Smith Mountain Lake
 

I have been in the Roanoke area for about 5 years now. I hit the SML up a few times in the summer every year but because my boat was down, always had to rent. Well, now I that am operational and would love to meet some other locals. I have a 1987 Baja Force 250 named "Problem Child". If you see me out feel free to hit me up! I have seen several other nice boats on my trips around the lake. Several Baja's and others. Reply with your boat and name so I know who to be on the lookout for.

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Finally out on the water

I'm about an hour south of you on the NC/Virginia border with a Formula 311. We have visited SML twice (boating and dinner) and LOVE it!
I have not had my boat out on the Lake but if I do get up there...I'll let you know.

We did the Poker run this year for the first time. Great people and we had a blast. We made the 3hr trip up to the SML 4 times this year and love it. Our home lake is Lake Anna as its about 30min away but we love SML so much more. Hope to make it up there one more time this year. We will keep an eye out for you. We launch out of Penhook.

Hey there, we don’t have a name on our boat, but have a 86 scarab panther. The classic white with red stripes, keep it over by the bridge at water wheel.

we are up there about every weekend...American badass 32' fountain twin 572s

How is Smith Mountain Lake for performance boating are there many their?

SML has some performance boats. I see about three or four every time we go. Always-different ones. Like most lakes, I think the trend is pushing towards pontoons and jet / ski boats.



Blownzr1:

Were you at Wallers / Drifters about three weekends ago with another Fountain?

As mentioned, there are a few. There was a bad accident with a drunk and a 38ZRC years ago, and there are are still people that don't like the go-fasts. But there a few that live full time on the lake, and a number of others that visit for the spring Poker Run with SMLBA.COM. And there is the SMLPBA.com as well. Member "mwdill" lives at the lake with their 388 Hustler, and is always out there. "DreJustice" here on OSO also has a place there and has had a number of go-fasts including Ultra, AT, and currently a badass DCB.

How is it for restaurants and bars?

There are several restaurants and bars. But comparing Lake Norman to Smith Mountain Lake, Lake Norman is definitely more lively.
SML is VERY rural, so the primary clientele is folks that arrive by boat.


SML:
https://www.facebook.com/drifterssml/
https://www.jakesplacesml.com/
https://www.facebook.com/mexicoviejobridgewater/
https://mangosbarandgrill.com/
Welcome To The Landing Restaurant

Following this close. We are planning a trip up i August and plan on bringing at least my scarab with us. Maybe the hydrostream also.

There are plenty of areas you can run the Hydrostream in "off hours" but there are a LOT of unpredictable boaters out there. You are not going to want to run the whole lake with the HS, but you will still have fun with it there.

This circled area to the west is my favorite section to just get out there for a nice cruise on smoother water.
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I agree with sydways. Great area to cruise and not as much traffic. I will add that you should launch at Penhook #9 Boat Ramp. It is close to the circled area. We enjoy the area west of RT 711 (Bernard’s Landing). That whole section of the lake is more laid back and would be better for the Hydrostream.

Thanks for the info we haven't completely decided on where to get the house. Something with a dock and 5 bedrooms is what we are looking for close enough to the restaurants and what not to goto easy by boat but far enough away that its not crazy all week