Outrigger is Closed for Season

C

Cats Meow

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Joined
May 3, 2005
RO Number
17244
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159
FYI, Don't plan on going to the Outrigger for food or drinks until May of next year. We went up to our boat the weekend after Labor Day and found everything shut down. You can't even buy gas or ice now. It took us by surprise because nothing was mentioned the weekend before. I can't give a guess as to the number of boats that pulled in and out once they discovered the were closed.
 
Sounds like more then a "seasonal" closing. Things are tough for marinas all over. I fear we will see more of this over the winter.

Hi Cat! Nice to "see" you here again.
 
Outrigger was for sale two or three years ago and I took a quick look at it with a friend. Boy am I glad that we didn't move forward on that. Recreational boating is one of the early victims of any economic slowdown, and the boating impact of this one has been accelerated by the increases in petroleum prices.

BTG
 
I saw a number of large boats parked there this weekend, but they were probably just staying at the dock overnight as the place was closed.

Outrigger is a nice place and I hope they can make a go of it. They have good food, nice view, and it's very family oriented.
 
The Outrigger would definitely get the business if it was managed correctly. It almost seems like they don't want to make money. Under an agressive new management I believe it could be a moneymaker. I have seen numerous people walk away after inquiring about slips.

I believe like you Liz. It is more than just shutting down for the season. I think it will be on the market again or the bank will take it back. It could go for a good price. Like I said, someone with imagination and good management skills it could do well.

Liz, I am doing ok. Go back to the doctor today after my two shoulder surgeries. Also they are now telling me left knee is filled with arthritis. I had radical knee surgery in 1978 so it probably was expected. Hopefully he will read those Xrays today.
 
Yikes, sorry to hear about that Cat! Take care of yourself and get better soon. The strippers are on their way back, so fishing will be picking up!
 
I also have had a couple less than friendly encounters with the Outrigger. I ALWAYS, AND I MEAN ALWAYS, go to 5mph when I am in a no wake zone. But at least three times in maybe five years I have cruised by the Outrigger and had some guy blast out on a loudspeaker that was on one of the posts by the dock for me to slow down. I set my boat at 5mph by the speedometer and the depthfinder. I vowed never to spend a dime in that place again. Maybe new owners can do a better job. Its actually a marvelous place in a spectacular location. Oh well

DBH
 
DBH,
The same thing happened to me on different occasions when passing by the Outrigger. The first time it happened I looked around to see the boat he was talking to, because he sure couldnt have been talking to me. I to observe the 5 MPH areas. The last time it happened I had to give him the single finger salute. I am really not that kind of guy , but he really ticked me off.
 
Liz, thanks for the encouragement. I am finally buying my fishing license this weekend. I have been in withdrawls all year. We are going to Upper Twin Lakes by Bridgeport in a week for the week. We rented a cabin 20 yards from the lake. By gosh I am going to have my trout pole in the water. Can't wait.

DBH, it is not only you that I have heard comments like yours. I love the Outrigger for its location. I feel very positive if we can get some new owners in there THAT CARE, it can be turned around again into a profitable and fun place to visit. I have seen so many negative happenings it makes me sad. One longtime employee left and vowed not to come back. It does have a lot of potential under the right management. The problem is they have lost so many of their old regular customers it will take time to rebuild the trust that they have lost.
 
I've been yelled at by loudspeaker too and did not appreciate it. However, I want to point out that a boat can be traveling at 5 MPH and make a wake. Or it can travel at 10MPH and make no wake.

Look behind your boat to see if there is a wake coming from your boat. Do not pay attention to the speedo or GPS, etc. Find out at what speed your boat does not make a wake and go that speed. BTW, beside hull design, wakes are determined by the load on the boat. So if you have a group of riders and a couple of extra ice chests full of beer, your boat will put out a larger wake at a slower speed.

Again, look behind your boat as you travel to see if you are making a wake or not.
 
...but if travelling against a good current, it would take basically forever to pass that place at no wake. I have never been hollered at, but have heard it many, many times. I still watch my wake, don't take mwe wrong.

Anyone even notice the weird currents when docking there? It can be a challenge...
 
It has been quite entertaining at times watching a boat try to dock. My husband many times has ran on to the docks to help a boat tie up. We tried out a slip for a month on another shed. It was an end slip that looks very easy to get into. There is a wicked undercurrent that goes through. At times you would be fighting the wind, tidal current and the undercurrent that would be going sideways. We went happily back to our old slip with a smile. We have seen many people trying to dock their boat in these slips and end up sideways against the two adjoining slips.

The water moves along at a good pace. Yes, I agree they tend to get out of line with the loudspeaker. It is kinda hard to keep your boat at 5 mph when the current is going faster. But, there is still no wake.
 
Ahhhhh, but the Rules of the Road say one is allowed to maintain control of the boat in adverse conditions even if that means the boat makes a wake. One time at Bethel Island I got yelled at when I was going against a strong current and had a strong cross wind. After the guy yelled, I slowed her down and immediately ended up along the tules. Then I returned to the speed and continued on. the guy got my point, shrugged his shoulders and returned to his house.

Ya gotta do what ya gotta do to maintain control of your vessel!
 
They do tend to get on a power trip. The last time I was there they got on the loudspeaker and yelled at some jetski that was going slow but still putting up a wake. However, he was way across the other side of the channel, so there wouldn't be much of an effect. That and he was too far away to even hear them yell.

On the other hand there are a lot of idiots that blast through there quite close to the dock. Maybe they should concentrate on the obvious offenders before they alienate everyone.
 
I've been yelled at as well. They are trigger happy with the hailer.
 
UP, you said it: "Maybe they should concentrate on the obvious offenders before they alienate everyone." That hits the nail on the head! But I think it is too late........
 
My friends
Same thing happend to me with my wife twice. I slowed my boat to less the 5 MPM (GPS)and checked my wake and still some jerk blasted my with the hailer. I know my wake was almost nill, I also vowed NEVER to go there again....! I used to go there and now I still hve not been there since. Any way "The Point" is much better (food & quality of service). If they hail me again next year, I'll toot my horn and show him my middle finger...!

Hugo
"Another Toy"
 
Well, I agree with everyone and my boat is berthed there. Management has been very bad since it has changed ownership. They hardly walk the docks anymore. It is done by the restaurant/manager. Makes sense? They say they are scheduled to reopen May 1st. We will see. I wouldn't be surprised if they don't. We are starting to look for another place to put our boat. The location there is perfect for us, but like to feel secure also.
 
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