Snug Harbour Marina to have new owners

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July 1, 2007

By DAN HEATH The Press Republican Sun Jul 01, 2007, 05:34 AM EDT

PLATTSBURGH -- With new ownership coming aboard, Snug Harbour Marina will become Champlain Boatworks.

Saratoga Boatworks General Manager Jeff Olson said the Saratoga Lake-based company is in the process of acquiring the marina, which is located at 4013 Route 9, across from Valcour Island. They have a tentative closing date of June 30, but that's a moving target.

"We are looking to make the official change sometime this summer," he said.

Saratoga Boatworks has been operating the marina since April 1 under a lease agreement.

Saratoga Boatworks has been in business for almost 10 years. Olson said the company will bring its strategy of worry-free boating to the North Country.

It is a focus on customer service that results in hassle-free boating, including sales, maintenance, docking, winterization and storage.

"The business model that we've chosen to work with has been very effective. We focus on getting the consumer out on the water and having fun," Olson said.

One example is for customers who don't want to own a trailer, Champlain Boatworks can pick up their boat in the spring and put it in the water, then pull it out for them in the fall, he said.

The company is bringing a full-service dealership to its new marina.

"We specialize in 18- to 35-foot powerboats," Olson said.

Lines include fiberglass boats by Crownline, Stingray, Baha Performance and Four Winns. Pontoon boats by Godfrey Marine include the Sweetwater, Aqua Patio and San Pan lines.

Champlain Boatworks will also sell Polar kraft aluminum fishing boats and Honda outboard motors, Olson said.

The service department features factory-trained technicians. There is a fully stocked ship's store, with all the parts and accessories to assist those who like to maintain their own boats.

Several storage buildings and plenty of outdoor space provides all the storage anybody could want, Olson said.

Champlain Boatworks has 230 wet slips and 110 moorings, all with views of Valcour Island and the Green Mountains. Seasonal campsites are available for rent by the day or week.

Boat rentals are also available.

"We also do fun things at the marina," Olson said.

Customer Appreciation Day is scheduled for the end of July. It's a big party right at the marina, with a tent, food, music and more to have a day of fun on the water.

Having Dana's Rusty Anchor, a full-service restaurant and lounge at the marina that is under separate ownership, is a plus, Olson said.

"That's part of the boating lifestyle. It's helpful when you have all the pieces of the puzzle in one spot," Olson said. "Not all of the places on Lake Champlain have that."

Champlain Boatworks features a brand-new indoor showroom. Several different cruisers, runabouts and fishing boats are on display.

The brightly lit interior allows the gleaming watercraft to shine on display. A wooden walkway allows customers to peer right into four of the power boats.

Numerous brightly colored banners and a television display touting the available brands round out the showroom.

The marina season usually runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, but fishermen can extend it from March through late October.

Olson said there will be about 20 employees during peak season.

"We were able to utilize the existing employees as much as possible. We brought in some of our own people as well," he said.

This will be Saratoga Boatworks' third marina, as they have a second location on Saratoga Lake called Fish Creek Marina.

"We have plans to expand to other inland lakes throughout upstate New York," Olson said.

dheath@pressrepublican.com