was very impressed with the event today and am glad to be able to see this take place in a Lake that is starting to appreciate the event. And by the way the weekdays are worse than the weekends so you might as well stay home.

[Chipster27]

Quote jacker :D I've been using that one for years! Then I changed it to the one I have below. Same concept ;)
......Live like you're going to die tomorrow, dream like you're going to live forever. ;)
RTJas :D
For everyone's sake (those involved in the event and those impacted by any outcome) I hope it goes off without a problem.
Chipster

[Howie Feltersnatch]

We had a disaster last year at Texoma when Flash Gordon and Nashville Catz collided during the High Roller run. 5 people were killed. Since Gordon was the organizer I don't know if they're even having one this year.
I saw that boat many times on the water. The whole incident still seems like a weird bad dream...
http://cbs11tv.com/local/local_story_245164748.html

[wolfie]

I was raised on boats and spent many summers either moored at Catalina or fishing off the west coast. Growing up I had alway thought that "offshore" meant guys with brass balls and boats ran offshore in the ocean with a 15-20 minute run to Avalon or to the Isthmus. I guess that's not true anymore?
I guess it's better to be a big fish in a small pond?

[hava life]

This is not an every weekend event. Why should this event be limited to a certain class or size boat:confused: I believe this is a great event and I enjoy seeing the big boats and the high dollar equipment. If the event was an actual race and multiple laps I would agree that Lake Havasu would not be a good choice. Being that this is more of a fun and kick back poker run what is wrong with the event:confused: How much have you been able to enjoy a week of boats like these when they run to Catalina? I have watched the Catalina races and poker runs to San Diego but I was only able to see the boats for a short period and it was hard to get close to the boats when they were docked. Here I can go up to any boat and the crew or owners will actually be comfortable enough to talk. I enjoy the boating sport and do not have a boat fast enough to talk about but I look forward to seeing these boats every year:D