That 60 general registration slots for this summer’s Boyne Thunder Poker Run in Northern Michigan sold out in a little more than two minutes is remarkable. For many out-of-state-participants, the boat-in-tow trip to Boyne City, Mich., and back to wherever they came from is the one of the longest hauls they will make this summer. And no one knows if Lake Michigan will be mild or unruly for the main event.
In late 2024, the 2025 event sold out its 60 sponsor slots in 10 days—also a record time. But then, those slots start at $3,500 a piece and run as high as $20,000.
So what’s the big deal? What has performance-boat enthusiasts across the country setting their alarms to jump online the moment registration opens every year?
The 100-plus poker-run boasts unquestionably beautiful waterways surrounded by equally stunning shoreline and Boyne City is small-town America at its very best, but neither explains it. Rather, the whole of the event, as the ancient expression goes, is greater than the sum of its parts.
Start with the Thursday night party, backed once again by American Custom Marine, a Nor-Tech Hi-Performance Boats dealer in Kimball, Mich., and the brand itself. Once a tiny gathering at the top of Boyne Mountain, the bash now takes over a healthy indoor/outdoor area at Boyne Mountain resort. It’s celebration to be sure, but it’s more of an annual reunion for returning participants who would rather miss a god-child’s wedding than the Boyne Thunder happening. And it follows a casual lunch run to posh Bay Harbor in nearby Petoskey that day.
Friday is a free-day, so those folks in town for the event tend to form small group runs on Lake Michigan to check out natural wonders such as Sleeping Bear Dunes. For those who prefer to stay put, Boyne City itself is a fine place to spend a day before the Friday night street celebration. Thousands of people descend on Boyne City that evening for one of the most family friendly gatherings in the go-fast boating world.
Following Saturday’s poker run, which can either make you wonder why people don’t water-surf more on Lake Michigan or send you to the chiropractor, that night’s dinner celebration auction takes over the space adjacent to the local marina. Members of the Boyne Thunder faithful flock there to share one more evening together before going their separate ways on Sunday. For many, it is the last time they will see one another until the next go-round.
Short version? The Boyne Thunder Poker Run is performance boating’s most complete event. The actual poker run is just icing on one big, beautiful cake.—Matt Trulio
