Planning a trip this weekend to Lake Martin. I have never run this lake. Was wondering if you all could give me some tips and pointers on some info. On it. I will be coming from the Dothan area. Where would be best place to launch from,place to stay for one night? Are there any other performance boats that run up there? Where does everyone hang out? Restaurants? Watering holes? Planning on running the lake on Saturday and staying there that night. Any other OSO members gonna be there? All tips and info would be appreciated.

There used to be ton of perfomance boats on that lake until the "Nancy" people that live on the lake signed a petition to limit lenght and horse power. I heard they were trying to repeal it but not sure if it has gone thru. Looking at your avatar your boat may be too long. No kidding.

I am not at all familiar with the lake (I am on Smith, in North AL) but I know Sinclairs (bar/food) is on the lake and have heard some good reviews. There is a hangout (Chimney Rock i think ????) but with the water so cold, not sure if there will be anyone rafting. Never been.

If you are up there early, it is worth the stop by at Harris Performace Marine in Dadeville. Jeff is a super nice guy and he tends to have some super cool boats from all over that he works on.

As far as ramps go, there is a good public ramp just north of the bridge on 280 to the right. Just follow the signs. I used to fish a little there when I was in college.

I doubt you will hear from a lot of perfomance boat guys tho becuase of the "Nancy" law.

Nevermind on length, you should be good. I think it is 29 from drainplug to bow tip. For some reason I thought your avatar said 33OL

Wow! Didnt know much about that! Thanks for all the info. And tips. Might be out there by myself! Lol! Definitely will go check out Harris performance marine. Thanks bud.

They use radar there and if you're running over 60 they will stop and write you. Their rule is no boats over 26' that will run in excess of 60. They refer to our boats as "Cigar" boats...go figure.

2: years ago I had my 255 there and got clocked at 63. Th e water cop gave me a ration of $hit about "You Florida people in your Hot Rod Cigar Boats ain't coming in here and phuk up our lake. He thought my 255 was 27' until I showed him the registration at 25'-5". He and his "gomer" deputy actually measured across the swim platform and got close to 28'. He wrote me a warning and they pestered me following me and a few other boats around all weekend.

I grew up in Birmingham and learned to water ski on Lake Martin. Back in the 60's and 70's we had some strong 20' 100 HP Mercury OB Checkmates running in the 60's on Martin with no issues. The people in Alabama let the "boat Nazi's" win on that lake. When I go to Alabama and take the boat I go to Tennessee River, Guntersville or Smith Lake North of Birmingham....no Nazis there...yet.

Martin is a big beautiful lake,,,just be careful.

PM me next time you are up on Smith.

I have been wanting to trailer down your way. I have some kinfolk just north of you in Jenson Beach. Jenson and Stuart are some pretty cool boating towns.

Wow,thanks for the heads up! Think I am changing my mind. I am at 27ft. And run 70mph. Don't want to take a chance of being hassled by the water cops. Thanks a million.

you are probably making a good move. The weather doesn't look all that stellar this weekend. Come on up to Smith one weekend. No speed limits, no length limits, deep water, clean lake, the cops leave you alone unless you are being a total d-bag, and you have about 518 miles of shoreline to explore.

By an act of the Alabama Legislature, restrictions were enacted relating to length and speed of boats on Lake Martin. These are summarized as follows:

The use of houseboats shall be prohibited.
The use of vessels greater than 26 feet 11 inches in length and rated by the manufacturer for or capable of a top speed in excess of 60 miles an hour shall be prohibited.
The use of vessels greater than 30 feet 6 inches in length, as determined by the straight line distance between the ends of the boat, excluding bowsprits, outboard motor brackets, rudders or other attachments shall be prohibited.

Exception, exclusions and definitions relating to this law can be found at the full text of the law here.
Regulatory Issues | Lake Martin Resource Association

Glad I saw this, will cross off Lake Martin of places to go this summer.