Boyne Thunder 2023 Pace Lap
 

We have a few months to go, but looking for some boater input. Each year we have a tuff time with group 4 in the Pace Lap.This will be our 20th year, I have been helping for 19 years of it. The Cats have a hard time staying trimmed out at our low starting speed. Last year was a mess. My thoughts are to take the v-bottem's and break them up into 4 groups to put a good show on for the crowd with the parade lap, Then let the Cats leave straight down the lake from Sommerset and not go thru the Parade Lap. Once again, this is not aimed at anyone or is this ment to be a negative post. Just trying to get some input to take to the board. Last year we had some Cats get some speeding tickets on Lake Charlevoix. I want to keep this a safe and fun time. We have to deal with the 55 mph speed limit on Lake Charlevoix so we do not jeopardize our Coast Guard permit for Lake Charlevoix. If you have some thoughts, please feel free to post them up.

Well when every boat in the class passes the pace boat that they have been repeatedly and explicitly told to stay behind....

Not to sound like a dick, but either you have rules or you dont. If you have a rule like no passing the pace boat and you break it, what the penalty? dq/ejection ? monetary penalty to be paid to the charity?, not welcome back?


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I agree. I have posted this on a couple boat pages. I plan on forwarding all the comments. Thank you Rob.

I’m with Robs thought process on this. Everyone knows this is a “poker run”, not a “race” so the entry/signup instructions need to include explicit verbiage that any such violations will not be tolerated. Forfeiture of all paid fees and immediate ban on any remaining festivities for this years event. Also a ban from any future BT events for 2 consecutive years. Actually enforcing these rules will go a long way to ensure this great event is allowed to continue for years to come. Losing a couple of these LAM types will also allow some new blood come in that may have been unable to attend due to the limited amount of entrants permitted. It’s always “A few bad apples”.

I agree with Rob & Charlie. Let the violators know their out at the FIRST card stop.

If anyone looking In questions what went on with group 4 last year:
1-everyone in the group passed the pace boat doing the legal speed. 2-three of the cats got tickets for for running over 100 mph on Lake Charlevoix. 3-several of the boats did not follow the pace boat thru the parade lap, they chose to treat my Marshall Boats like orange cones and weave in and out of them. I think that is a pretty good overview. I spent 45 minutes with water patrol immediately following the pace lap. It was not a real friendly conversation.

No arguing with Buford T Justice ! ! !

That is really a shame. I just can't believe that "I can't stay trimmed out at less than 100" is actually used as an excuse! I, for one, would find only very limited enjoyment at owning a boat that would not plane at 40.

Sounds like it is the ego's that can't stay trimmed out under 100. That or there are some seriously deficient boating skills in that group.

Of course, you could just ban the Cat's and have an event for just the real offshore boats.... :ev1l danc

What is the pace lap speed they are supposed to follow?

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55 mph. The original first 3 years we had a 75 mph for the day special. The coast guard took it away once we got over 35 boats.

Several years back at the Jax River rally, the boats were told that the Navy was moving a Nuclear Sub and if they saw it they were to come off plane and put their stern toward the Sub. 2 morons in Cats blew by the subs at 100 plus. The USCG was not amused. They both got $10000 fines. You gotta make it hurt.

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I've been in Pure Platinum at 55 on plane. If that boat can do it so can any other cat.

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Slightly off subject here but why "stern toward"?

My guess is so the USCG that was escorting the sub knew that they weren't going to be able to go towards the sub if their stern was towards her.

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If I understand you correctly, the cats can not stay on plane at 55 mph?

Being on plane and steering. To my understanding they have better control above 55 mph. , not picking on anyone directly. That is what I have been told. I have never ridden in one. I need to drive one so I understand.

I posted this up on offshore. I had one cat owner say that 55 is not a problem. Not much chit chat, but I got 270 people to read it.

Just start with the (3) that got ticketed last year. Don't allow them to enter this year, or fine the hell out of them.

Ingrid is putting a plan together. We will see what see comes up with. If I don’t like it, you will just find me at Horton Bay for the day.

A plan with no action, or teeth is worthless. Just like outfitting the pace boat with cameras.....To me it seems like you guys continue with verbal threats and never do anything about it.

Yep, that will change or I will be done.

I am really surprised there have not been any collisions during the parade Lap or through round lake.

When I had a bigger boat I would set side ways at the start and force them single file. One boyne thunder I took a wake over the bow of the hydra sport. I hang back a little now.

If someone is looking for a house. This just opened up.

Have you been able to locate and torpedo's?

Going to work on this in the next couple weeks. Not satisfied with the plan the presented to me.

Looks like its another sell-out already...

Bob, Happy to Pace the first group (SLOW), if that helps at all...

I’ll take you up on that. I have never registered before. I want people to sign a form when they check in. They don’t care about the card hand, but telling them they can’t come to the dinner might scare them. Also will include the water cops and go pros for back up. Not willing to let the rude people shut this run down. A picture of the boat passing and a signed agreement should make it easy for Ingrid to enforce.

Sounds like a great plan!

X 2..... Plus I have a bunch of old flares I can fire at offenders.

Fireworks show too

Just working thru my idea. The boat driver gets to make their choice. I don’t believe this is much work for the girls at the registration desk. Sign it before they get the gift bags.

PQ on the right taking everyone into Lake Michigan for her last Pace Boat duty. 2018.