Printable Version Post a Comment Article Rating

Boaters take Havasu by storm

By David Bell
Today's News-Herald
Published Thursday, April 24, 2008 9:30 PM MST

Gary Smith is living the American dream.

L.J. Frink/News-Herald Photos Bill Ernst, and his son, Scott, both of San Gabriel Valley, Calif., and Lake Havasu City, check out a 40-foot Marine Technology Inc. Supercat pleasure boat on display at Thursday’s Desert Storm street party on McCulloch Boulevard. The sleek craft featured two 700-horsepower engines and cost about $750,000.

Standing on the beach at Nautical Cove, looking over his boat, a smile washes over his face as he talks about the coming weekend.

‘Just take a look at this cove and see all the boats. Every one is customized, unique,” he said. “It’s a hobby… and a passion.”

Smith is a general contractor in Tucson and after years of building his business, he’s to the point where he can indulge his passion, offshore boats. Smith owns a 40-foot Skater powerboat, a boat that carries a starting sales price in the $800,000 range. Smith added twin 1,350 horsepower engines from Larry’s Engine and Marine, a move he said was vital to his enjoyment.

“If you want to go fast, Skater is the one to get. And Larry’s Engines are the best high performance engines out there. In fact, I’m here with Larry,” Smith said.

“Here” is the Desert Storm Poker Run on Lake Havasu this weekend, what Smith calls “the premier poker run” in the nation. Smith brought 10 people along, including his wife, son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren in addition to his friend Larry Peto and spouse. Together they make up “Team Predator.”

“With the whole family, this is just a great chance at a vacation and to have fun,” Smith said.

To make sure he had the prime spot on the cove, Smith booked his room at the Nautical Inn last Sunday and set his tent on the beach. He traveled back to Tucson Sunday evening, spent Monday “polishing the boat and the truck,” and came back on Tuesday, enjoying the lake with the family.

In addition to hotel expenses, and feeding 10 people at Lake Havasu City restaurants for week, Smith is spending a significant amount of cash in gasoline. The offshore boats tend to get about two miles to the gallon. And with race fuel costing about $4.50 per gallon, Smith and his fellow boaters could be spending as much as $1,000 per day for gas to cruise the lake.

And that’s OK with him, he said, because this weekend is about boating the lake and taking part in the Poker Run.

“We did a run in October and immediately started getting ready for Havasu,” Smith said.

Joining Smith in today’s Poker Run will be 199 other boaters, 52 of whom will be in the Shootout Saturday to see who can reach top speed.

Smith hasn’t decided on whether he’ll take part in the Shootout, but he’ll be in his boat watching the Pacific Offshore Powerboat Racing Association inaugural Lake Havasu Offshore Grand Prix Saturday and the Offshore Super Series Tour race Sunday.

“I’m here to enjoy myself, enjoy the weather and have fun,” he said.

You may contact the reporter at dbell@havasunews.com.

Printable Version Post a Comment Article Rating

Article Rating

Comments (41 comment(s))

cannot wait till next year wrote on May 2, 2008 10:53 AM:

" I cannot wait to go to Lake Mohave next year instead of Havasu again!! They actually want us up in Bullhead City! The boycott was the best thing to happen to our family, we discovered some much better areas that do not target our wallet "

Airman Reed wrote on May 2, 2008 9:16 AM:

" Ok For Dano Gang... if you cant share the lake three of four times a year I don't know what your parents taught you. I grew up with a tri-toon boat in the house and we simply didn't go out on memorial weekend. What are there like four 3 day weekends a year? So twelve days out of 365 you cant seem to share the lake? And support wise they probably spend more money in these weekends then you do all year. Not that your money isnt good enough but I am just making your point invalid that you spend more.

This is to has sense in times of rising gas prices??? If i worked hard enough to blow 500 thousand on a boat you better bet I am going to be using it even if gas hits $5 a gallon. And the economy isn't really that bad its just what the liberals and rich people want you to think. Hard working Americans who have been spending wisely are doing just fine right now. It is all the sketchy sub prime house owners with a credit score of 400 who got into a house that shouldn't of been are hurting right now. And people who are ignorant enough to sign some sketch mortgage.

Not too fun ...? Rations not so much my friend. Our gas consumption is only a small part of the problem. OPECs unwillingness to raise production is there own little micro terrorism in an ill attempt to throw American economy into a recession. That along with the hippies and democrats who wont let us drill in Alaska..? Hmm... Kinda funny how the tree huggers thought bio-fuel was the way... in reality its causing a food shortage.

Taz Dave... the only people you hear complaining are the retirees who are on a fixed income and leave 20 cent tips at bobs big boy sunday after church. Its old money and the good old boys of havasu that have been holding this city back for years and years. In the much younger eyes of the city responsible boaters like your self or more then welcome if not a necessity to our economy.

Now just to touch on the old school part of the city a little. I grew up in havasu. I was blessed to do so. With an amazing family life and safe environment. Some of the best memories were my dad taking me down to the lake and watching the speed boat races watching out at crazy horse. Humans naturally adapt to their surroundings and havasu seems not to want to... Wonder why sales taxes are dropping... hmmm? If I offended anyone I apologize its just how i see things.

God Bless America "

rivercheetah wrote on May 1, 2008 4:59 AM:

" Stop your whining you old goats, these people spend $1000.00 a day on fuel, In your city and you complain? If you don't like it buy a motorhome and hit the road and never look back. Its because of theses people is why your city is still surviving. "

Vicki wrote on Apr 30, 2008 7:53 PM:

" The Desert Storm event was absolutely awesome from start to finish. Much of it would not have happened if not for the hundreds of volunteers that gave many hours of time to plan it then work over the weekend to make it happen, without them it would not have! I even saw Dennis Schilling (the vice mayor of Havasu) out on the water working the safety flags for the race etc. all three days! What a great group of people, you all deserve a great big thank you... One more comment, I had to laugh when I read the complaint about living close to the lake and hearing those noisy boats! Everytime we are at our home in LHC on the weekend, I can't wait to get up each morning and listen to those who are making the early morning "glass runs" as I look over that beautiful lake and take it all in. I feel like the luckiest person in the world to have found such an awesome place to live. The Desert Storm weekend events were just the icing on the cake!
"

Saddleback crew wrote on Apr 29, 2008 7:30 PM:

" For what its worth. We just bought our home here in Havasu and to see the smile on my 14 month old son as the beautiful boats race by is priceless. Growing up the lake was for having fun and it should always remain that way. Big little fast slow who cares. Its all about what u do with it. So people need to relax and remember that you too were once a little crazy. "

lifegoeson wrote on Apr 29, 2008 3:24 PM:

" I'm glad the boat show was a sucess. I missed it had to work. Rob welcome to Havasu If you happen to know anyone from there looking for a home in havasu mine is for sale. Just email me. I too know what it's like to travel with the high gas prices I travel to and from work. Glad your enjoying our lake.
Some of you need to relax it was a boat poker run. It's not like these high power boats will be on our lake day after after day. I have news for some of you all worried about boat accidents.........they happen it does not matter if one is driving 30 to 40 or over 70 miles an hour. I doubt you will see these boats here every day. The boat show brought people to Havasu which brought money to our town. I use the lake all the time bigger boats don'e scare me. Mohave County SO isn't going to let our lake turn into a race way. And why is it anyone business how any of these people can afford to burn $1000.00 a day in fuel it's their money they worked for it............and the can spend it any way they want. "

grandma of wrote on Apr 29, 2008 1:12 PM:

" It was fantastic this past weekend. So exciting to see the big boats and the event was so well run!!!We floated on our boat and watched the events Saturday and never felt one bit of concern that it might be unsafe. I am a So Ca person who travels out at least twice a month and spends a good deal of money in Havasu. The old folk that gripe need to get a grip! "

Blue wrote on Apr 29, 2008 10:41 AM:

" Thank goodness most of the comments posted on here are for the events! I cannot understand why people move to Havasu to complain about the lake! I am a 37 yr old mother, and our family enjoys the events we have here very frequently. We have friends and family that come in from out of town to see these events. I (normally) don't go down to the lake on big weekends. Because I live here year round, I can be on the water anytime I want. This weekend we went with friends and anchored off to watch the race! WOW! What fun we had! No. This isn't a race course, it's a lake. But the promoters created a race course and SAFELY kept boaters out of the way of the big boats! We were in a smaller boat, and all the bigger boats were VERY courteous, making sure they kept a place for us to follow while on our way back. Thank you for that!

For all you whiners out there.... here's a clue.... Spell check! You truly show your intelligence! "

Living it well wrote on Apr 29, 2008 8:35 AM:

" Woo hoo Go big boats I am with you, this event was well worth it. Who cares how much money they spent on fuel, who cares how big the boat is and how fast it goes. If you don't like it don't participate. No one if forcing you to go out on the lake, in fact it will most likly be a better day without all the whiners out there complaning about everything. Leave the lake to the ppl who still do enjoy it. They put on an amazing event, there was no mishaps all of the boater's were very considerate and enthusiastic. They brought their family and friends in to enjoy, something that we have the luxury to see & do everyday. "

Rob wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:36 PM:

" I live in Southern California but own a home in LHC. If it was not for the poker run, I would not have purchased a home in the city we now drive every other week to visit. We enjoy the boating year round and feel very welcome in the community. I stay in touch with the local retailers and always spend our dollars in Havasu rather than trucking out our food or housewares. If the pokerun provided me with the view of Havasu to buy a home and drive 600 miles round trip every other week, think about how many visitors this past weekend are thinking the same. I could careless about my home value but care about the local store owners who during this economy are seeking to keep sales up and stay in business. Complain all you want about the busy weekend but for all the hard working people of Havasu, tourism feeds our families and keeps the community going. Many have said stop complaining. You should have never started. "

AWESOME EVENT wrote on Apr 28, 2008 4:53 PM:

" Now....hopefully the tourism bureau will be smart enough to publicize the heck out of this event. Last year, I read a qoute from Jarrod Lyman who apparently is in charge of something at the CVB. He stated that they are focused on fishing and families. He felt there was no reason to spend effort attracting boaters - they will always come. CAN YOU IMAGINE??? This is the type of event that will draw thousands of spectators...in other words, generate a ton of money for our little city. THANKS TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED AND WERE INVOLVED IN ORGANIZING THIS EVENT. WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT YEAR. "

Blazo wrote on Apr 28, 2008 4:42 PM:

" Bring the big boats back again next year please! "

Asolution wrote on Apr 28, 2008 1:30 PM:

" Sorry I didn't get to see any of the event! I was in class all weekend and missed it. But it sure sounded like a lot of fun and I wished I could have been there. In the future if there are any boaters out there who need a lot or yard to park in feel free to email me. You are always welcome. "

steve wrote on Apr 28, 2008 9:17 AM:

" Kudos to Karl Ecker and his supporters! It was a great weekend and enlightening to see so many people enjoying it. To all the complainers-ONIONS and take your crying eyes someplace else,,,Like FLORIDA "

Student wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:51 AM:

" If you choose to come to Havasu you should accept it as it is. Ifthe boats on the lake are not for you then you shouldn't be here. If you don't like it leave because those of us who do are glad that they come both for entertainment and for the economy. This is an event which is done for family anjoyment and is put on safely by its organizers so we can enjoy it. "

Irishman wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:22 AM:

" Karl, kudos to all that were involved in organizing and bringing this weekend together. The street party was a blast (hope to see lots more of those), the boats were fantastic, the racers were even better and the crowds were truely a sight for sore eyes. Love you guys!!!!! "

Shcokwave wrote on Apr 28, 2008 7:53 AM:

" What a blast. One of the best events I have attended in years. I have lived here in Lake Havasu for 12 years. Our whole family gets so excited when this event comes. Thanks Desert Storm for bring this event alive.

To all the whiners... MOVE. This is a public lake. When this event comes to town dont go. Take a boating lesson and learn how to handle a wave... "

Emily wrote on Apr 28, 2008 7:09 AM:

" I think the boats and the event was wonderful. It was so nice to see something different on the lake. It was nice to see some $ brought to our city. Thank you to Karl and whoever else was responsible for this event! Please come back again. As a side note, it is also nice that the cops seem to have mellowed out this year. Maybe tourists will "want" to come come back here someday and not be afraid of going to jail for anything and everything. "

Need It wrote on Apr 28, 2008 7:05 AM:

" My god!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Are you going to complain about everything? Run the snowbirds, tourist, and boaters off and what do we have? Did anyone that is complaining about the boats this weekend happen to notice the amount of people spending MONEY in this town. This could be boost to get summer started on the right foot. It was awesome to see the lake filled with boats. Plan accordingly so you don't have to deal with town when it is hecktic. A benefit of living here is that we have use of the lake five days with little or no activity. Lets get back that fun atmosphere Lake Havasu was once known for. . So I say BRING ON THE BUSY WEEKENDS!!!!! "

Roco wrote on Apr 28, 2008 6:31 AM:

" Thanks a lot Karl Ecker!!!!! Even though I did not see the events this weekend, I only heard great things about it. Keep up the good work and hopefully next year will be better. Don't let the whinners keep you from doing a great thing. "

Chuck wrote on Apr 27, 2008 10:24 PM:

" Karl...
Great event and you are 100% correct it brings in big $$$$ for Havasu and the city needs it...To he"" with all the... crying its my lake crowd... "

cALHAV wrote on Apr 27, 2008 10:24 PM:

" Whiners crack me up. Dell Webb has some great over 55 communities for you that are lake side. you can paddle boat, fish and enjoy the Silence of a Memorial Park. This is HAVASU People. You should have spent the summer here like I have for the last 30 years before you decided to move here full time. You might have known what you were buying into.

Stuff like this is what makes this town. If you don't like it please move an let the rest of us who have been enjoying it most of our lives continue too. "

Sharon wrote on Apr 27, 2008 7:22 PM:

" You choose to live near a lake. I know that means there will be people on the hot weekends, I didn't move here blind to that. We have always had weekend visitors here. LHC needs tourism - sometimes I don't go out on the big weekends, but that's my choice, it still isn't as crowded as Vegas, Phoenix, or LA on a weekend day. It isn't 1950 anymore...... "

Havasuisthebest wrote on Apr 27, 2008 5:54 PM:

" Desert Storm has been the BEST event in Havasu in the past couple of years. If we didn't have tourists such as these boaters and racers, Havasu would be much worse off. If residents and visitors don't enjoy being in the middle of this excitement, they don't have to attend or participate. Take a look at Rotary Park - all ages were there - older/younger/children/teens. No matter what the age, they were having a great time. It's not about the fuel, the noise or too many people in town. This is about Havasu - and what it offers to visitors. The Best in the West! "

Karl wrote on Apr 27, 2008 4:31 PM:

" Hello my name is Karl Ecker and I am the coordinator for the Desert Storm Street Party, this our 2nd annual attempt at the street party, it is designed to be a family friendly event and to allow many residents the opportunity to see some spectacular boats. I put the Desert Storm Street Party on each year (at my own expense) to draw these boats and the money they generate to my beloved Lake Havasu City, many in this town know me as the President of one of the car clubs that raise money for Sara's House, it is the events like Desert Storm that pump millions of dollars directly into the Lake Havasu community (and we need it badly)rough estimates put the Desert Storm event close to $10 million (spent)over the 4 day event.
For the neigh Sayers, are you so selfish that you cannot let someone else play on YOUR! Lake for the day, for the benefit of OUR! Community geez!!!.
As for the Race roughly about 100 boats are brought into control traffic on the lake and safety is our highest priority this includes LHC's Vice Mayor who served as a safety boat this year, every one is in constant radio contact and the US Coast Guard oversees the entire event. Desert Storm is designed around one thing. raising charity money for our overseas troops (by sending them care packages) I hope all of you would do the same and give of yourself for events like Desert Storm to give back to so many of our young men and women that fight for everyday for our freedoms, I don't think asking for a day for others to play on YOUR!!(Geez) lake is too much to ask for
"

Hammer Time wrote on Apr 27, 2008 12:25 PM:

" Big Fast boats, loud motorcycles, street rods !
This is what this community has evolved into, get used to it or leave!!!
And don't worry about the fuel, there's plenty to go around!
What a bunch of sniveler's. "

havasudeb wrote on Apr 27, 2008 9:12 AM:

" I think it is fantastic that these people come to Havasu to have the Poker Run. This lake is to enjoy. I love seeing the town filled with people. $$$$. "

Irishman wrote on Apr 27, 2008 8:59 AM:

" These complainers are funny. I don't see them complaining about all the fuel being wasted at the race track in Sara Park. I don't hear them gripe about the Indianapolis 500 or the NASCAR events. What makes it so terrible for there to be boat races on Lake Havasu? I for one hope to see more of these events. But then, I'm just a wasteful boater and my monster 23' runabout just tears up the water with it's less than imposing single motor. "

Enjoying the Vistors wrote on Apr 27, 2008 7:31 AM:

" Shocker-Nogood-Dano Gang-Has (NO) Sense: Yesterday is gone, Today is here and tomorrow hopefully will be better. We can not go back as much as you may want to. Learn to adapt as those with the Big Boats do. They used to be able to do a lot worse and run around on these lakes endangering the public. Now they too are more controlled. I've watched the sanctioned event and felt it was very organized with Safety for the Public and participator held highest. While they are bringing in money to our community they will also bring in complaints from a select few. Welcome to the Select Few Complainers Club. "

TazDave wrote on Apr 27, 2008 6:52 AM:

" As the owner of a 27' power boat and frequent visitor to Havasu I hear about 2 things all of the time. 1st is the over active police force. I can not speak about the way your city is patrolled, but on the water I have only had positive experiences with all enforcement officers. I do not drink when I am going to be operating my boat. I am in charge of ALL who are on my boat. I have seen others get the tar beat out of them and then arrested as they deserved it. Good for the officers, it keeps my party safe. 2nd, the locals whining about the tourists. Your area is growing and that is great. But what do you think got you here? Just force your city officials to go in the right direction. When the bad element shows up remember this - Make them uncomfortable and they will go away. Looking forward to several trips here this summer. BTW Dano Gang. How much for the house? We've been looking. "

Havasu viewer wrote on Apr 26, 2008 7:53 PM:

" If ANYONE feels this is an unsafe event, they need to actually observe Gary Smith and his crew operate "Predator"(a visitor to our lake for many years. A 'weekend boater' could learn much when it comes to boating safety, rules and laws of our water ways by following his example.

Who knows what budget and fuel supply constraints may come in the future? In the mean time, "Thanks to all of the participants and organizers of Desert Storm - 2008, Job well done. Please, hurry back to our lake."

"

mynameismud wrote on Apr 26, 2008 5:14 PM:

" i agree with all the positive comments.and i enjoy the high end boats.especially when they choose our lake to play with them.if they went somewhere else these same crybabys would be saying,why didnt they come here? its a shame that so many people are so miserable.its like colony of bitterknow it all's. think i'll order me a 40' outer limits and call it 'local hero'
"

jake wrote on Apr 26, 2008 4:49 PM:

" Dano Gang- In the years that i've been here I never knew that you owned the lake, for some reason I thought it was public! What makes you cry babies with your small slow boats think you have any more right to the lake than the larger faster boats. If you don't like it YOU leave and we won't miss you!!! "

Go Big Boats wrote on Apr 26, 2008 2:36 PM:

" Bunch of Whiners.....we can't enjoy our lake.....what a bunch of babies. It's just a weekend. Maybe you should take a day off mid week, the lake will be all yours. Or win the lottery and reserve the entire lake for yourself. LAKE HAVASU IS NOT YOUR PRIVATE PROPERTY!!!!!! As for fuel, DO YOU REALLY CONSERVE? "

Not Too Fun wrote on Apr 26, 2008 8:48 AM:

" Too fun doesn't want to begrudge those who can afford to WASTE all that fuel? They are part of the reason he can't afford to fuel a reasonable little boat (or car) as their WASTE drives up the costs for all of us who limit our driving so as to not WASTE the fuel...and send more money to the terrorist states.

These kinds of wasteful events need to be examined BEFORE someone gets the idea to bring back fuel rationing. On second thought, maybe that's a good idea. We, the general public, can sell saved ration coupons to the oblivious. "

Too Fun wrote on Apr 25, 2008 10:21 PM:

" This is one of the best things I've seen happen here on Lake Havasu. Sure; things are tight but to see these big boys out there and havin' fun puts a spark under my back end and makes me want to be part of it. Sure; I, unfortunately cannot afford the gas but why should I or anyone else begrudge those that can.

Havasu is all about havin' fun without getting too stoupid so let's just let things flow as they may and go with it rather than get our panties all in a lather about it.

I, for one, am looking forward to seeing the big mega-boats go for it on Saturday and Sunday and havin’ a blast doin’ it!!

Throw in the local biker fun and it really starts being a party.

I bet a dollar to a dime every one gets along fine if the local constabulary’s will let them.

Speaking of the local Police; Thanks for doing your job and appreciating why everyone is here. It means a lot to all of just knowing you are there watching out for us. Most of us know you are not trying to be the bad guy during some of these times and I hope those of us that start acting like bad guy’s straighten and fly right.
"

Havasu Frequenter wrote on Apr 25, 2008 9:23 PM:

" "First came to Havasu in 1978. Have viewed many of the high horse power/speed poker runs. They are a
"Safe and a Class Act". Can't say that of the underage PWC operation that PLAGUES our lake. As a matter of fact, a local Havasu resident who was underage and thus an illegal operator of his PWC (BUT CONSIDERED A PROFESSIONAL BY THE PROMOTERS OF THE CENTRAL CAL. EVENT)ran over and killed an innocent swimmer a few years ago. Check the stats, pontoon boats, PWCs and 18 foot runabouts are the danger on our lake, not the boats of this weekend's Poker Run. These operators follow the rules and laws of our waters.
Signed,
A USCG Licensed and Professional Marineer since 1976
"

nogood wrote on Apr 25, 2008 9:05 PM:

" i agree these boats have no place on this lake they are to big and to fast and we can`t even have fun anymore with our own watercraft..much less a family boat.time to take a fresh look at this.... "

Shocker wrote on Apr 25, 2008 5:58 PM:

" Where is the outrage, a 50 foot boat traveling over 100 mph on an open public lake? But not just one but a lot of them. Where is the common sense? I have read over and over they will burn $1000.00 a day worth of fuel. So what, the lake is not a race course. When someone is injured or killed the question will be how can this happen? A family in an 18 foot runabout trying to anticipate the closing speed of a large boat traveling over 100 mph; well I’ll leave it up to the reader to picture the outcome. Unbelievable! The only question is who will burden the liability? "

Has sense wrote on Apr 25, 2008 5:07 PM:

" Amazing...in this time of rising gas prices for the common folk, these guys want to pour $1,000 worth of fuel in and simply waste it showing off how fast and dangerous they are. 2700 hp in a 40 ft boat? Give me a break....and grow up. "

Dano Gang wrote on Apr 25, 2008 1:04 PM:

" For what it's worth, we sold our poontoon boat this year because we were tried of these type of boats that are to large for our lake and to loud. We used the lake almost daily and these come a few times a year. Which do think supports our city? Now were thinking of selling our house as were very close to the lake (cabana & gold) and we can hear them on our patio. I can remember when we bought our first Jet ski and people said they were to loud. "

WRITE A COMMENT

Comment posters are responsible for the opinions they express and the accuracy of the information they provide. We urge comment writers to treat this as a public forum where manners matter. We encourage a collegial, non-insulting tone and we reserve the right to withhold or remove any comment from publication.

Do not post:
    * Potentially libelous statements or damaging innuendo.
    * Obscene, explicit, or racist language.
    * Personal attacks, insults or threats.
    * The use of another person's real name to disguise your identity.
    * Comments unrelated to the story.

Opinions, advice and all other information expressed in havasunews.com's story comments represent the individual's own views and not necessarily those of Today's News Herald. Today's News Herald provides an interactive computer service and does not endorse and is not responsible for statements, advice or opinions offered by anyone other than authorized Today's News Herald spokespersons.

Thank you for your comments!

You must register with a valid email to post comments. Only your Member ID will be posted with the comments.

Registered users sign in here:

Become a Registered User

*Member ID:
*Password:
Remember login? (requires cookies)

Do not use usernames or passwords from your financial accounts!

Note: Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required!

*Create a Member ID:
*Choose a password:
*Re-enter password:
*E-mail Address:
*Year of Birth:
	(children under 13 cannot register)
*First Name:
*Last Name:
*Zip Code: