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Joe Diver
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1218 Posts

Initially Posted - 11/25/2011 : 19:57:20

When I went to renew my slip at Harbor One, I was presented with the opportunity to move across the lake to Eagle Mountain Marina, the nicest marina on the lake, second only to the Fort Worth Boat Club.....the oldest yachting club in the region and a private, country club atmosphere....very nice, but with dues, initiation fees and sponsorship requirements....but THE spot for a sailor.....Eagle Mountain Marina is over by the dam and flood gates. It has really nice docks, lighting, facilities, secured access, fuel dock, pumping station....all the bells and whistles. I moved up from a 10x20 at Harbor One to a 13x30 at Eagle Mountain Marina.

Making the move over was a matter of timing. First, I don't trust my motor anymore so I had to have a day with decent wind that I could sail across the lake but not whipping so hard I couldn't sail into the marina if necessary. Also, I needed a ride back over to H1 to get my Jeep....today met the criteria so off I went. I took Lonnie up on his offer made here to give me a ride.

I started my motor in the slip....ran like a champ. I left it running while I removed my dock lines, fenders, power lines....basically all my stuff. Every once in a while I'd rev the little motor....but for almost 15 minutes, it ran like a little champ with not even a miss or idle die. Super!

Backed out of my slip, started motoring up the slough past the other docks, increased throttle to full and I was on my way. Nice winds on the lake, around 15 to 20 out of the south, low 60's and overcast. As I approached the open lake....bog...cough...bog....cough....***, really? I played with the throttle, choke, pumped the bulb....nothing mattered...it was gonna die, running like crap.

Luckily, I had rigged the main. Like I said, I don't trust that motor. Turned into the wind, hoisted the main, trimmed out, killed the motor and raised it. I called Lonnie and let him know I was under sail and very well may have to sail into the new marina. He said no worries, call when you round the point. I then proceeded to have a wonderful sail across the lake! I was running around 3.5 to 4 knots under the main alone. A few good puffs, I hit 5 knots! Just under the main....she was a bit hard to hang on to during those puffs, but I didn't care. I was on a strong beam reach, splashing through the waves, heeled over just a bit. It was GREAT!!!

So, as I round the point and approach the marina, I start running over slow maneuvers, controlling speed by depowering the main, pinching into the wind. I feel pretty good...well, as good as I can feel knowing I'm about to sail into a marina slip for the first time, alone. I'm good, I can do this. I call Lonnie again and let him know I'm inbound. As I neared the channel to enter the marina, thought I'd try the motor and see if it'll last long enough to get me in. It had a chance to rest, and I had been talking to it on the sail over, promising if it just got me in the slip I'd have a real mechanic look at it.

Little booger fired right up, running like a champ. Turned into the wind, dropped the main right outside the marina and motored in. As I turned down the slipway I could see Lonnie waving at me. He disappeared between boats and reappeared down at my new slip. As I neared the slip and prepared for docking, there was a welcoming committee waiting for me! Lonnie and his son Brian, Doug (Arlington), Howard and his wife, and another guy (can't remember his name but I'll see him again) and his younger son....7 people at my slip waiting to help me out! That was so very cool indeed.

I came into the slip without incident and tossed my lines, 2 bow and 2 stern. The guys centered my boat up, tensioned the lines properly, and tied me up for the first time. We all had introductions, laughed and joked for a bit, then Lonnie and Brian drove me back to H1 so I could get my Jeep. When I came back Doug, Howard and his wife were still there....so we hung out, chatted, went and looked at Frank's old boat, and made plans to get together again.

It was a great day to sail...everything worked out well, and I got to meet some folks from the association in person. Thanks again Lonnie for the ride back over, and to everyone for helping me tie up in my new slip!

Scott

When we left, we had just enough fuel to make it to San Juan. And now... we are out of fuel!

Edited by - on

pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

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2402 Posts

Response Posted - 11/25/2011 : 20:18:35

Money well spent, become active in the association.

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 11/25/2011 : 21:32:46

It's always good to have friends to help out. glad your motor started up again. sounds like a good sail.
We've had 2 great days weather-wise, but no sailing due to holiday/family obligations.

Edited by - on

Ape-X
Admiral

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USA
662 Posts

Response Posted - 11/26/2011 : 07:04:43

sounds like a nice marina. We are looking to relocate, but our trip is all the way up lake michigan and down Huron, about a 500 mile trip? We may tackle that this summer, as we are 2.5hrs from our boat now, moving shaves an hour off of drive time.

As far as your motor troubles, check and recheck your tank venting. If it is running fine, and over the course of time it sputters out like losing fuel, it is: the vacumm created in the tank will not allow fuel to reach the engine. (something I was warned about, but learned the hard way anyway...)

Edited by - Ape-X on 11/26/2011 07:10:07

Joe Diver
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1218 Posts

Response Posted - 11/26/2011 : 07:49:27

Tank venting may be right on the money.

When the motor began to fail, I noticed I could pump the bulb and it wasn't completely solid. I made sure the vent cap was open, but the cap with the fuel hose was a little loose.

I tightened it down and repositioned the way the fuel hose runs. The second time I rant the motor, I unscrewed the fuel cap and left it sitting loose on top of the tank. This was the time the motor ran like a champ into the new marina. The pump bulb was rock hard the whole time.

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5895 Posts

Response Posted - 11/26/2011 : 08:03:01

Also, examine the fuel hose and squeeze bulb carefully, and replace them if suspicious. I found that minute cracks near the hose connections could prevent the engine from getting enough fuel. Also, I usually replaced the crimped-on hose clamps in the fuel line with stainless steel screw clamps, because the crimped clamps often loosened. If the hoses are rubber, the sun degrades them, and if they're plastic, they crack from winter cold. It doesn't take much of a flaw in the fuel line to prevent fuel getting to the engine.

Edited by - on

PCP777
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1225 Posts

Response Posted - 11/26/2011 : 12:07:09

Sounded like a fun adventure. As you probably know I have had all sorts of problems with my engine. The good news is that I finally fixed it with new plugs and a new fuel filter, have had zero issues since. Best $30 I have spent in a while!

Edited by - on

JimGo
Admiral

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USA
962 Posts

Response Posted - 11/26/2011 : 20:34:45

Sounds like a great day, congratulations! Good luck in your new home - sounds like you are off to a great start!

Edited by - on

Joe Diver
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1218 Posts

Response Posted - 11/27/2011 : 17:49:24

When I brought my motor home last month to do a tune up, I replaced my fuel system completely. I bought a new tank, lines, bulb, filter. The old stuff was pretty nasty and dry rotted.

Possibly there's something not adjusted or tightened down enough and air is getting in the system at WOT.

When the motor was running poorly, the bulb was soft and felt like it had air in it.

When the motor was running well, into the marina, the bulb was rock solid.

I'm looking forward to time in this new marina....it's nice and I've already met more people than I ever met at H1. There's only a couple of sailboat docks, the rest is covered stinkpot parking.

I took a walk around looking at boats and stuff...wow...there are some serious $$$$$ vessels out on H Dock! Huge yachts....I'm talking multi bedroom, multi floor big boys. Lost of folks have added patio space to their slips and have BBQ grills, couches, TV's, table/chairs, hanging lights, decorations....it's really cool so many have well equipped slips patios. Looks to me like this marina is gonna be a happening place come summer. I'm gonna look into having some of my slip converted to patio space....if it's not too cost prohibitive that is.

Edited by - Joe Diver on 11/27/2011 17:54:45

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5357 Posts

Response Posted - 11/27/2011 : 18:14:31

There is nothing better than a few (4?) comfortable deck chairs for the dock/patio. A slip box is handy too, mostly as a small table to hold your drinks, but also for storage of cleaning supplies (hoses, brushes, detergent, etc). When I was on a slip, I built a two-step stairway (7" rise, 9" run x 42" wide for each step) out of plywood and 2x6s to make it easy and comfortable for guests to enter and leave the boat. Painted it with "grip" paint. Steps sat right on the dock tied to a cleat.

Good luck on the new place and enjoy the scene! Should provide you a great opportunity to meet some new folks who may be helpful in the non-boating areas of your life as well...

Edited by - on

davidbloodworth
1st Mate

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USA
78 Posts

Response Posted - 11/27/2011 : 22:37:11

Scott, What made you decide to move? I looked at 4 different marinas at Eagle Mtn last summer. The one you moved to was definitely the nicest. How is the lake level these days?

Edited by - on

JimGo
Admiral

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USA
962 Posts

Response Posted - 11/28/2011 : 06:12:41

Scott, I think we need some pictures of the docks. I grew up around power boats (half a lifetime ago) and the marinas I've seen have never had something like what you're describing.

Edited by - on

Joe Diver
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1218 Posts

Response Posted - 11/28/2011 : 06:49:50

Next time I go out I'll try to remember to take pictures.

The majority of the covered stinkpot parking looks like big slips, maybe 15x40, with a nice powerboat and patio....mix of cabin cruisers, ski boats, pontoon boats. But out on H Dock....that's where the real money is. From brand new Sea Ray 480's on up to small ships it seems! Those slips are easily 20x60 covered, most have the end 15 to 20 feet developed into outdoor living areas with furniture, electronics, counterspace, etc....I mean, I have a nice, middle class suburban house, but these boys cost way more than my house and vehicles combined.

Eagle Mountain is where the Fort Worth money goes to play. All of the shoreline lakehouses are massive affairs. One guy in the slough outside my old marina has a 4 story mammoth, with a 2 story boat dock/patio and a little Hughes 500 parked on top.

David, I got a good deal on my slip that made it possible for me to move over. Since I've been at H1 and the same company owns both marinas, when I renewed my contract they cut me a deal. I'll stay here until I can afford to join the Fort Worth Boat Club and move over there. That's where I really want to be, just not in the finances yet.

Lake is still down about 6' or so....

Edited by - Joe Diver on 11/28/2011 06:55:09

PCP777
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1225 Posts

Response Posted - 11/28/2011 : 07:34:08

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by JimGo
 Scott, I think we need some pictures of the docks. I grew up around power boats (half a lifetime ago) and the marinas I've seen have never had something like what you're describing.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

We have the same thing in our marina, marble top counters, flat screens stainless steel kitchen stuff, some of these guys go all out, they even rent the slip beside them to cover it and expand.

Joe, in the summer the docks are party central around here, sounds like you will see the same over there. For us the "money" docks are N and O docks.

Edited by - on

JimGo
Admiral

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USA
962 Posts

Response Posted - 11/28/2011 : 08:37:58

Hmmmm...maybe it's a Texas thing. ;)

Edited by - on

Joe Diver
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1218 Posts

Response Posted - 11/29/2011 : 07:49:36

It's an economical way to have a lake place where lake front property is very expensive. Most of the houses are 1 mil+...not all though. I've seen a few small, old places priced at $550 but they need complete restoration. Usually that's for the lot. People just tear down the existing house and build a monster.

Considering the cost for slips, if you have a nice boat, well equipped with AC, TV, bedrooms, galley, shower...it functions as your house....and if you do a nice patio on your slip, or expand to the next slip over as Peter said, you can have a nice little place on the lake pretty cheap.

This is my eventual goal, down the road a few years. My next boat will be the one I keep until retirement, and I'll have a developed slip for it as well. I'm thinking Cedar Mills up on Texoma.

Edited by - on

JimGo
Admiral

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USA
962 Posts

Response Posted - 11/29/2011 : 10:24:52

I tried to check it on Google Maps, but all I can see are rooftops.

Oh, wait! Now I see it! There's a sailboat with a cover at the back of the slip. So these are small "floating docks" at the back of the slip which serve as the "livingroom" area? Huh, that's neat! Y'all must not get a lot of rain.

Edited by - JimGo on 11/29/2011 10:27:12

Joe Diver
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1218 Posts

Response Posted - 11/29/2011 : 11:44:38

Rain and hail, plus a brutal summer sun beating down on us.

This marina is more for powerboats than sailboats, hence all the covered docks and only 2 docks for sailboats. If you zoom in you can see how some of the sailors added deck space to their slips, and one guy who has a patio cover built on his.

My new space is on the first dock, the second space before the covered slips start. My neighbor, who has the slip right next to covered, has upgraded his slip with patio space. The rental/owned jetskis are across from us.

These are dock extensions, built into the framework of the dock structure, not just a floating piece.

Edited by - Joe Diver on 11/29/2011 11:46:01

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 11/29/2011 : 12:07:38

Not only is that a great looking marina, but you are now much closer to the main body of the lake. And a short walk from the parking lot as well.
I take it the 2 story building is the restaurant?

Edited by - dmpilc on 11/29/2011 12:18:24

PCP777
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1225 Posts

Response Posted - 11/29/2011 : 14:43:03

In my marina none of the sailboats really do anything more than put up some chairs and an umbrella on the wider part of the dock. All the power boaters do their spreads under covered slips. There are slips throughout the marina for sailboats, but I'm on the main sailboat dock, "R" dock, behind the marina office. I put a green pointer on my current slip. Looks a lot like your new digs Scott. There are 750 floating slips, my boat is right behind a store where you can buy boating items, ice, soft drinks and snacks. gas dock is right there as well. There is also covered areas for grilling, a pretty nice pool and a huge nightclub/restaurant that has a big live country venue as well as a separate smaller rock/pop live cover band venue. <s>After this picture was made</s>, if you zoom in you can see where they they also pulled a paddle wheeler named the Texas Queen out front and made it into a two story dance area. So on weekends this place gets pretty busy, glad we have gated access. It is fun as friends that are hanging out at the club will come by the boat for a beer or a night sail or sometimes we go up to the club to get our dance on, have a cold beer and people watch. The sailing dock is very quiet at night but other docks have some pretty spirited parties, we have friends all over the marina.

http://g.co/maps/eyyjy

I really love the community on the sailing dock, everyone helps each other with repairs, we go out sailing on each others boats etc. and our dock is where most of the beer can Wednesday night boats are, the gazebo behind the store is alo where wwe all get together for beers and grilling after the races. I originally had a slip on "E" dock and we were just a few sailboats over by the powerboat crowd and it was too much party central for me.

Edited by - PCP777 on 11/29/2011 14:47:33

Joe Diver
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1218 Posts

Response Posted - 11/29/2011 : 19:25:27

Looks like a really cool marina Peter! Looks like mine, but alot nicer! I swear I'm gonna make it out to Wednesday races some day.

We have a ship's store with general boating items, plus a small selection of groceries, drinks, ice creams....fuel dock, pump station.

The restaurant is seasonal. It closes October through March. They said there's just not enough business to keep it open year around. There are 3 other restaurants on the lake though. Harbor One, my old marina, has The Spot. Lake Country Marina has Scampi's....and over by me is the venerable "Augies", a local landmark party bar & grill. Augie's dock is just a stone's throw from the entrance to my new marina.

There's a BIG sign on the dock gate....says "Quiet Hours 11:00 PM to 8:00 AM". Don't know how or if it's enforced, but I guess I'll find out. No matter, if I want a quiet evening, there's plenty of spots to drop the hook out on the lake.

Edited by - on

PCP777
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1225 Posts

Response Posted - 12/02/2011 : 11:32:19

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Joe Diver
 Looks like a really cool marina Peter! Looks like mine, but alot nicer! I swear I'm gonna make it out to Wednesday races some day.

We have a ship's store with general boating items, plus a small selection of groceries, drinks, ice creams....fuel dock, pump station.

The restaurant is seasonal. It closes October through March. They said there's just not enough business to keep it open year around. There are 3 other restaurants on the lake though. Harbor One, my old marina, has The Spot. Lake Country Marina has Scampi's....and over by me is the venerable "Augies", a local landmark party bar & grill. Augie's dock is just a stone's throw from the entrance to my new marina.

There's a BIG sign on the dock gate....says "Quiet Hours 11:00 PM to 8:00 AM". Don't know how or if it's enforced, but I guess I'll find out. No matter, if I want a quiet evening, there's plenty of spots to drop the hook out on the lake.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Man, we are too close to not go sailing with each other on both lakes! We have all sorts of destinations, we have the harbor complex with these places to eat:

Agave Restaurant and Bar

Cold Stone Creamery
Dodies Cajun Diner
Gloria’s Restaurant
Luna de Noche
Paradise Burgers
Potrillo de la Sandia
Rocky Mountain Chocolate
Ruby Tuesday
Twisty Treats
Campisi’s
Sushi Saikou

There's also a super nice cigar shop called En Fuego and even an AMC movie theater next to the Hilton. A winery just opened up to. It's an awesome place to tie up, go eat, shopping etc. Yes, I have sailed to a movie. On the other side of the lake we have the Garland Bass Pro, Primos Mexican Grill and my favorite, the Flying Saucer which is a craft beer place with over 250 different types of beer and the best pub grub I've ever had.

here's the kicker though, with the drought I can no longer get to the harbor docks, they've become too shallow and getting to the Bass Pro docks are questionable but normally, along with the awesome long fetch from the south, LRH is a great destination lake.

I'd be totally stoked to come down and crew for you and explore Eagle Mountain. Let's wait for it to warm up and make it happen!

Edited by - on

JimGo
Admiral

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USA
962 Posts

Response Posted - 12/02/2011 : 12:35:14

I can't get over your marinas, especially for "just" being on a lake!!!! Here are two nicer marinas in my area. Note the lack of covered slips, and lack of "recreation areas" behind the slips!

http://g.co/maps/n3x6a

http://g.co/maps/p54dm

Edited by - on

PCP777
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1225 Posts

Response Posted - 12/02/2011 : 13:11:17

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by JimGo
 I can't get over your marinas, especially for "just" being on a lake!!!! Here are two nicer marinas in my area. Note the lack of covered slips, and lack of "recreation areas" behind the slips!

http://g.co/maps/n3x6a

http://g.co/maps/p54dm
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

We have the trade off of having a confined sailing area so having the nice marinas and the destinations but it was a sad day that first season when I first made it to the south end of the lake....but it also keeps us all together so it's easy to find my buddies when we're out...hence the two 3X5 pirate flags...makes my C-25 easy to find, we've had a heck of a lot of fun over the past 4 years.

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 12/02/2011 : 14:32:28

You guys have some nice facilities. We're on a land-locked lake which is also a wildlife preserve with a 300 ft. setback, so development is limited to 4 marinas (3 between the dam and a bridge which stops most of the sailboats), 2 city public parks, and a YMCA camp. There are no longer any lakeside repair facilities (1 marina was nearly full service, but no more), but on the upside, we have a very pretty shoreline all around. Two of the marinas also operate restaurants.

http://www.nashville.gov/parks/water/marina.asp

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&rlz=1Q1TSHB_enUS365US377&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=j+percy+priest+lake&fb=1&gl=us&hq=j+percy+priest+lake&hnear=0x8864ec3213eb903d:0x7d3fb9d0a1e9daa0,Nashville,+TN&cid=0,0,14139836422968561316&ei=AUTZToH0GIaTtwfI493tAQ&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=image&ved=0CAwQ_BI

Edited by - dmpilc on 12/02/2011 14:45:56

Joe Diver
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1218 Posts

Response Posted - 12/02/2011 : 16:47:21

Man, I wish Eagle Mountain had a harbor complex with all that stuff....that would be really cool, sailing up and docking, then going for dinner and a movie....then leaving by boat. Way cool....

Edited by - on

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