Best marina at Lake Cumberland
- Thread starter drxman1
- Start date
opcorn:Look at these four; Jamestown, State Dock, Conley Bottom, and Lee's Ford. The rest are two small or secluded to pass on these four. Some will argue for Burnside, not a fan. I worked on Conley Bottom when I was in high school and college during the summers and can attest that there will be no marina that will see to it your boat is more secure and taken care of when you're not on it. Now, it's not a big party marina. If you're looking for a place to park in the slip and raise hell wandering the dock before crashing in your boat, not the spot. Jamestown is a little more lax there but it's in Russell County, an extra 30 min away from my suggestion. State Dock is the biggest but its run by the state and it's not going to wow you.
I don't know you personally but you're a Lee's Ford man. It has easy access off of 80 in Somerset so coming from Lexington it's probably the easiest to get too, it's one if not the only marina that allows alcohol sales, the restaurant on site is more than serviceable , and the clientele is very much looking to be seen as much as get out and boat. My advice, if you have a boat you can sleep on go moor for a night and see. It's the perfect time of year to get a feel.
I don't know you personally but you're a Lee's Ford man. It has easy access off of 80 in Somerset so coming from Lexington it's probably the easiest to get too, it's one if not the only marina that allows alcohol sales, the restaurant on site is more than serviceable , and the clientele is very much looking to be seen as much as get out and boat. My advice, if you have a boat you can sleep on go moor for a night and see. It's the perfect time of year to get a feel.
I have been to State Dock before, it's fun, but up to 45 minutes further than Lee's ford. Must say, the drive from Lex has been one thing that's kept me from pulling the trigger on a boat until now.
I haven't purchased a boat yet, but yeah looking at a few cruisers to sleep on. I see they have lodging there too, which will be good for guests so my boat isn't one big dog pile. Buddy of mine just bought a ski boat and keeping it at Lee's- so there is that too.
I haven't purchased a boat yet, but yeah looking at a few cruisers to sleep on. I see they have lodging there too, which will be good for guests so my boat isn't one big dog pile. Buddy of mine just bought a ski boat and keeping it at Lee's- so there is that too.
Grew up on Lee's Ford Dock for a few weeks every summer, so I've always been fond of it. That was 20 years ago and i was a kid, so no clue how it is now or what it's like for a cheesy 40-something spring breaker.
Loved the restaurant/atmoshphere (as a kid)
Loved the restaurant/atmoshphere (as a kid)
Jamestown is tops by far. We stayed at Poppelwell's Alligator One dock all through HS and College, had a great time there, now called the Wolf Creek Marina after the Dam incident, merged with AG2. As far as docks go, its def Jamestown/State Dock, with Connelly Bottom close behind. Grider Hill by the Dam, closest to the 76 falls is ok, comparable to the Alligator Docks back in the Day.
I think Conley Bottom used to be cheaper for a year round slip or seasonal. Dont own a boat but live in Somerset and would use Lees Ford. Been thinking about a boat for some time. With storage and slip running $3000-4000 a year its better to have a friend with a boat.
I hope you use your boat a lot. It's a blast but it can add up so you'll def want to feel like you're getting your worth out of it.
Also, Lee's Ford, for accessibility.
Also, Lee's Ford, for accessibility.
You obviously don't know the good doctor.
cumberland lake veteran here for 40 years. go to Jamestown, period! too much ohio navy and white trash on the somerset end
Could agree with that. I've noticed the amount of Hoosiers has increased rapidly this year. Also the amount of TN people to. I thought they had plenty of lakes.
Ohio is well represented on Laurel.
I'd go with Jamestown, but that's strictly from a fisherman's point of view.
I'd go with Jamestown, but that's strictly from a fisherman's point of view.
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Looked at a few cruisers today and went out on buddy's boat from of Lee's. Was impressed with what I saw, the restaurant looks nice and heard good things but didn't go in...the fact I made it there from my house in 1 hour 15 minutes is a huge plus. I like state dock, but not an hour each way better.
We went out to clifty today. Not a lot of boats but fun. Only thing I don't really like about Lee's is 30-35 miles to Harmon creek.
One of the cruisers I looked at today had been in salt water before. The knobs in the cabin had corrosion on them...that can't be good. Supposedly the owner swapped out both engines "just to be on the up and up" ummm false. Motivated seller cause he's building a million dollar houseboat and just wants to get rid of it....um false.
Saw a damn jet turbine boat out there today. Unreal, thing goes over 200 mph.
We went out to clifty today. Not a lot of boats but fun. Only thing I don't really like about Lee's is 30-35 miles to Harmon creek.
One of the cruisers I looked at today had been in salt water before. The knobs in the cabin had corrosion on them...that can't be good. Supposedly the owner swapped out both engines "just to be on the up and up" ummm false. Motivated seller cause he's building a million dollar houseboat and just wants to get rid of it....um false.
Saw a damn jet turbine boat out there today. Unreal, thing goes over 200 mph.
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Doc, there is a 54 foot Nortech turbine on the lack. Blew past Mill Springs cove at well over 100mph as I was coming out last summer.
Not to mention the standard "It's your problem now" smile you get from the previous owner.
Not sure
Its not just the risk of buying a "lemon" its the upkeep and maintenance thats a pain in the ***. My friend bought a bassboat last year and found out theres more to it than hopping in it and hopping out(like he had done mine for years). Its like having an extra vehicle that you have to clean out, vacum out, wash/wax, register every year, insure, replace fuses and bulbs, maintain tires etc...then you have to winterize the engine every fall and worry about storage. These are just a few things people dont consider when buying a boat. And heres the real thorn in the side I hear my friends complain about....even though theres a foot of snow on and its 20degrees out and there are about 5 months out of the year you cant use the boat, you still gotta write that check out every month. Then when your paying to go hunting, tailgating ballgames, buying Christmas presents, planning beach/ cruise trips, etc Sept-March you cant help but think how much xtra cash you would have if you didnt have that damn boat sitting there doing nothing. Dont mean to sound like Debbie Downer but thats what I meant by "the day they sell their boat". But if your heart is set on it heres some advice.
-Best deals will probably be found after Labor day. Alot of people use their boat one last time before selling it to buy 4wheelers and campers for hunting season.
-Take a friend with you that has owned boat and wont lie to you
-Try to buy from someone you know or a friend knows. At least you have some idea how the boat was cared for.
I've had one before. Familiar with the headaches that can come with them, although I'm just used to ski boats-sure a cruiser will have even more and expensive things go wrong.
Bottom line, you have to decide if the juice is worth the squeeze. Loan, insurance, and dock fees are the minimum. Have to leave room for gas, consumables, and the expected unexpected. If at the end of the day its a number you can swallow, then do it. It's kind of like gambling, don't sit down with money you aren't willing watch go down the drain. Just try to enjoy the ride.
Bottom line, you have to decide if the juice is worth the squeeze. Loan, insurance, and dock fees are the minimum. Have to leave room for gas, consumables, and the expected unexpected. If at the end of the day its a number you can swallow, then do it. It's kind of like gambling, don't sit down with money you aren't willing watch go down the drain. Just try to enjoy the ride.