LakeOzarkTalk.com

Jack · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Posts: 2590 Location: Saint Peters, MO

Things have changed since MarineMax took over Port Arrowhead. Some for the good...and some for the bad. Some major bucks have been poured into the marina and this has made it a better place, but at the same time, you have the "corporate mindset"...that is definitely not good. There's not as much down home family feel about the place. The sales people don't walk the docks and just "talk" to the dockers. There are "RULES". The shop people are "different"...more bean counter oriented...as in "let's have your credit card number before we can talk about what you need". Prices, policy, procedure are set by "corporate". Don't these "Dilbert" guys get how ludicrous this is?...when the rules etc are set by a bunch of whankers in New York or Florida or wherever? But...what can you do?

The marina sponsored a fall color cruise this past weekend. Ostensibly to view the changing of the leaves...which just can't seem to happen this year...but never mind all that...we went to "The Fish" for lunch on Saturday and the marina covered the cost. It was actually kinda cool. The weather was great. The food was excellent (I have to recommend the BLT pizza!) and the people just seemed like regular people...although some of them surely could purchase my life lock stock and barrel outta their "petty cash"! Was it worth doing even though my boat would have fit on the transom of some of the boats present? Yeah, it was. So? What's the point here? I like Port Arrowhead. I've docked there for 10+ years. Is it the best place at the lake? Probably not, but I've "shopped" a lot and I haven't found any place that I would change to for the money, location, or amenities. There's the stray cats on the hill by the ex-Holiday Inn, the groundhogs that like "cat food", the 3 mallard ducks that always show up when we get to our boat no matter what the hour, security guards that seem like regular people, two water patrol guys that are just a couple of slips away and also just seem like regular people, a hot shower at 3am, fresh coffee and once in a while fresh donuts in the morning, a maintenance guy that never seems to rest...that guy is always "there" when you need something (and is probably underpaid), I dunno...the whole experience costs too much, but when it comes to "boating", EVERYTHING costs too much. I'm too stupid to know better, of course, but I still like the place. Now...about that 490 Meridian Pilothouse. And...Sea Ray has re-introduced the Pachanga! Just when I thought I was "happy"!

Still...there's that "corporate" thing...let me tell you, Dilbert rules!

Jack · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Posts: 2590 Location: Saint Peters, MO

Big sale after T-Day. I know there will be thundering herds but take my hand and I'll lead you toward the light and the way. Just get on the Marinemax lake ozark website and bring your check book. Ok...I can see how you might feel...it's okay...really...still...deep down inside, you really want a Sundancer, don't you? Smitty? Cornwell? I know Butch does. Anyone else?

Butch · Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2008 7:45 pm Post subject:

Yes, Jack. You are right. Leave me yours, in your Will. Rolling Eyes

Sandy · Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2008 8:45 pm Post subject:

I'll take two...............the remote battery operated kind!

Jack · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Posts: 2590 Location: Saint Peters, MO

Will? WILL! Whut? I will NOT!

Actually, I do have one of the regular kind and one of the remote controlled battery kind...I can dock the remote control one.

Jack · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Posts: 2590 Location: Saint Peters, MO

Apparently, the marina has a number of unclaimed waverunner trailers that have been stored onsite for years. They want to get rid of them and are contacting as many owners of record as they can. However, if no one claims the trailers, they will be sold for scrap. This may be an opportunity to get your hands on a cheap trailer if you are in need of such a thing. Contact Angie Cook at Arrowhead.

Jack · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Posts: 2590 Location: Saint Peters, MO

Things have gotten much better. I still get a little unsettled about the whole "corporate" thing, but on the ground and around the place it's pretty good. I would have to recommend the place to anyone looking to store or dock their boat. It "ain't" cheap but it is not the most expensive place to keep your boat at the lake. The staff?... all local people and they really do go the extra mile to do what you need done. I don't feel like I am treated any differently than the guy down the row that has a bazillion dollar boat. I like the amenities. I like the easy access. And being an anti-social loner type, I have to say that the dockers around me are just regular people. It's a pretty quiet place. You can let your kid or dog run without fear.

It's a good place to be. I'd not be a bit hesitant to recommend the place to anyone.

the ghost · Joined: 17 Apr 2006 Posts: 1591 Location: St. Louis/26mm

but can you get a cheesburger delivered to you boat on a cold rainy night?.....

Ghost Smart A$$

Jack · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Posts: 2590 Location: Saint Peters, MO

[quote="the ghost"]but can you get a cheesburger delivered to you boat on a cold rainy night?.....

Ghost Smart A$$[/quote]

Yep...can still do that...same guy's still working at the Resort...he's been there for years!