Hey Fellas!

I am new to the Central South Area and live in Bowling Green, KY. I am excited to boat around this area which I have asked a lot of people but have been given a lot opinions and thoughts on where to and not to boat. I need help and want to hear you guys since I have been told you know these waters all too well. I have a 32 Sunsation and am looking to do the big waters like Cumberland River & Old Hickory - wanting to park the boat and go to lunch and dinner on the water & the party areas as well. I have been told by many people up here that I shouldn't go on Old Hickory because it is too shallow in areas and could damage my boat. I need help with knowing were to go & where to launch - any and all help - Have never been on the lake and from the videos I have seen - the boats and power and bigger then mine so I am not getting great info. Thank you for the help and can't wait. I plan on coming down this weekend on the river & downtown Nashville & possibly Hickory.

The river is OK and we run it every now and then, but it doesn't really lend itself well to just hanging out on the water in my opinion. We boat on Old Hickory most of the time. It does have some tricky spots, but if you can read channel markers, then you can boat safely there. Rockland Recreation Area on the north side of the lake and Shutes Branch on the south bank (check the Corps of Engineers maps) are good places to put in. There are a couple of restaurants/bars on that end of the lake as well... The Rudder at Anchor High Marina and The Black Pearl at Blackjack Cove Marina. Most people hang out at Two Foot (the lake's party cove) which is just up the lake from Shutes Branch.

Check out the Music City Powerboat Association (MCPA on the OSO Forums, on Facebook, or at musiccitypowerboat.com). There are a number of us on here that go to poker runs and hang out on the lake together. There are some big power machines around here, but the owners are all pretty good guys (and gals).

Lastly, if you need service, we are lucky to have one of the best powerboat mechanics anywhere right here in Nashville. Eric Betty at EB Marine if you need him.

Welcome to the area!

Chewymalone - Thanks for the info and your opinion definitely a huge help and will check that out this weekend then!

Welcome to the area. I agree with what Rick (Chewy) said about the lake and Eric.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/m...nashville.html

Looks like Eddie is trying to get a group together Saturday for a run down the river for lunch. Might be a good idea to shoot him a message and meet up to let him serve as a guide.

Another note, Cumberland is a much better lake for boating but Old Hickory is much closer for a day trip.

Y'all need a ride, or are Neil & Cindy carrying your BOATLESS asses???

A group is locking thru Sat am, and running approx 54 miles down the river. Come on down and meet some of the bunch and enjoy the last of the pretty weather. I'm exactly 30 miles south of the Scottsville Rd get off on I-65. If you want to come to my place around 8:30, you can follow me down to splash. I'm less than a mile off the 2nd TN exit (112)......another 20 to the water. PM me if interested.........Mark

Didn't know you all were going. I'll give you a call this afternoon.

Thanks for the info Nashpda & AngerMgmt!

I live on the Southside of BG off Nashville Rd - I am going to say I would love to come down and meet the crew - I am going to be waiting for a group of people to come out which they wouldn't be around till noon time frame. Where are you going to be putting your boat in at? I would consider putting in there to at least meet some of the crew - You guys doing an all day affair? - I going to be out all day - I am trying to find the spots out on the map right now so I have a halfway idea where I am going

Steve Dunaway

Rockland Recreation area will be the closest launching ramp for you. Good ramp, secure area (lights and police patrol) when you leave your car.

Sent you a PM with my cell # if you need help figuring out where it's at.

Paul