I stopped by Hayes Haven today and couldn't help but notice all the construction. The office is gone. Anyone know whats taking place there. I wonder if the changes are going to allow easier access to the launch ramp.

Mike,

I haven't been there since late in the season last year and I haven't talked with Jamie either, but I think the plan was to get the new construction in place and then rip down the old building. Either way, I hope you're right that the changes will allow for easier access to the ramp... it was pretty tight in there with the larger boats. Regardless, I really like both Jamie and HH and will certainly be back as long as he'll still have us and the rates are still reasonable.

Speaking of which, I WILL buy a season pass this year. I think I spent about 2 or 3 times more last year paying per launch compared to what I would have paid for a season pass. Then again Mike, I seem to recall you bought a season pass and used the ramp once or twice! We had to be two of his better customers last year, haha!

Havent spoke to Jamie or Smitty in a few months but when I was last down there the new bathroom facilities were near completion. Unlike the previous setup, the bathrooms and showers are now a stand alone building.

In terms of the house/store...Not sure. I know they were knocking everything down and re-building. My guess is that they will re-use the foundation? I dont know. No idea how that will effect the launch ramp either.

In any event, they are doing an awesome job down there. Once everything is finished, it will be a great facility.

I will be calling there soon to try to reserve a dry dock for Johnboy and myself.

Jamie is completely knocking down the old office/house and rebulding it with a new office/house. Last he told me was the first floor of the building will be the office, and the top floor with be his year round house since he is selling his house in Haddam. Not sure if he will be using the same foundation, but knowing him he will build something much larger based on he will be living their full time now. I will be going down their soon to renew my slip and if I see him ill ask him what his definite plans are.

Hey Scott, your right. we were 2 of Jamie's best customers. I used the ramp 4 times last year. I plan to do another season pass this year. I really like that place. Great people and an all around nice atmosphere there. Launching in fresh water is another plus. I'm just hoping for a little more room accessing the ramp. Hopefully a bigger office/house doesn't effect the ramp. Even moving a few of the cars, etc. around the maintenance building would help quite a bit.

Very good point Mike. I agree, just moving the customer and employee cars/trucks (and occasional equipment) that's often parked in front or just to the left of the maintenance building would be a huge help. I think the reality is space is at a premium there and for 95% of the customers those vehicles are a non-issue. Most of the trailers pulling in and out of there are dunking 21' or less boats (and a lot of ski's). Let's face it, there aren't a lot of 35+' boats going in and out of that ramp on a regular basis. We often use the ramp when the marina is the busiest, which compounds the problem.

Just a simple no parking sign just to the left of the maintenance building and having the business equipment in front of it pulled up a little tighter towards the maintenance building would likely solve most of the problems... even if it were just on the weekends.

But yes, I like the marina a lot and I'm glad Jamie allows us access.

how much cheaper is it than between the bridges??????? I dont understand why you guys would keep your "OFFSHORE" boats 20 miles up a river.........