Experiences at Lake Havasu Marina

[h2oedits]

I'm interested in hearing about any experiences or impressions, both positive and negative, that any of our members have had at the Lake Havasu Marina while launching, gassing, etc.
Thanks!
Kevin Spaise
Hot Boat

[H20 Party Starter]

OK... edit, If this is for a collum....
1. 1.5 hour lines on big weekends
2. The guy I always see at the gas dock is not a cordial fellow
3. Location is better than anywhere on the lake and that is the ONLY thing it has going for it

[Ziggy]

Ask Carbonmarine, he'd have a few things to say about it I'm sure:mad:
.
Used it once in the 15 yrs of going to Havasu

[carbonmarine]

Yeah !
I was in their with my 64 year old father one day... We got a slip for the weekend and since it was a new boat, My father asked a simple question of if it was going to be safe if left uncovered..
The manager who is indeed an older guy ( Jeff Bekkedahl - I'll never forget that name ), but still younger than my father chewed my fathers head off to the tune of :
" If you dont think its safe here, then get the goddamn boat outta here NOW mister ! "
All that were present inside the general store or offices there on the dock literally stopped in there tracks to see the commotion. I havent seen my dad ever turn the cheek after being addressed like that, perhaps since it was me whom planned trip, he just took the high road...
thats all....havent been back since
Rick 32

[riverbound]

I have read many bad posts on this subject, I used it once years ago and had such a bad experience I took my boat back down to parker where it belongs. I will NEVER go back their.:yuk:

[BoatFloating]

Originally posted by h2oedits
I'm interested in hearing about any experiences or impressions, both positive and negative, that any of our members have had at the Lake Havasu Marina while launching, gassing, etc.
Thanks!
Kevin Spaise
Hot Boat
This should be good. If you search Kevin you'll find alot said about LHM. I'll venture to say none of it positive. I don't use the place except in a emergency and I can't comment but I know there is a few members on here that will and can.

[BOBALOO]

This could get ugly. Kevin, are you interested because you heard about the problems with,
Boats Turned away from the launch after paying because of size or perceived noise
Loss of dock priveleges for longtime users
General pissy attitude of workers
Patrons being verbally abused
And on and on and on
Did you experience any problems or are you researching?
If you have some time:rolleyes: do a search on them.

[Mr.Havasu]

We launched on a thursday morning 9:00 am during the dead of winter to be a safty boat for rockit-man when he was going to do a speed test. As soon as I started the motors you would think I just robbed the place or something. Manager/owner came running out saying I should know better than to launch here! we don't want your kind here, I've never been back!
I would not have gone there in the first place, but it was where rockit-man wanted to meet. You can bet they hounded him to. He didn't know where the other launches were.
Did I mention I'd never go back there?:mad:

[jbtrailerjim]

I personally have never had a bad experience with the place in the 15 year's I've been going to Havasu except it suck's on holiday weekend's. I would say the only problem's I have had are usually due to some other inconsiderated moron there useing it also. I have heard plenty of complaint's from people on here though about the place.

[Rexone]

There's probably more Kevin but this should get you going for a few hours, lol.
Thread one (http://www.***boat.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=44640&highlight=lake+havasu+marina)
Thread two (http://www.***boat.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=44636&highlight=lake+havasu+marina)
Thread three (http://www.***boat.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=44667&highlight=lake+havasu+marina)
Thread four (http://www.***boat.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21474&highlight=marina)

[LHC30Victory]

Kevin, I have been a lurker on this topic for some time now. We used to launch our 22 FourWinns there because of its great shelter from the wind and good location. Since the horror stories have surfaced, we have boycotted the marina. We now launch at the Nautical but would like to go back to the FACILITIES at the marina, but won't until the reputation of the management (read: change the manager and philosophy of treating customers) is reversed.
Perhaps those folks who buy their ink in 55 gal drums can help???

[UnionJack]

I have never had a bad time there.... But from what I have heard is the dude running it jeff isn't very nice, and lots of people are having problems... but that is all hear-say...

[riverbound]

Taylor how did the shoot go?
Have you brought the truck by yet to get the remote start fixed?

[Jrocket]

Last year at the poker run I got stuck having to use the marina to load my boat up.While I was waiting along side of the dock,on the other side of the store.The farthest away from the store.Some guy comes out and started yelling at me to turn my boat off.I said that I just started it and was proceeding to pull it up in line.He goes ape shit and says that my boat is too load for the marina rules.All the while my boat is running.I asked him how in the **** could it be too loud when Im all the way on the other side of the marina and could still carry on a conversation with him!That just made him explode.Now he's screaming at me so loud that his voice is going to a decibel that I couldnt even here!People are starting to laugh and stare at his shouting match.I never once raised my voice until he gave me the"You ****ing punk kid get out of my marina"Thats when I stopped thinking and started swimming.I dove off the front of my boat swam my skinny little ass right over to the dock where he was standing,crawled up the back of some guys boat that I didnt even know and jumped right up on that dock.I took about 3 steps and he was headed for the office door.I was so pissed off by now,that I didnt care what happened next.Childish on my part,yes,but after the constant verbal abuse from some stranger,Id had enough.I was either getting a woop'n or given one.I didnt care at that point.He stayed in the store and I stood at the window.He never came back out.So after I swam back to my boat,I got an applause form the entire marina and a nice escort to the gate from 2 of Havasu's finest police officers.Which by the way told me they have to repsond to more than a few arguements down there on behalf of the store people.I took it as a "we know already, just leave and forget about buddy",so I did.This was the weekend of the DCB photo shoot.DCB's everywhere that weekend.While I was being escorted to the gate,I finally took a look around and saw that just about all the other boats where fellow DCB'ers.Hows that for leaving a mark...

[HAULNZ]

Only launched there once. The guy next to us was loading his family, coolers, etc on the ramp.:( When he did back down he was 3/4 in my lane. I was waiting to back down after he pulled out, and the guy on the ramp started yelling at me?:frown: so I backed down, and took half of the lane next to me. My .02 cents, its a nice facility that is poorly managed. We used it once, but never again.

[V-DRIVE VIDEO]

I've been yelled at by some crusty old fart-----> for noise!:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[bchbum]

I got yelled at once for not backing-in when there were 2 trailers in my lane . I offered to let him back it in if he could make it fit in between , about 5 feet . This guy needs to go on a high speed run with someone here on a bad day .He'll learn to love the big boats then.

[phebus]

It is without a doubt the nicest launch facility in Havasu. It is too bad it is so poorly run. I also wish they would put some money back in the place and pave the parking lot. Now that they have raised the prices this year (from $5. M-Th. to $10.) maybe they will.

[SoCalOffshore]

Originally posted by LHC30Victory
Kevin, I have been a lurker on this topic for some time now. We used to launch our 22 FourWinns there because of its great shelter from the wind and good location. Since the horror stories have surfaced, we have boycotted the marina. We now launch at the Nautical but would like to go back to the FACILITIES at the marina, but won't until the reputation of the management (read: change the manager and philosophy of treating customers) is reversed.
Perhaps those folks who buy their ink in 55 gal drums can help???
Do you need to stay at the Nautical to launch their? Do you have to beach the boat to pick up the truck driver?

[PV]

After reading so many comments about this joint, I e-mail'd them and got a reply about how people behave SOOOOO BADLY !!!!! and that I shouldn't take the words of a bunch of YaHoos on the internet!!! I responded again that they must have a problem with that Jeff Guy and that word of mouth would someday catch=up with them if they chose to do nuthing ! They rsponded again that people who obey'd the rules in their marina were treated with respect. My esponse was that ... So, if you don't obey the rules you are NOT treated with respect????? Your manager needs to learn that it's not what you say, it's how you saY it!! I don't think they give a sh*t !!

[Mandelon]

I think Nautical has a $20 fee for non tenants to launch, but they do let you. For tenants I believe it was included or $10.00 for your entire stay. They put a wristband on the boat and trailer.
I have used the marina in the past a few times and did not have an issue. When I launched last year the through hull exhaust on my Carrera was drowned out by that big ass "Lick This" boat.

[superdave013]

YO TOM BROWN, CAN I GET ONE OF DEM BRAN MUFFINS??
This should get pretty good.

[summerlove]

I can honestly say I've never had a problem, but the fact that my boat is only 24' and is stock with below swimstep exhaust makes me a non-issue for them.
But, thanks to you guys that boycott, the wait is less and the crowd is fewer...;)

[cigarette1]

Originally posted by summerlove
....
But, thanks to you guys that boycott, the wait is less and the crowd is fewer...;)
FU

[CustomCruiser]

I've never had a problem, but I avoid it because of the way they have treated other boaters. The owner appears to be all talk, and JRocket's post pretty much proves it. If he really has such a big problem with loud boats, then why not just alert the authorities and have them handle it? And then there's the issue of large boats. If the owner wants to make some max length rule, fine it's a private facility and they should enforce it at the front gate. People with large boats who have had slips there for months or years that get treated like they committed a felony is wrong. The owner needs to take anger management or hire someone else who is polite and customer focused.

[BADBLOWN572]

I have launched at the marina once and it was a nightmare. When I backed the boat into the water, fired it up, the guy came running over from the gas dock telling me to turn it off. I didn't listen to him so I kept the motor running to warm it up. He then started screaming at me cussing me up one side and down the other. I backed the boat off of the trailer and docked it at the courtesy dock right next to the launch ramp. He came up and started yelling at me and I started getting pissed. He said "I told you to turn that shit off!" I said, "I'm sorry, I didn't hear you, my boat was too loud." This enraged the guy so he said that he was going to impound my boat. At this point in time, he was just furious. I informed him that he is willing to try to impound it, but it would not be fun for him. I think that I said something to the effect of you touch my boat you will be in severe amounts of pain. I said I was on the water and he has no jurisdiction over the waterways. He stopped at that point in time.
After that, he said, "Fine, I will just impound your truck and trailer." I said, "For what?" He said that he has the right to refuse service to anyone he chooses and that he refused service to me and that my truck and trailer would be tresspassing on private property if I left it there. I said that I will be more than happy to take the trailer out, but he needs to refund my money because I am not able to store them there. He said no way! At that point in time, I was over arguing with the A-hole so we took the truck and trailer back to the London Bridge and took the boat out of the water at site 6.
The other negative experience that I had was when I was stocking up on good karma. I was towing a guy in who broke and as soon as I passed the gas dock the guy said that I need to shut off. I pulled the guy over to the courtesy dock and he came back up to the boat again. He didn't remember the boat, but started giving me grief that the boat is too loud and that I am violation of the laws. I told him that he has no authority over me or my boat and that I am not using his facility so shut up. He then said that he was going to call the cops. I told him to go ahead and that by the time the cops showed up, I would be long gone.
With how bad it has gotten over the past 2 years, I avoid the place like the plague. I go to the river to have fun, not to deal with a-holes on a power trip. The problem is that the marina has the nicest facilities and the best ramp. Lately I have been launching out of site 6, but I would much rather pay the launch fee at the marina if the guy would stay off of his high horse and just be a cool ***boater. After all, what do you think Havasu was built off of, cool boats and big horse power.

[Havasu_Dreamin]

We've never had a real problem. Only one time were we advised by one of the security guys that we would need to put mufflers in the exhaust at some point because the water cops are getting tougher on the lake. One other time we launched on a Friday with a 29 foot boat with no problems. Came back the next morning and the exact same guy was at the gate he then proceeded to ask how long the boat was and I repsonded 29 feet, same lentgh it was when we launched here yesterday. That's all the "trouble" we've had.

[Three Days Only]

You can look further, there are threads on SCOPE, OffshoreOnly, River Racer X. All in regards to the prejudice towards the high performance boats that go to the Lake Havasu Marina. I for one tried to launch there once and was sent packin. Nothing to do with anything other then I have a 36' Spectre, and they assumed it was going to be loud. But the 44' Magic cat was behind me in line, and was aloud to launch no problem. I will not use the marina until they start treating everyone the same and forget the bull shit. The marina is suppose to be providing a service to all boaters, and allowing access to the lake. Im not sure how they do this, if 1/3 of us are sent away. They are prejudice A-holes. If your boat looks big or loud, they just make you flip a U-turn and say go somewhere else. Great service to the city. Plus I understand they have first right of refusal if another marina is to be built. Just the good ol boy network in full effect. I say **** em all. Sorry, this topic angers me. Lake Havasu Marina is the only place I have ever taken my boat, where I have been refused launching rights.
Jeff

[Ducatista]

It's a nice launch facility, but Jeff Bekkedahl has a grudge against preformance boater's and their loud, or big(+30ft), or loud & big, or loud and small boats. Where there's smoke, there is fire. Way to many people have said the same thing, obviously this jerk hates "hot boats" and the people that own them. I am one of the many people who wouldn't spend a dime of my money at that place until the "jerk" has been removed. Have a nice day:)
P.S. I have a silent choice system on my loud boat but still would not use this place for anything. :rolleyes:

[InKahntrol]

We used to have a place out on the island where we had access to our own launch ramp, which was wonderful. After my folks bought a place up in town we started using the Marina exclusively. While the facilities are pretty nice (looks like they have expanded the docks and parking lots) the people can be difficult to deal with. My dads boat has twin 420 Mercs with silent choice, and the guy who stupdivises the ramp FREAKS OUT if we ever start the boat with the exhuast running through the transom. As long as we run the silent choice through the props they seem to be ok.
The other issue I have is that we have a permanent slip but own multiple boats. Obviously one person can only use one boat at a time, so it would make sense to let that person keep whatever boat they want in their slip, as long as they own the boat. However, the rules at LHM state that you can only keep one specific boat in your slip, and any violation of that rule will result in the boat being chained to the dock. So, if for some reason I wanted to take out the flat bottom instead of the daycruiser, I have to go RENT a SECOND slip, while my permanent slip sits empty. Does that NOT make sense to anyone else?

[91nordic29]

assanine:mad:

[Scream]

Kevin,
It seems to me from reading about all the bad experiences at that ramp that the owner is disinterested in what happens at his dock and the manager has an agenda that he's very pationate about (to say the least).
The fact that this enterprise carries the full weight of the Havasu City Council behind it's mistreatment of the boaters that support the city is pretty incredible. I'm shocked that the manager at the ramp hasn't been layed out yet by someone going sidways after being verbally abused.
Performance boating is here to stay I think and this bozo will go the way of the dodo if we hang together.

[Debbolas]

Why would you manage a dock/ramp facility on a lake that is known for big, loud, boats...........If you HATE big, loud, boats?
This guys must be massacistic and needs some valium.
We stayed at an RV place at June Lake that was (kinda) like that. The old people that ran the place were soooo stressed out it was like they retired from an Emergency Room, or Air Traffic Controller Tower, or something so stressfull, that they carried it over to their retirement at this beautifal peaceful fishing lake.
Maybe if we get him a big loud boat he will leave you all alone.
(would that be worth it?)
Can we write letters and complain to get him fired?
:rolleyes:

[jackpunx]

Can we write letters and complain to get him fired?
I think if it was easy.. it would have happend.. this guy is a peice of work.. Ive watched him in action.. I hid from him in the past.. I dont want to get into it with him.. Im smarter then to try to reason where there is no reasoning.. its not worth a fight..

[LHC30Victory]

SoCal - I don't stay there as we have a house in town. We bought a timeshare so we could use the facilities while in town, also to get occasional rooms for guests and to use the timeshares elsewhere.

[RiverPirate]

I have posted negative experiences previously. Havent been back or spent a dime there in 6-7 years.
UJ The posts we are reading and have read are not Hear-say. They only become Hear-say when we repeat them.:D

[shueman]

Anyone up for "Boycott Havasu Marina" bumper stickers...?? Maybe "Impeach Jeff B"...??
Windsor is much easier to deal with, annual pass and all.

[superdave013]

seems to me that if I boated at Havasu I'ed have to just pull into that area in da boat and give the engine a few LOVE wraps just for him. :devil:
That could turn into sport and you guys could have good fun with it. 3 or 4 twin engine cats pull in a few times a day to give a few rev's of the throttles. Just to watch his blood boil :cry: would be worth it I'm thinkin.

[FastTimmy]

I to have been srewed over by the marina.
My boat is onlya 26' tunnel so size is not a issue but I gues the sound thing was.
#1 They were sure quick to take my money at the gate even with a blower sticking out the hatch but at time of launch I was told I was to loud and told to leave. Uppon my request for a refund I was told they do not give refunds and was asked again to take my boat our. I did not want to make a seen and ruin my day by staying mad so I left.
#2 Tried to fuel there a few months later (only because I was to low to make it across to the Landing) and upon docking and tying up I was refused service. Again at this time I did not make a seen because I do firmly believe in Karma and the guy who I now assume was this Jeff guy will in my mind be struck down by Karma.
I two have been researching what it would take to propose another marina in the bay area. There are many holes in the first rite of refusal that the current marina has and what a great way to live if someone put a hole in it. I can't think of anything better than to run a great facility with great service. Isn't that the dream of any moral person? Over time I have no doubt the shape of our current marinas will change!
Timmy

[HavasuDreamin']

After reading numerous posts regarding this topic, it is clear to me that the manager is a total and complete a-hole who dictates what goes on around there and no-one has been able to do anything about it.
It is fine if the marina has rules (must launch in lane 7 if over 30' etc.) or your boat has to meet certain DB readings to be able to launch.
The problem arises when the rules are inconsistent to the point of them determining (based on prejudice) who is allowed and who isn't allowed to launch. On top of that, add a manager who's communication skills consist of screaming at people regardless of the situation instead of talking to them in a professional manner, and there is a problem.
If the two issues are boat length and noise, they should have a tape measure and DB meter and then give the boats that pass a sticker. Easy, no drama.........end of problem! But they don't. :confused:
All I can say is if that dude layed into me hollering, etc. in front of my wife and children, I would beat his ass and let the cops take me to jail. Totally uncalled for. :mad:

[Havasu_Dreamin]

Originally posted by FastTimmy
I two have been researching what it would take to propose another marina in the bay area.
I've thought of this weell but can't seem to come to any conclusion onwhere an additional marina could be placed in the bay. The driving force behind adding an additional marina would be multiple launching lanes, ample towrig/trailer parking that is paved, a wipe down area large enough for 15+ boats at one time, ample courtesy dock space, and protection from the wind to ease in launching and retrieving. With those in mind I really can't think of anywhere else in the bay that a marina could be built.
If the Nautical was smart they would invest in fixing their ramp by widening it to at least 5 lanes and making it a concrete ramp. They could have a small marina that would certainly cut into Lake Havasu Marinas business.

[Ducatista]

Originally posted by shueman
Anyone up for "Boycott Havasu Marina" bumper stickers...?? Maybe "Impeach Jeff B"...??
Windsor is much easier to deal with, annual pass and all.
Damn good idea shueman.....although there's probably a rule against derogatory bumper stickers at the Islander and I would get kicked out...............lol:D Glad I don't need the Marina.

[dicudmore]

I've had that marina guy decline to let me launch my 29.
However, he gave me grief w/my pontoon also, and thats definitely not too loud for him. Maybe its just an attitude thing

[PerfectionDtail]

Kevin,
I know you want stories, but try to launch yourself or have a staff member try it with 3-4 different boats (size,noise level, etc) on different days of the week. Just have a tape recorder and get the results for yourself.
I am sure if you need to access different boats, there are more than enough people here to help solve that problem.
I think it would be a great story to have a HB staff member experience it at first hand and publish the results.

[Krumbsnatcher]

Originally posted by BADBLOWN572
I have launched at the marina once and it was a nightmare. When I backed the boat into the water, fired it up, the guy came running over from the gas dock telling me to turn it off. I didn't listen to him so I kept the motor running to warm it up. He then started screaming at me cussing me up one side and down the other. I backed the boat off of the trailer and docked it at the courtesy dock right next to the launch ramp. He came up and started yelling at me and I started getting pissed. He said "I told you to turn that shit off!" I said, "I'm sorry, I didn't hear you, my boat was too loud." This enraged the guy so he said that he was going to impound my boat. At this point in time, he was just furious. I informed him that he is willing to try to impound it, but it would not be fun for him. I think that I said something to the effect of you touch my boat you will be in severe amounts of pain. I said I was on the water and he has no jurisdiction over the waterways. He stopped at that point in time.
After that, he said, "Fine, I will just impound your truck and trailer." I said, "For what?" He said that he has the right to refuse service to anyone he chooses and that he refused service to me and that my truck and trailer would be tresspassing on private property if I left it there. I said that I will be more than happy to take the trailer out, but he needs to refund my money because I am not able to store them there. He said no way! At that point in time, I was over arguing with the A-hole so we took the truck and trailer back to the London Bridge and took the boat out of the water at site 6.
The other negative experience that I had was when I was stocking up on good karma. I was towing a guy in who broke and as soon as I passed the gas dock the guy said that I need to shut off. I pulled the guy over to the courtesy dock and he came back up to the boat again. He didn't remember the boat, but started giving me grief that the boat is too loud and that I am violation of the laws. I told him that he has no authority over me or my boat and that I am not using his facility so shut up. He then said that he was going to call the cops. I told him to go ahead and that by the time the cops showed up, I would be long gone.
With how bad it has gotten over the past 2 years, I avoid the place like the plague. I go to the river to have fun, not to deal with a-holes on a power trip. The problem is that the marina has the nicest facilities and the best ramp. Lately I have been launching out of site 6, but I would much rather pay the launch fee at the marina if the guy would stay off of his high horse and just be a cool ***boater. After all, what do you think Havasu was built off of, cool boats and big horse power.
I had the exact same experience just lately but on a very off weekend, I mean there was noone on the launch ramp I had my boys with me and their cousin (7,8,11) in the boat I proceeded to start the boat and let her warm up a bit or she won't run very well (blown motor). I had the boat in the water about to unhook from the trailer motor running and some dickhead named "Sam" started yelling at my wife, I could not hear what he was saying so i turned off the boat. he started yelling at me that the boat was too loud and etc.. and that guys like me with our big boats and big lifted trucks and ego's were no longer welcome here.
Remind you I had my kids in the boat and my wife in my truck and this yahoo stated yelling at me. I have owned a residence in Havasu for the last 8 years. I realize that an argument would be of no use so i tell him that i hope he has a job next year, then i proceed to pack the kids up and launch at windsor.
I will never ever buy gas at that marina or purchase anything, i will bum ice off other boaters or whatever,
that place needs the old people out and except it havasu is where the money plays and will allways be there, so they can take their shitty little quiet fishing boats and stick up their asses.
Besides i can now launch at Windsor for $80 season pass.

[Krumbsnatcher]

Originally posted by Havasu_Dreamin
I've thought of this weell but can't seem to come to any conclusion onwhere an additional marina could be placed in the bay. The driving force behind adding an additional marina would be multiple launching lanes, ample towrig/trailer parking that is paved, a wipe down area large enough for 15+ boats at one time, ample courtesy dock space, and protection from the wind to ease in launching and retrieving. With those in mind I really can't think of anywhere else in the bay that a marina could be built.
If the Nautical was smart they would invest in fixing their ramp by widening it to at least 5 lanes and making it a concrete ramp. They could have a small marina that would certainly cut into Lake Havasu Marinas business.
What about that water station it has boat ramps but is currently reserved for sherifs and water patrols. The city is growing come on havasu wake up we need a ramp near the south side of town.

[BoatFloating]

No need to buy ice from them. There is enough floating stores on the weekends to get it from them. I haven't bought a thing from that place in 5 years and don't plan on changing....

[FastTimmy]

Havasu_Dreamin
I've thought of this weell but can't seem to come to any conclusion onwhere an additional marina could be placed in the bay. The driving force behind adding an additional marina would be multiple launching lanes, ample towrig/trailer parking that is paved, a wipe down area large enough for 15+ boats at one time, ample courtesy dock space, and protection from the wind to ease in launching and retrieving. With those in mind I really can't think of anywhere else in the bay that a marina could be built.
If the Nautical was smart they would invest in fixing their ramp by widening it to at least 5 lanes and making it a concrete ramp. They could have a small marina that would certainly cut into Lake Havasu Marinas business.
I have first been trying to just pierce the bubble. If that happens I would solicit investers. As far a location goes I would love to see it go in directly across the bay from the marina and access from hwy 95 out by the first terrible herbts gas station on the way into town. Over by what I think is the water district building..

[OutCole'd]

Originally posted by FastTimmy
I have first been trying to just pierce the bubble. If that happens I would solicit investers. As far a location goes I would love to see it go in directly across the bay from the marina and access from hwy 95 out by the first terrible herbts gas station on the way into town. Over by what I think is the water district building..
I'm pretty sure I know where you could find the investors.:wink:

[Keith E. Sayre]

I'm trying to be polite about this but---who appointed the marina
hourly employees and the managers of this particular small gas
station on the water to be in charge of enforcing noise laws etc.
I don't recall seeing them anywhere at any training seminars
and I haven't seen any badges on their shirts which would give
them authority to enforce anything. I also don't remember hearing the city council giving them specific instructions about
what type of clientele is welcome and who isn't welcome.
Keith Sayre
Conquest Boats
Lake Havasu City

[Back To Havasu]

I too have had bad experiences at the marina. I arrived at 7 AM one Thursday morning, to get a slip for the weekend. After paying for the slip and launching my boat, I found the slip to be full of another boat. When I reported that, I was told for the first time that the prior renter doesn't have to be out until noon. OK, so I ask if there is anywhere I can slip or dock my boat for an hour, while I go back to the hotel and change clothes, and grab a cooler. Jeff says no. I look around, and there are many guest slips open, and some empty rental slips 50' from where we are speaking. I ask him if they are taken, and he says no but I can't use them. When I said he should have warned me when I rented the slip (at the back of the slip rows) that it may be full until noon, he acted like he could care less.
I have been going to Havasu since 1959, and owned a home there for 24 years, and the people at the marina have had attitudes in the past, but this group is the worst. Yet they seem to know they have carte blanche with the public. I like Winsor much better. Just an old guy's $.02.:confused:

[My Man's Sportin' Wood]

Sounds like they could use an expose in Hot boat Magazine with colorful pictures of "jeff's" red, cursing face, and a video to back it up. Can I come and watch? Perhaps then, the owners might consider a change in managment. I could use a new job. I have 17 years experience with the public and I'm one class away from a social science degree, I know people. :D

[Debbolas]

Can you imagine, that wouldn' t be a bad job. On the water all day. Dealing with boater folk (some nice ones on this form) I can think of worse things to do.
I agree with the boat magazine expose, undercover, WORST MARINA'S IN THE WORLD!!!!
;)

[Tinkerer]

So why can't you just have the IDIOTS arrested??
Here in Michigan we had a drunk canoeist cuss up a storm just in earshot of an officer.
He was arrested becaust it was also heard by women and children.
take a video camera to the marina with your boat full of kids and get it on tape.
The other idea is for an undercover officer to take his boat there with kids and let the guy go off on him.
I would like to see his face when he takes out his badge and puts the hand cuffs on him.
The other thing would be for as many people as possible to set this guy off in one day and maybe he will have a corronary.
If I paid to launch and then was turned away they had better refund my money or else I would be pressing charges.
THIS IS BS.

[shueman]

Originally posted by Krumbsnatcher
What about that water station it has boat ramps but is currently reserved for sherifs and water patrols. The city is growing come on havasu wake up we need a ramp near the south side of town.
Didn't the city recently acquire beach land south of the city? What's it called, Second Cove?
Nice place to expand access, build a park, beaches, etc. Havasu needs to develop boater amenities downstream to take the "crunch" out of the channel and marina area.
Just my 2¢

[Havasu Cig]

I have been out of town for a week and just saw this post...
When we had our second Mach 26 with a blown I/O I had jeff yell at me for noise numerouse times. I always started the boat and idled out past the buoy and waited for my other 1/2 to park the truck. I tryed to be polite as possible, but it did not matter.
When we had our Mach 26 with twin O/B's I attempte to get on the waiting list for a slip. Jeff looked out the window at our boat tyed up to the gas dock and asked if that was our boat. I said yes, and he said he would not rent me a slip because he wanted to rent to family oriented boats. I continued to question him about the reason he was denying me a slip, and he said that he wanted to rent to boats with Shorepower hookups. I don't know of to many people that would use shorepower at Havasu, but I just gave up.
We now have a 38 Cigarette. Two seasons ago we were out at the lake for the Heatwave Poker Run and the Marina stated that we could not launch our boat because of low water conditions. I launched at Windsor and the water level was fine. I called the Marina from my cell phone while I was on the water and asked if I could launch our 38's boat and was agin told the water level was to low. I informed them that I was floating outside the entrance to the Marina and the water level was fine, and was then told that the large boats were damaging the ramp. I asked where the cruisers were launching that had slips at the Marina because they weigh alot more than our Cig. At this point they became upset and that was the end of the conversations.
I have tryed to launch there several other times as well and was tuned away. Laste year I saw Gibson's trailer for his 39 MTI parked in the Marina parking lot and thought maybe their policy had changed. I drove down to the marina with our boat and was turned away again. I asked why the MTI was allowed to launch and they stated he had snuck in and he would not be allowed to pull his boat out. We all know this is B.S and is part of their selective enforcement regarding who can and who can not launch.
I drove down to the store on the way out and stopped to talk to Jeff. Jeff began screaming at me to get out of his Marina. I tryed to calmly ask him why I could not launch. His reply was that "People that own big boats are assholes". He said they want family boats to use the facilty instead, whatever the hell that means. Nice way to treat people.
This guy has no ability it seems to have a rational calm discussion with anybody.
I have written letters to the Mayor of LHC.
I have talked to a peron at the City who informed me about the Marina having first right of refusal on another facility. I was also told by this person that the Marina's lease stated that they have to provide service to the boaters of LHC. I told her this was not happening and she said there was nothing she could do.
I have written letters to Richie McCullough who owns the Marina with no response back.
We have owned a house in the City for almost five years and are considering just buying a pontoon boat and leaving it out there. Performance boating is just to much of a pain in the ass out there sometimes if you don't have a protected ramp to launch or retrieve your boat from.
I have plaques hanging on the wall of our Havasu house from our first Mach 26 that was on the cover of your magazine and the funny thing is that the shoot took place at the Marina both outside on the dock, and inside the garage area. Now the boat would not even be welcome there. Kind of ironic and sad.
The Marina, and specifically the manager has way to much power in my opinion because of having the only good ramp on the lake. The City does not seem to care and neither does the owner of the Marina. Hopefully it will change, but if it does not our house may become a full time rental instead. Much easier for us to tow 10 minutes to the ocean and boat offshore. :confused:
BTW: sorry for the spelling errors, I typed this quickly and I am on the way out the door.
Chris

[htm632]

Well as you can imagine myself and others have made several attempts to reach Richard McCulloch. I am sure that he has retreived the information that I have sent to him. I mailed this certified but without a returned reciept, knowing that he would not accept it. I am confident I know the direct addresses where he lives, but after putting a lot of thought to this why he would not get rid of Jeff as the manager of the marina that has been with him over 8 years. I couldnt think how much cash has been ran through that busniess that has not been reported to the IRS. Would you want to get rid of someone that knows you deepest secrets?
P.S there is obviously other ways to deal with this issue that might get all of us personal satisfaction.

[CAHotRodBoy]

I like the video tape idea. Guys like this are pretty easy to set up. You could tape from a boat in the water and catch him going off on selective customers.
Are there any lawyers on this board? I know they supposedly have the right to refuse service to anyone but I don't know if that is correct or not. Can they refuse service to all African-Americans and say they have the right to do so? I don't think so. Is a class action lawsuit an option? I'm not big on sueing but in this case....
Instead of a boycott, how about an embargo? We can all tie up our boats and block the entrance to the marina. Not let any other boats in or out. And face the transoms towards the ramp while reving the motors a little! :D

[Laveyman]

Originally posted by BADBLOWN572
I have launched at the marina once and it was a nightmare. When I backed the boat into the water, fired it up, the guy came running over from the gas dock telling me to turn it off. I didn't listen to him so I kept the motor running to warm it up. He then started screaming at me cussing me up one side and down the other. I backed the boat off of the trailer and docked it at the courtesy dock right next to the launch ramp. He came up and started yelling at me and I started getting pissed. He said "I told you to turn that shit off!" I said, "I'm sorry, I didn't hear you, my boat was too loud." This enraged the guy so he said that he was going to impound my boat. At this point in time, he was just furious. I informed him that he is willing to try to impound it, but it would not be fun for him. I think that I said something to the effect of you touch my boat you will be in severe amounts of pain. I said I was on the water and he has no jurisdiction over the waterways. He stopped at that point in time.
After that, he said, "Fine, I will just impound your truck and trailer." I said, "For what?" He said that he has the right to refuse service to anyone he chooses and that he refused service to me and that my truck and trailer would be tresspassing on private property if I left it there. I said that I will be more than happy to take the trailer out, but he needs to refund my money because I am not able to store them there. He said no way! At that point in time, I was over arguing with the A-hole so we took the truck and trailer back to the London Bridge and took the boat out of the water at site 6.
I was just about to post my account of an incident that I watched while launching my boat there one day, when I read your post and saw your boat's picture. I WAS YOU AND YOUR BOAT THAT I SAW THE D**KHEAD INSTANTLY FLAME OUT ABOUT!!! He was WAY outta lijne and a complete jerk with you for no reason.
I also saw the same idiot do the exact same thing to three guys launching a big Fountain two years ago. I think the man needs some Prozac!

[PerfectionDtail]

Maybe all of us are looking at this the wrong way about changing the marina. With all of the issues the owner isn't listening to, maybe we should try and make Windsor better.
Why can't big tires be put in the water to harbor the conditions that are needed to make a safe area? Why not dredge out the shallow spots? There is plenty of area available at Windsor to make it a safer place in all weather conditions.
Start including in the letters of hate to the city council regarding the marina, a solution for Windsor to make lauching better. I have no idea what things will cost to do this, but some simple concept solutions should not cost a million $$. All of the tires at marinas are used, and if dredging costs that much, consider me in the business.
Why dont they use tires now? Every other marina in AZ does.

[Krumbsnatcher]

Originally posted by PerfectionDtail
Maybe all of us are looking at this the wrong way about changing the marina. With all of the issues the owner isn't listening to, maybe we should try and make Windsor better.
Why can't big tires be put in the water to harbor the conditions that are needed to make a safe area? Why not dredge out the shallow spots? There is plenty of area available at Windsor to make it a safer place in all weather conditions.
Start including in the letters of hate to the city council regarding the marina, a solution for Windsor to make lauching better. I have no idea what things will cost to do this, but some simple concept solutions should not cost a million $$. All of the tires at marinas are used, and if dredging costs that much, consider me in the business.
Why dont they use tires now? Every other marina in AZ does.
The surronding area of windsor beach is considered a fish hatcheries both north and south, you would be tied up in court for years.
just my .02

[PerfectionDtail]

Originally posted by Krumbsnatcher
The surronding area of windsor beach is considered a fish hatcheries both north and south, you would be tied up in court for years.
just my .02
Are they "man made?" If so, can they be moved or are they a natural habitat?

[mickeyfinn]

If the lease on the marina is from the city there may be a possible legal avenue:
1. Someone should request a copy of the marina's lease. This should not be a problem as it is subject to an open records request and as such the government has 3 days to produce the documents or they can suffer penalties.
2. Get a group of performance boaters together and consult an attorney.
3. Spend some time getting rejected. Also spend some time getting data on the weight of large cruisers being allowed to launch. The idea being to show that they are being selective based on the type of boat not based on possible damage to the ramp.
4. File suit and request class action status and allow all the others who have been wronged by the marina to jump on the band wagon.
May not be huge damages to be awarded but maybe there are some real damages to be collected. It would also surely make the press and cost the people managing the place a ton of money. If they are truly tasked with providing the service to "boaters of lake havasu then all should have the right to use the facility if they are willing to pay the price of admission.