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8400 Long Island Rd, Catawba, NC 28609 828-241-4877; LongIslandMarina .com
DLR – Floatair
Rowboat Dock & Dredge
858 Williamson Rd, Mooresville, NC 28117
704-663-3478; TheRowBoatCompany com
Schronce Powersports
44 Chevy Dr, Taylorsville, NC 28681 828-632-3147 or 828-632-3429; SchronceSeadoo com
DLR – Hydroport PWC lifts
SportPort Drive-on-Docking System for your PWC or Boat
Call Shoreline Specialty 336-601-4453
Waterside Docks & Piers
112 Forestdale Loop, Mooresville, NC 28117 704-902-5445; WatersideDocks com
Boater’s Marine of Monroe 1309 Skyway Dr, Monroe, NC 28110 704-282-0967; BoatersMarineNC .com
Boater’s Warehouse
798 Brawley School Rd, Mooresville, NC 28117
704-664-2628; BoatersWarehouseStore com
Doc’s Marine
5803 Icard Ridge Rd, Hickory, NC 28601 828-598-0637; DocsMarineNC com
Four Seasons Marine Supply 1584 NC Hwy 16 N, Denver, NC 28037 704-489-8242
Huntley Marine
307 N Polk St, Pineville, NC 28134 704-889-2111; HuntleyMarine com
J&J Marine
2530 Badin Rd, Albemarle, NC 28001 704-983-8674
Adventure Rent A Boat Year ‘Round Rentals
704-519-7318
Badin Lake Marina
Pontoon rentals on Badin Lake 700 Lake Forest Dr, New London, NC 28127 336-461-2565
Carefree Boat Club
Lake Norman & Lake Wylie 704-557-0848; CarefreeBoats .com
Carolina Boat Rentals
We Deliver to Lake Norman, Mtn Island & Wylie Access Ramps 704-614-2118; CarolinaBoatRentals .net
Charlotte Cycleboat
Book your individual tickets on a Party Mixer Cruise, or book the whole boat up to 15 ppl. Reservation required. 17505 W Catawba Ave, Cornelius, NC 704-360-3030; CharlotteCycleboats .com
CS Rentals of Lake Norman PWCs, Pontoons 1177 River Hwy, Mooresville, NC 28117 704-662-9551; CSPerformance com
Lake Hickory Boat Rental & Marina 6706 Limbaugh Ln, Hickory, NC 28601 828-855-2916; LakeHickoryMarina net
Lake Norman Boat Rentals
Pontoons for daily or weekly rentals 704-677-5036; LakeNormanPontoons .com
3374 John G Richards Rd, Liberty Hill, SC 29074 803-475-1224; WatereeMarinaInc .com
Enjoy the ride with a professional at your helm.
Captain Harry Smith
We Pilot Your Boat; You Enjoy the Ride 980-722-9317 or 704-455-3567
Captain Stetson Lewis
Captain service/private boating lessons Call or text 980-613-0206; captainstetson1@gmail .com
Scott Spivey, USCG Ret.
Captain service/private boating lessons 704-361-2991; uscgc17@bellsouth net
Lake Hickory Adventures
Cruising Lake Hickory; Groups up to 50 Lake Hickory Marina at the 321 Bridge 6706 Limbaugh Ln, Hickory, NC 28601 828-358-3284; LakeHickoryAdventures com
Lake Norman Yacht Charters 2303 Gunners Ct, Charlotte, NC 28270 704-542-5492; LakeNormanCharters com
Light’n Up Houseboat Charter
On Lake Wylie 704-813-8033
Luxury Yacht Charters
Lake Norman – Year Round 8218 Parkton Gate Dr, Huntersville, NC 28078 704-451-7433; CruiseTheLake com
Sailing on Lake Norman with “The Captain” 30’ sailboat, sailing out of WaterStreet Seaport 704-362-0038
Tailrace Marina
1010 Marina Village Drive, Mount Holly, NC 28120 704-827-0000; TailraceMarina com
Yachta Yachta Yachta PO Box 1248, Cornelius, NC 28031 704-892-0991
All Seasons Marina
At Marker T-3 827 Langtree Rd, Mooresville, NC 28117
704-892-3478; AllSeasonsMarina net
American Marine Liquidators 4879 NC Hwy 16, Denver, NC 28037 704-483-8144; AMLBoats com
An Eye for Detail
Mobile Service Huntersville, NC
704-806-1101; AnEyeForDetail .com
Boat Body Shop, The 292 Rolling Hills Rd, Mooresville, NC 28117 704-892-BOAT (2628)
Boat Dock Marine
5981 Hwy 8, Lexington, NC 27292
336-357-5906; BoatDockMarineNC .com
Boat Repairs Plus 7900 Commerce Dr, Denver, NC 28037
704-489-1442
Cook’s Marina
22862 Lake Tillery Rd, Albemarle, NC 28001
704-983-4211
Dockside Detailing Mobile Service Cornelius, NC 704-987-1271
Four Seasons Marine Supply Supplies Only 1584 NC Hwy 16 N, Denver, NC 28037
704-489-8242
Gregory’s Marine & RV
Gel-coat, carpet & upholstery repair/replacement 3021 Mt Gallant Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732
SER – Indmar, PCM, Crusader, MerCruser, Volvo SER-HDW-ACC
Charlotte Ski Boats
At Joyner Marina on Lake Wylie 16310 York Rd, Charlotte, NC 28278
704-525-6006; CharlotteSkiBoats com
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What you’ll find here is a compendium of lakefront and lake-access eateries we recommend to our closest friends. This list will change and we’re always looking for your input. Call us at 704-817-8996 or visit us online at www.piedmontlakespilot.com with your comments and suggestions.
Boss Hog BBQ
7564 Highway 150 E., Sherrill’s Ford.
Crossroads Grill
5585 Rink Dam Road, Taylorsville, NC 28681 828-632-5656; TinyURL com/CrossroadsGrill
Cheeseburgers, homemade chili, barbeque, country-style steaks and fried pies, Southern cooking, mentioned in Our State magazine Open Mon – Sat , 8 a m – 8 p m ; closed Sun Casual $
Lighthouse Pub
6706 Limbaugh Lane, Hickory, NC 28601
828-855-2916; LakeHickoryMarina net
Hot dogs and meatball subs Beer, wine and sodas Just above the gas dock at Lake Hickory Boat Rental & Marina Available for private parties May-September . Open Wed .-Sat ., 11 a m -10 p .m ; Sun ., 11a m -7 p m ; Mon , noon-5 p m .; closed Tues Casual . $
SandBar Marina & Grill
3210 Rink Dam Road, Taylorsville, NC 28681
828-632-7937; SandBarMarinaGrill com
Great lakeside hangout with a grill and bar where you can dock and dine, wine shop, fuel service and events Open Wed , 4-9 p m .; Mon & Thurs , 11 a .m -9 p m .; Fri , 11 a .m -10 p m .; Sat , 9 a m10 p m ; Sun , 10 a m -7 p m ; closed Tues Casual, private bar $
Apps & Taps
River City Marina
155 Pinnacle Lane, Mooresville, NC 28117
704-677-7648; AppsnTapsLKN com
Extensive menu with plenty of apps, salads and heavier fare including Chicago-style, deep-dish pizza . Open Mon -Sat , 11 a .m -2:30 a m .; Sun , noon-2:30 a m . Slips available . Casual $-$$
Big Daddy’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar 1162 River Highway, Mooresville, NC 28117
704-663-4242; BigDaddysOfLakeNorman com
Roomy 500-seat restaurant with oyster bar and salad bar Seafood at its best since 1974 Open Sun -Thurs , 5 p m –9:30 p m ; Fri -Sat , 5 p m –10 p m Casual $$
Blue Parrot Grill
River City Marina
169 Pinnacle Lane, Mooresville
704-663-1203; BlueParrotMenu com
Menu includes steaks and seafood as well as a full bar . The patio is complete with curtains, so you can enjoy being outside even when it's raining BPG is lakeside with slips, and there's a gas dock so you can fuel yourself and your boat (and the family dog, too!) in one stop Open 7 days a week, 11 a .m until . Casual $-$$
704-478-3600; Facebook com/BossHogBBQofLKN
Hickory-smoked pork barbecue, ribs and chicken cooked fresh daily . Buffalo wings Served with homemade baked beans, slaw, Brunswick stew Open Tues .-Fri , 11 a m .–3 p .m , 4-8 p .m ; Sat , noon-6 p m Closed Sun -Mon Casual $
Eddie's Seafood & Raw Bar
643 Williamson Road, Mooresville, NC 28117
704-799-2090; EddiesLKN com
Local favorite with an extensive menu featuring seafood, burgers, Italian specialties and Sunday brunch On the water, but no slips You can, however, beach your boat on the sandy strip — but you might get your feet wet! Open Sun -Thurs , 11 a m -9 p m ; Fri -Sat , 11 a m -11 p m
Hello, Sailor
20210 Henderson Road, Cornelius, NC 28031
704-997-5365; HelloSailorNC com
At Holiday Marina . Sophisticated, retro-inspired restaurant with a waterfront deck and tiki bar Slips available Open Wed .-Sun , 11 a .m -9 p m .; closed Mon -Tues . Jeffrey’s Restaurant 117 Trade Ct, Mooresville, NC 28117
704-799-1110; jeffreyslkn com
Inspired by his late father, Bud, Jeff Lancaster created a restaurant that filled the area’s need for a higher quality restaurant that wasn’t another lifeless franchise Jeff’s passion for people pushed him to strive for the best while embracing an approachable southern charm; this idea is still woven into our essence today Slick but easy-going hangout featuring New American eats with a Southern bent, cocktails and a patio Open Mon -Thurs , 11 a m -9 p m ; Mon , 11 a m .-10 p m ; Sat , 4:30-10 p m , Casual; $$
704-663-5807; lancastersbbqmooresville com 9230 Beatties Ford Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078
704-394-1464; lancastersbbqhuntersville com
From humble beginnings in a small former gas station, Lancaster’s BBQ was born in Race City, USA (otherwise known as Mooresville, NC) The year was 1986 and their slow-smoked, real eastern NC barbecue and race memorabilia quickly became legendary Generous plates of barbecue and Southern comfort grub are the draw at this time-tested, casual restaurant Huntersville location is open Sun . & Tues -Thurs , 11 a m .-9 p .m ; Fri .-Sat ., 11 a .m -10 p m . Mooresville location is open Sun .-Fri , 11 a .m -9 p m .; Sat , 11 a .m -10 p m .; Casual; $-$$
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Anntony’s at the Landing
4491 Slanting Bridge Road, Sherrill’s Ford
828-478-5944; anntonys com; landingatthelake com
Located within the Lake Norman Landing Hotel & Marina, Anntony’s offers waterfront dining, a sandy beach area for the kids to play and live entertainment Traditional Caribbean cuisine with Southern influence Enjoy a plate of flavorful ribs, shrimp, island wings marinated in Anntony’s sauces and seasonings, or a seafood platter with classic mac and cheese or coleslaw on the side . Full bar Open Wed -Sat , 11 a m .-9 p m .; Sun ., 11 a m -8 p m .; Closed Mon -Tues The Landing hosts 20 slips, a dock, and a ramp Casual $-$$
North Harbor Club
100 North Harbor Place, Davidson
704-896-5559; NorthHarborClub com
American fare ranging from sandwiches to full dinners Indoor, outdoor dining Live music four nights a week, 7-10 p m Come by boat, 18 slips available Open Fri -Sat , 11 a m -9:30 p m ; SunThurs , 11 a m -9 p m Casual $$-$$$
Port City Club
18665 Harborside Drive, Cornelius, NC 28031
704-765-1565; PortCityClub .com
Classy restaurant with dinner entrees in the $17-$29 range featuring a climate-controlled deck, outdoor patio and sandy lounge area on the water Slips available Open Tues -Thurs, 4-9 p m .; Fri -Sat , 11:30 a .m -10 p m ; Sun ., 11:30 a m -9 p m ; closed Mon .
Toucan’s Lakefront
River City Marina
167 Pinnacle Lane, Mooresville, NC
704-360-2001; TinyURL com/ToucansLakefront
A 6,000-square-foot venue overlooking Lake Norman, from the same folks who brought you the Blue Parrot Open for lunch and dinner, Toucan’s menu includes sandwiches, burgers, wraps, seafood and steaks Oyster bar and full-service bar Familyfriendly . There are 16 slips, so come in off the water Open TuesSun ., 11 a m -18 p .m ; closed Mon . Casual $$-$$$
Waterside Bar & Grill
Waterside Marina
7774 Hudson Chapel Road, Catawba, NC 28609
828-229-7790; Instagram com/WatersideBarAndGrill
Great selection of lake food from burgers and dogs to salads — but you’ll want to try the cheesesteak Kid’s menu Gas dock Open Sun , 11 a m -9 p m ; Mon-Tues , 11 a m - 10 p m ; Wed -Thurs 11 am -11 p m ; Fri,-Sat , 11 a m -midnight Very casual $
Shuffletown Grill
10220 Rozzelles Ferry Road, Charlotte 28214
704-399-1968; ShuffletownGrill .com
Great neighborhood spot, open since 1957 for breakfast and lunch . Extensive menu with daily specials Breakfast includes steak & eggs, omelets, country plates Lunch includes burgers, sandwiches, subs and salads, among other items . Open TuesSat , 6am-2 p m ; closed Sun .-Mon . $
Drift on Lake Wylie
315-M Lanyard Lane, Belmont, NC 28012
980-351-0111; DriftLKW com
Chef-inspired lakeside chophouse Heavy on beef, pork and seafood Fine dining by the lake Located at the Morningstar McLean Marina, just south of the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden There are slips with a gas dock close at hand . Not the kind of place to come in your wet boardshorts . Open Sun , 10:30 a m2:30 p m . & 4-9 p .m ; Tues -Thurs ., 4-9:30 p m ; Fri . 4-10 p m .; Sat , 10:30 a m -2:30 p m . & 4-10 p m . $$$
J.R. Cash’s Grill & Bar
Tailrace Marina
1000 Marina Village Drive, Mt. Holly, NC 28120
704-601-5541; JRCashs com
Waterfront, Lake Wylie at Tailrace Marina (#62 on Lake Wylie map) Menu includes apps, soups, sandwiches, burgers, steaks, ribs, seafood, chicken and pasta What else is there? Oh desserts and the bar, of course There are slips, so come by boat Open Sun -Thurs , 11 a m -9 p m ; Fri -Sat , 11 a m -10 p m Casual $$
Pier 88 Yacht Club
River Mills Marina
165 Heritage Drive, Lake Wylie
803-831-0088
Closed in the offseason Hot dogs, burgers, BBQ, chicken wings, French fries, onion rings and much more . Beer and wine to go On the lake in Joe’s Cove just two coves south of Buster Boyd Bridge Ship’s store, boat slips and gas dock Open 11 a m .–5 p m
Very casual $
Papa Doc's Shore Club
3990 Charlotte Highway, Lake Wylie, SC 29710
803-831-0043; PapaDocsLKW com
What was once the Hungry Fisherman then, for many years, T-Bones, is just off the South Carolina side of the Buster Boyd Bridge The renovated space includes four bars and seating for hundreds, plus 38 boat slips Adjacent to Lake Wylie Marina & the Buster Boyd Public Access The menu features steamed and fried seafood platters, oysters, burgers, salads, sandwiches, tacos and bar appetizers . Tiki bar . Carry-out service for boaters Sun .-Thurs , 11 a .m -10 p m ; Fri -Sat , 11 a m .-midnight . Casual $$
Creekside Grill & Ale
3482 John G. Richards Road, Camden, SC 29020
803-273-3448; TinyURL com/CreeksideGrill
Across Beaver Creek from Wateree Marina
Dutchman’s Creek Marina & Grill
5546 River Road, Winnsboro, SC 803-482-3067; Facebook com/DutchmanCreek
Marina servicing the Lake Wateree area Gas, fishing tackle, restaurant, snacks, beverages, boat rentals Open Wed -Mon , 7 a .m -9 p m . Casual . $
Riverdeck at Beaver Creek Grill
3473 John G. Richards Road, Liberty Hill, SC 29074
803-273-3757; Facebook com/RiverdeckStoreandGrill
Store and grill with hamburgers, chicken wings, shrimp po-boys, pancakes, omelets, sausage gravy and biscuits, hash browns, homemade biscuits Gas for cars & boats, live bait, all fishing supplies, beer, wine Open Sun , 9 a m -5 p m ; Mon -Thurs 8 a m8 p m ; Fri -Sat , 8 a m -10 p m
Beaver’s Den at Beaver Creek Bar & Grille
3482 John G. Richards Road, Camden, SC 29020
803-475-2289; BeaversDenAtBeaverCreek com
Ribeyes, flounder, chicken, quesadillas, wings Open Mon -Thus , 4-9 p m ; Fri , 4-10 p m ; Sat , 11 a m -10 p m ; Sun , 11 a m -7 p m Bar stays open ‘til midnight most nights Casual $$
Mill Pond Steakhouse
84 Boykin Mill Road, Rembert, SC 29128
803-425-8825; MillPondSteakhouse com
High-end steakhouse with prime and choice Angus beef, shrimp and grits, crab cakes Originally built in the mid-1860’s . Open Tues -Sat , 5 p .m -until; closed Sun .-Mon $$-$ Olde Town Hall
140 Palmer St., Ridgeway, SC 29130
803-337-0389; OldeTownHall com
Oldest Italian eatery in Ridgeway . Brick-oven pizzas, quesadillas, wings, calzones, pasta, grinders and more . Full bar Open TuesThurs , 11:30 a m -9 p m ; Fri -Sat , 11:30 a m -10 p m ; second Sun , 11 a m -2 p m ; closed Monday Bar stays open late for sports events Casual
High Rock Marina & Campground
1013 Wafford Circle, Lexington, NC 27292
336-798-1196; HighRockLakeCampground .com
Fresh, made-to-order snacks and dinners Eat on the deck or get a to-go order to spend more time on the water 20 Slips Casual $ Lakeview Family Restaurant
9185 Bringle Ferry Road, Salisbury, NC 28146
704-637-3699
Down-home family dining . At the public access ramp and across Bringle Ferry from Tamarac Marina (see 51 on High Rock map), so you can come by boat Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Open Wed -Sat , 7 a m -8 p m ; Sun 7 a m -2 p m ; closed MonTues Very casual $ Tamarac Marina
9120 Bringle Ferry Road, Salisbury, NC 28146
704-636-1918; TamaracMarina weebly com
Full-service restaurant with daily specials . Tackle and grocery store, other amenities Located at the bridge on Bringle Ferry Road, 15-minute access off I-85 Come by boat, there are slips, a gas dock and ramp (see 51 on High Rock Lake map) Open SunThurs ., 5 a m -10 p .m ; Fri -Sat , 5 a .m -11 p m Very casual $ Waters Edge Dock & Grill
257 Boat Club Lane, Salisbury, NC 28146
704-603-8056; WatersEdgeHighRock com
Awesome entrees, creative appetizers, pizza, sandwiches, craft burgers, wings, and late-night bar food as well as weekend brunch Wed -Fri , 5 p m -late; Sat -Sun , 10 a m -late Come by boat, there are slips Casual $-$$
Badin Lake Family Restaurant
2507 Blaine Road, New London, NC 28127
336-461-2660
Great jumping off point for that Badin fishing trip . Above Uwharrie Point Marinas and Badin Shores Resort . Southern breakfast and lunch menu items Seafood and steaks available on weekends Open Tues -Sat 6 a m -2 p m ; closed Sun -Mon Very casual $
Old North State Club Marina
139 Marina Lane, New London, NC, 28127
336-461-4456; OldNorthStateClub com
The menu caters to a wide variety of tastes, from comfort classics to the latest creations Open Tues -Sun , 9 a m -5 p m
Scallywag's Bar & Grill
Badin Lake Marina
700 Lake Forest Drive, New London, NC 28127
336-461-2565; ScallywagsBarAndGrill .com
Waterfront at Badin Lake Marina & Watersports Lake-front dining inside or outside on a large, covered patio . Great food, hand-dipped ice cream Beer and wine Parking areas and boat slips, gas dock and boat ramp, store, pontoon rentals . Lunch, dinner, breakfast on weekends Dine in or take out . Open WedThurs , 5-9 p .m ; Fri , 5-10 p m ; Sat , noon-11 p m ; Sun , 11:30 a m .-5 p m . Casual $
Lefler’s Place Cafe
6423 NC Highway 73 W., Mt. Gilead, NC 27306
910-439-5451; LeflersPlace com
Operating continuously since 1922, Lefler's does smoked barbeque the right way Hand-pattied burgers, homemade chili and slaw, famous hot dogs This place is complete with a country store Open Tues -Wed ., 10:30 a m .-2 p m ; Thurs .-Fri , 10:30 a m .-8 p m .; Sat , 10:30 a m .-3 p m ; Closed Sun .-Mon . Casual $
Harbor Café
197 Holly Harbor Trail, Mount Gilead, NC 27306
910-439-0043; Facebook com/TheTwinHarborCafe
Full breakfast and lunch menu during the week, flounder and shrimp dinners on Friday and Saturday evenings Breakfast includes French toast and pancakes Lunch features salads, burgers, sandwiches and wraps Just off Lillys Bridge Road in the Twin Harbor community Open daily, 7 a m -2 p m ; Thurs -Sat , 4-8 p m Casual $
River Wild
1185 Lillys Bridge Road, Mt Gilead, NC 27306
910-439-2022; RiverWildNC com
Bison burgers along with other fresh, hand-crafted burgers and sandwiches Dockage available at Lilly's Bridge Marina (#51 on Lake Tillery map) or parking if you come by car . Deck seating overlooking the marina Carpet golf . Full bar, live music . Open Tues -Thurs ., 4-9 p m .; Fri -Sat , 11 a m .-10 p .m ; Sun ., 11 a .m -8 p .m ; closed Mon Casual $$
A lakeside restaurant and bar serving pizza, wings, burgers, and sandwiches, not to mention gas if you pull up in your boat Lots of live music on the back patio Dine-in, carry-out and curbside pick-up available Open Wed -Thurs ., 11 a .m -8 p .m ; Fri -Sat , 11 a .m -11 p m .; Sun , 11 a .m -7 p m .; Closed Mon -Tues Casual $
Lake Hickory Pub & Marina Comes Back Stronger After Helene Washout
By Annie Keough
Dan and Meagen Kelly’s decision to uproot their family’s lives in Minnesota to buy a pub and marina in North Carolina with no prior business experience sounds risky already; it only became more so when a hurricane blew through the state, turning everything on its head .
When the Kellys began their search for a marina to purchase, they looked at 10 different locations across six states, one of which was then the Lighthouse Pub on Lake Hickory .
“[Considering] the size of the marina, the community, the area, the location, proximity to the ocean, to the mountains, to metropolitan areas, we really kind of fell in love with [Lake Hickory],” Dan told Piedmont Lakes Pilot . “So we quit our jobs, sold our house, sold everything we owned, pulled our kids out of school and moved 1,200 miles away to do something we’ve never done before ”
After moving to a new state and officially opening the Lake Hickory Pub & Marina (LHPM) all in the month of March, there were some natural growing pains, but what the family didn’t expect this far from the coast was a natural disaster like Hurricane Helene .
In an Instagram post from the @lhickorypubmarina account on Sept . 28, 2024, just six months after launching the business, Dan stands between the pub and the visibly rapid currents of Lake Hickory. What you can’t see in the video are the docks of the marina
“Yesterday morning we woke up the owners of Lake Hickory Pub & Marina,” Dan says in the video . “Unfortunately, because of yesterday’s tropical storm Helene, floodwaters and extremely large currents and lots of lake debris, we are now the owners of Lake Hickory Pub . ”
Five docks and about 58 boats at the marina near the US Highway 321 bridge were washed away . The couple spent the next three days trying to reclaim as many docks and boats as they could . Then it was time to rebuild .
Meagan and Dan worked over the winter months and got the marina back to 100% operational by the beginning of boating season 2025, a feat that the
Lake Hickory community helped drive, Dan said .
The family had never stepped foot in the state before the moving trucks pulled into the parking lot of the marina in March 2024 . They felt like complete outsiders . Helene changed all that .
“No one really had to help us,” Dan said “We didn’t have any local friends or family ties or anything, but the community really kind of rallied behind us and that was a big driver for us . ”
LHPM has since grown its rental pontoon number, tripled the number of rental kayaks and added stand-up paddle boards to their offerings
The pub has also increased the number of events it hosts on a regular basis, including live music, bingo, bourbon- and wine-tasting events .
The Lake Hickory Pub menu offers small lake bites like crispy nachos topped with pulled pork or chicken, Bavarian-style pretzels, wings and more . Entrees include lakeside staples like salads, burgers, wraps, hot dogs, flatbreads and chicken sandwiches .
The 12-flavor Hershey’s ice cream parlor offers scoops, milkshakes or an ice cream boat topped with wafer cookies .
The family-owned marina’s motto is “where lake and life meet . ” LHPM is a full-service marina experience that allows people to enjoy the water whether they’re boat owners or not, Kelly said .
The destruction of the marina’s docks made people from the community aware of the Kellys’ business . The helping hands of their neighbors allowed the couple to build a community hub where people can meet and make positive memories .
“I do wonder if years from now, we’ll look back and say that this may have actually been one of the best things that could have happened to us,” Kelly said .
“[We’ve] definitely had some hardships and continue to have some hardships as part of it, but the support from the community was really a big driver on making sure that we continue to get back,” he continued “Now we feel like we have an obligation to continue to provide products and services that really support the surrounding community . ”
D&E Marine
5911 NC Hwy 8, Lexington, NC 27292
336-357-5620
Diamond Enterprises
5171 Icard Ridge Rd, Hickory, NC 28601
828-495-4448; DiamondEnterprises us
Dixie Camper & Marine
2718 US-52, Albemarle, NC 28001
704-983-2158; DixieCamperSales com
DLR – Yamaha
ACC-HDW-OB-RG-SER
Doc’s Marine
5803 Icard Ridge Rd, Hickory, NC 28601
828-598-0637; DocsMarineNC com
DLR – Suzuki, Mercury, Mercruiser, Rotax (BRP)
SER – Suzuki, Mercury, Yamaha, Mercruiser, Volvo
Dockside Detailing
Mobile Service
Inboard Maintenance & Detailing Cornelius, NC
704-987-1271
Ed Watkins Marine
3333 Hwy 16 N, Denver, NC 28037
704-483-2628; EdWatkinsMarine com
DLR – Evinrude, Mercury
ACC-HDW-OB-RG-SER-BL-YD
Extreme Marine
18605 Northline Dr, Suite H-11, Cornelius, NC 28031
18605 Northline Dr, Suite H-11, Cornelius, NC 28031
704-728-3259; ExtremeMarineLKN .com
SER- Jet Ski & Jet Drive Repair
Gold Hill Watercraft
Pre-Owned PWCs
2255 Liberty Rd, Gold Hill, NC 28071
704-279-9001 or 704-279-9401
SER-ACC
Honda Yamaha of Statesville 1809 W Front St, Statesville, NC 28677
704-872-1658
DLR – Yamaha
SER-HDW-ACC
Interstate Cycle
3265 Charlotte Hwy, Mooresville, NC 28117
704-987-9800; InterstateCycle com
DLR -- Yamaha Waverunner
SER-HDW-ACC
Lake Hickory Water Sports
56 Rink Dam Rd, Hickory, NC 28603
828-495-1090
SER – Sea Doo
BOATER’SMARINEISASMALL OPERATIONMAKINGABIGIMPACT
Family-oriented business takes home coveted award for third time in five years
BYRYANPITKIN
The most common way to enter Monroe, the seat of Union County and one of its largest cities, is to exit US 74 and take Skyway Drive into the center of town . Boater’s Marine is hard to miss on that route, with a towering sign welcoming commuters right across the street from Monroe Plaza .
It might not be the location where you’d expect to see a boat dealership or repair shop, as it’s not near any major lakes But as Boater’s Marine president Jon Lilley points out, the location is central for the Piedmont boating community . In fact, he points it out literally
“You can point in any direction and within 45 minutes to an hour, there’s eight major lakes to choose from,” he said . “So even though you’re like, ‘Why is there a boat dealership in Monroe?’ We’re pretty centrally located in the sense of all your major lakes . ”
It’s hard to argue with that logic, and it’s even harder to argue with the success story that is Boater’s Marine, a family-owned business that focuses on the family boating experience .
Lilley’s parents opened the first Boater’s Marine Inc. in Monroe more than three decades ago in 1994 . When they sold the property to a hotel developer in 2018 and retired, Jon stepped in, opening Boater’s Marine of Monroe Inc. right down the street . The name change was subtle, but everything else stayed the same .
“We’re the same people, we’re doing the same thing, we’ve been doing it since ‘94 . ” said Lilley . Recently, folks outside of the tight-knit community of Union County boaters have begun to take notice
In October, Boater’s Marine was voted Best Boat Dealership by Charlotte Observer readers in that publication’s popular Charlotte’s Best awards issue . It was the third time Boater’s Marine had been honored with that designation in the last five years, winning it in 2021, 2023 and again in 2025 .
As a humble operation with just five employees working under him, competing against large-scale operations, Lilley said the recognition has justified all those countless hours he’s spent making sure his customers get the best service possible .
“It takes a great team to make it happen,” he said .
As a business owner who always lets his employees leave at 5 p .m when the store closes, Lilley is often stuck in the shop until 8 p m . or later getting things ready for the next day . It’s been a sacrifice, but as someone with boating in his blood — Lilley’s grandfather was an avid boater and passed it down through the generations, continuing with Lilley’s grandkids today — he wouldn’t have it any other way
“I don’t know how somebody can be in the boat business, but you’re not a boater, or in the motorcycle business and you’re not a motorcyclist,” he said . “I don’t know how you can talk the talk and all that . We can honestly be able to say, ‘Hey, we ski behind this boat . We’ve fished behind this boat This is why our family likes this boat ’”
As the only boat dealership in Union County, Boater’s Marine doesn’t focus on fishing or pleasure or sporting boats, but center-console boats with something for everyone; that’s why Lilley and his team call them family boats .
Boater’s Marine carries Sea Fox boats measuring between 22 and 36 feet, 16- and 17-foot Mi Tide models, and recently added Carolina Skiffs to the inventory, filling in that missing ground with models ranging from 19 to 24 feet
The company has been licensed with Mercury and Yamaha since its founding in 1994, adding Suzuki in 2019 . Load Rite trailers are also bestsellers at the location
“We do parts, repair, sales; if it’s related to a boat, we tend to try to make it happen,” said Lilley .
But what makes Boater’s Marine special as a mom-and-pop boat dealership is the community aspect .
While none of the major Piedmont lakes are located in Union County, there is a fair share of smaller ones within a short distance to Boater’s Marine, namely Lake Twitty, Lake Lee, and Lake Monroe .
Each of these lakes are surrounded by residential communities where folks love their boats, and as they consist of a largely older demographic, Lilley said he will do house calls to help fix mechanical issues for folks living on those nearby lakes .
“Our customers, sometimes they start off as friends that become customers, and sometimes they’re customers that become friends,” he told us . “We tend to see them out on the water . Monroe’s a pretty good-size town, so I don’t always remember the name, but I always remember their face and their boat . ”
Cane Creek Park in Waxhaw is home to the nearest lake with no horsepower limit, so that’s where they take every boat they sell — new or used — for a test drive to ensure everything’s operating properly . Lilley also estimates that about 10% of all boats they do repair work on get a ride on Lake Cane Creek Park just to make sure everything’s right .
“We listen to every boat that comes in,” Lilley said “Even if it comes in to have the trailer lights worked on, we crank every boat because I don’t want to hear no problems I may not physically do any mechanic work, but I like to hear every boat run, and that way I know I can confidently tell that customer, ‘I personally heard it run, and on a garden hose, it’s doing great . ’”
As for Boater’s Marine, it doesn’t take a garden hose and an engine crank to see that things are going great . With three awards from the community in just five years, it’s looking like the fourth decade of this family-run and family-oriented business might just be the best one yet
[TOP LEFT] Boats available at Boater’s Marine (Courtesy of Boater’s Marine) [TOP RIGHT] Aerial view of Boater’s Marine facility (Courtesy of Boater’s Marine) [BOTTOM] Jon Lilley and his family (Courtesy of Boater’s Marine)
Serving Lake Norman & Wylie PO Box 271, Cornelius, NC 28031
704-895-8699; SeaTow com
(continued on page
The Serve in Cornelius adds to offseason attractions
Cold weather activities abound
By Pat Moran
It’s rare that the Piedmont’s lakes freeze over in winter, but rare doesn’t mean never
A photo posted on Facebook shows three women standing on the frozen surface of High Rock Lake sometime in the 1970s . In 2018, when the region experienced its coldest seven-day period since 1994, a man ventured out on Lake Norman’s icy surface but promptly fell through . Luckily, the water was only waist deep and he managed to get safely back to the dock .
With plunging temperatures and winds whipping across the surfaces of our regional lakes, you don’t have to venture out onto the water — frozen or otherwise — for a good time . The offseason is a perfect time to sample Piedmont lakes’ offerings for cold-weather fun, including hiking, biking, indoor go-cart racing, visiting museums and historic sites … or even the most recent craze: pickleball .
Serving good times
The Serve Pickleball + Kitchen in Cornelius is a 65,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor sports and entertainment complex launched by coCEOs Robin and Jack Salzman in October .
The couple moved from Orlando to Cornelius in 2003 and acquired Lake Norman Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram . The Salmans sold the dealership in 2022 after running the business for 21years, and prepared to enjoy their retirement .
“That did not last for long,” Robin says . She recalls how she was playing pickleball
with a friend who urged her to open a facility for the game . The Salzmans had just the place for The Serve: 6 acres of land they owned beside the dealership they had recently sold .
The couple visited pickleball facilities across the country before coming up with The Serve’s layout . Robin says they aimed for a comfortable setup that encourages socializing .
“We decided that we would put together something that would be spectacular — not only the pickleball community but the community as a whole,” she notes .
From the start, the desired vibe was to offer a more elevated atmosphere, more country club than YMCA .
“When you walk into our facility, you go right into a large restaurant,” Salzman says . “Then you go left [into] a cafe that serves coffee and pastries . ”
The cafe opens out to the 10 indoor pickleball courts that boast cushioned surfaces and extra seating . There’s an additional six courts for outdoor play .
“We have the four Topgolf Swing Suites, and our two middle suites open up to each other so you can have double guests,” Salzman adds .
The complex also boasts a bar and an event room that holds 64 people comfortably for a seated dinner, meetings or holiday parties — for which the facility is already booked solid .
Salzman says The Serve has 150 people on payroll, 50 of which are full-time, including
four pickleball instructors who teach the game to folks of all ages . The facility’s inaugural children’s clinic on Nov . 9 drew 20 children, which has led to discussions of potentially hosting summer camps in 2026 .
Under executive chef Carlos Rangel, formerly with Southern Pecan Gulf Coast Kitchen, kitchen staff are also full-time .
Salzman says The Serve has received rave reviews from visitors about the facility, the courts, the staff, the restaurant and the food .
“We put together something for our community because we feel we know it,” Salzman says . “We want our community to have a place to go . ”
More Lake Norman offseason activities
Located on the lake’s northern shore at the mouth of Hicks Creek, Lake Norman State Park offers the 31-mile Itusi Trail to bikers, which is open subject to weather . The scenic Alder, Dragonfly, and Lake Shore hiking trails are open year-round .
The Pit Indoor Kart Racing offers thrill seekers the adrenaline rush of indoor kart racing . At over 140,000 square feet, The Pit includes more than 65 arcade games, four billiard tables, a laser-tag arena and black-light mini-golf .
In addition to bowling, Spare Time Huntersville features escape rooms, Aztec Adventure laser tag, and a game zone with more than 75 arcade games .
Lake Tillery
Morrow Mountain State Park offers 37 miles of hiking trails, including the moderately challenging Morrow Mountain trail and easier Morrow Mountain loop trail . The park’s museum is open daily in the winter . Darrell Almond Community Park has a scenic paved path around a pond plus horseshoe pits, shuffleboard, a gazebo and three picnic shelters .
Town Creek Indian Mound is a prehistoric Native American archaeological site built by the Pee Dee, with a visitor center and open grounds .
Badin Lake
Year-round camping is available at Badin Lake Campground, which includes sites for tents and trailers as well as flush toilets and showers
The Badin Museum includes a tour of the Quadruplex, a 1915 French apartment built for aluminum company workers .
High Rock lake
Explore the many bike trails that are also suitable for hiking in the Uwharrie National Forest and Yadkin River Park, which boasts the historic 1924 Wil-Cox Bridge .
There’s also rich history to explore by visiting the Rowan Museum in Salisbury . The 1857 Old Courthouse served Rowan County until the early-20th century and offers rotating exhibits . The Old Stone House was built by German immigrant Michael Braun in 1766 and is open through November .
Lake Hickory
At the cultural arts complex The SALT Block, visitors can experience science, art and literature together on one campus . Highlights include the Hickory Museum of Art and the Catawba Science Center, a 35,000-squarefoot museum featuring hands-on exhibits, an aquarium and a planetarium . The movie The Hunger Games was shot in part at Henry River Mill Village, an abandoned textile community where visitors can step back and peer into the rich heritage of western North Carolina mill towns
Lake Hickory was completed in 1928, and has 105 miles of shoreline. Lake Hickory is managed by Duke Energy. For current lake-level information, visit the Piedmont Lakes section of www.piedmontlakespilot.com. Click the “Lake Maps” button. Indicates Public Access Boat
See the Marina Guide on pages 34-37
Lake Hickory
Lake Norman was completed in 1963, covers 32,510 acres, has 520 miles of shoreline and is managed by Duke Power Company. For current lake-level information,visit the Piedmont Lakes section of www.piedmontlakespilot.com . Click the “Lake Maps” button.
Lake Wylie was completed in 1904 and was the first lake built on the Catawba River. It was reconstructed and enlarged in 1925, has 325 miles of shoreline and a surface area of 12,455 acres. Lake Wylie is managed by Duke Power Company. For current lake-level information, visit the Piedmont Lakes section of www.piedmont lakespilot.com. Click the “Lake Maps” button.
Indicates Public Access Boat Ramp R
See the Marina Guide on pages 34-37 24
Indicates Water Tower. W
Lake Wateree was created in 1920 with the operation of Wateree Hydroelectric Station. Lake Wateree has 13,864 surface acres and 242 miles of shoreline and is the largest of the lower lakes. The lake also provides a dependable water supply for Lugoff and Camden, South Carolina. Full pond elevation is 225.5 feet. For current lake-level information, visit the Piedmont Lakes section of www.piedmontlakespilot.com. Click the “Lake Maps” button.
High Rock Lake
High Rock Lake serves as the principal water storage and release facility for the entire Yadkin/PeeDee River. It consists of 360 miles of shoreline and 15,180 acres of water surface at a full-pond depth of 59 feet. For the latest lake-level information, visit the Piedmont Lakes section of www.piedmontlakespilot.com. Click the “Lake Maps” button.
Indicates Public Access Boat Ramp R
24
See the Marina Guide on pages 34-37
Badin Lake, also known as Narrows Reservoir, was completed in 1917. It has 115 miles of shoreline and 5,353 acres of water-surface at full-pond. The lake is adjacent to the 50,000-acre Uwharrie National Forest, and north of the 4,693-acre Morrow Mountain State Park. For the latest lake level information, consult the Piedmont Lakes section of www.piedmontlakespilot.com. Click the “Lake Maps” button.
The Lake Tillery Project is owned and operated by Duke Energy. It began operation in 1928 with the development of Norwood Dam, has approximately 118 miles of shoreline and a surface area of 5,263 acres at full-pond. Besides hydro-electric power generation, Lake Tillery provides drinking water for Montgomery County and the City of Norwood. For the latest lake-level information, consult the Piedmont Lakes section of www.piedmontlakespilot.com . Click the “Lake Maps” button
Sea Tow Uwharrie Lakes
712 Berry Hill Dr, Norwood, NC 28128
855-732-8691; SeaTow com
Tow Boat US/Lake Response
Serving Lake Norman, Mtn Island PO Box 44, Cornelius, NC 28031
704-200-1930; LakeResponse .com
Tow Boat US/Lake Tillery
Running out of Lilly’s Bridge Marina 704-305-1518
Tow Boat US/Lake Wylie
Service from 2 locations on Lake Wylie 803-681-0911; TowBoatLKW com/membership
Wateree Marina
3374 John G . Richards Rd, Liberty Hill, SC 29074 803-475-1224; WatereeMarinaInc com
If your boat is winterized for the offseason and there’s no chance to get on the water, it’s time for the next best thing: go look at some boats . Boat show season is the best part of winter, giving you a chance to see all the latest models and stay connected to the boating community — or fishing community, if you’re more into those expos . Below, we’ve compiled a full guide to which shows you can check out in the Piedmont area, spreading from Virginia to South Carolina
Bass & Saltwater Fishing Expo
January 9-11, 2026; NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh, NC
The longest running new product showcase and inventory reduction sale in the state features more than 15 marine dealers representing over 50 manufacturers . ncboatshows com
Richmond Fishing Expo
January 16-18, 2026; Meadow Event Park, Doswell, VA
Professional anglers will be on hand all weekend signing autographs, taking pictures and sharing secrets that helped them be as successful as they are . ncboatshows com
Charleston Boat Show
January 23-25, 2026; Charleston Area Convention Center, Charleston, SC
Billed as the premier marine event in South Carolina, boating enthusiasts, families and industry professionals have gathered to explore the latest boats, marine gear and outdoor lifestyle trends for more than four decades . thecharlestonboatshow com
Fayetteville Fishing Expo
Jan. 30-Feb. 1, 2026; Crown Exposition Center, Fayetteville, NC
Over 60 vendors will come together to showcase the best the industry has to offer including truckloads of brand name and custom fishing tackle, electronics, apparel, fishing guides, and fresh and saltwater boats . ncboatshows com
Mid-Atlantic Boat Show
February 5-8, 2026; Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, NC
Now in its 54th year, the show celebrates decades of Carolina boating tradition with more than 400 new boats, hands-on demos, great food and live country music in the Lake Life Lounge midatlanticboatshow .com
Central Carolina Boat & Fishing Expo
February 20-22, 2026; Greensboro Coliseum, Greensboro, NC
The Triad’s only boat show brings wakeboarding, tubing, kayaks, bass boats, ski boats, center consoles, pontoons and deck boats together under one roof for the weekend . greensborofishingexpo .com
Central Virginia Boat Show
February 27-March 1, 2026; Meadow Event Park, Doswell, VA
Formerly known as the RVA Boat Show, Meadow Event Park reopens for a focus on boats following January’s fishing expo, with the latest in boating, gear and water fun . ncboatshows .com
Savannah Boat Show
March 13-15, 2026; Savannah Convention Center & IGY Savannah Harbor Marine, Savannah, SC
With one indoor location and another on the water at the newly opened IGY Savannah Harbor Marina, the Savannah Boat Show allows visitors to explore dry-land exhibits as well as a stunning in-water boat display at the inner basin and new superyacht docks savannahboatshow .com
Raleigh Convention Center Boat Show
March 21-23, 2025; Raleigh Convention Center, Raleigh, NC
With more than 60 boat lines attending, it will be hard to even take everything in over three days raleighncboatshow .com
Lake Norman Grocery & Amoco 1208 River Hwy, Mooresville, NC 704-799-0032
AK McCallum Co.
Tackle, Jon Boats
715 Ramsey St, Fayetteville, NC 28302
910-483-6804 or 800-682-2628
Beaches Grocery Hwy 73, Stanley NC 704-827-2188
Boater’s Warehouse 798 Brawley School Rd, Mooresville, NC 704-664-2628
Carolina Fishing Tackle Brawley School Rd, Mooresville, NC 704-799-2912
Riverstop Bait & Tackle 1940 W Hwy 160, Ft Mill, SC 803-548-5926
River Stop Food Mart
Open Sun 10a.m.-8p.m.; M -- F 6a.m.-9p.m.; Sat 7a.m.-9p.m. 3900 Mt Gallant Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732 803-329-0002
Robichaux Outfitters 1113 Brawley School Rd, Mooresville, NC 28117
704-658-1975
Safe Harbor Westport Marina
7879 Water Oaks Dr, Denver, NC 28037
704-483-5172; SHMarinas com
Shoals Sporting Goods 7936 Unity Church Rd, Denver, NC 704-966-1533
Simonds Bait & Tackle Shop
On the Tuckaseigee River
1085 Main St, Bryson City, NC 28713
828-488-6854
Spider’s Place
2628 Blain Rd, New London, NC 28127 336-404-7769
Tackle Town
4705 Cousin Ln, Maiden, NC 28650
704-483-1007; TackleTown net
Tamarac Marina
9120 Bringle Ferry Rd, Salisbury, NC
704-636-1918
Taylorsville Beach Marina
420 Taylorsville Beach Ct, Taylorsville, NC 28681 828-632-7649; TaylorsvilleBeachMarina com
Triangle Food Mart
1298 N Hwy 16, Denver, NC 28037
704-483-3490
The Rod Shop
4115 Rocky River Rd N, Monroe, NC
704-289-4003
Tackle Town
4705 Cousin Ln, Maiden, NC 28650
704-483-1007; TackleTown net
Larry’s Rod & Reel Repair
Reel Repair, Custom Rods, Cork Handle Repair
1928 Chaparral Ct, Lenoir, NC 28645
828-313-7266
SER- Authorized Shimano, Daiwa Repair
Carolina Bonefishing
Fly fishing trips & lessons
704-616-6662; CarolinaBoneFishing com
Catfish Guide Service
Lake Norman Guide David Nicholson
704-592-5562
Down & Out Striped Bass Guide Service
Lakes Hickory, Lookout Shoals, Norman 287 Rumple Hill Dr, Statesville, NC 28677
704-528-9013 or 704-902-7246
Dry Bones Fishing
Capt. Zander Monk
Fishing Norman, Mtn Island, Wylie 704-231-7316; DryBonesFishing com
Fish On! Lake Norman Guide Service
Capt. Craig Price
Fishing Norman, Hickory, Mtn Island, Lookout Shoals, Rhodhiss PO Box 1623, Denver, NC 28037
704-996-0946; FishOnGuideServices com
Gold Hook Guide Service
Jason Quinn
810 Riverstone Ct, Lake Wylie, SC 29745
803-327-7048 or 980-522-6618; JasonQuinnBassPro com
Gul-R-Boy Guide Service
Flounder, Red Drum, Tarpon & Trout
539 Harvestmoon Dr, Georgetown, SC 843-546-3625 or 843-520-6339; GulRBoy com
Hill Guide Services
Capt. John Gary Hill, Santee-Cooper lakes & rivers 704-739-7838; HillGuides .com
Ken’s Guide Service
Striper Fishing
828-325-9848 or 336-785-5935
Lake Wylie Guide Service
Jimmy Drum
99 Old Mine Rd, Mt Holly, NC 28120
704-827-3018
Morrow’s Guide Service
Striped Bass Only 704-491-8787
Madison River Outfitters
Orvis-Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide Service
20910 Torrence Chapel Rd #D5, Cornelius, NC 28031
704-896-3676
Robichaux Outfitters
1113 Brawley School Rd, Mooresville, NC 28117
704-658-1975
Tall Boy’s Catfish Guide
David Nicholson, Fishing Norman & surrounding lakes
704-592-5562
Ty Mathis Striper Fishing
Ty Mathis, lakes Norman, Hickory, Mtn Island 828-308-7755
Yadkin Lakes Guide Service
Maynard Edwards, Fishing High Rock, Badin & Tuckertown lakes 336-249-6782
A fishing license is required for anyone age 16 or older when fishing in any public water, including coastal waters, in both Carolinas. Purchase NC licenses by calling 888-248-6834 or at ncwildlife.org SC licenses are available at dnr.sc.gov or by calling 803-734-3833.
Beatties Ford Rd Hardware
2731 Beatties Ford Rd, Charlotte, NC 28216
704-393-2847
C’s BP
101 Wadesboro Blvd, Mt Gilead, NC 27306
910-439-4243
Carolina Fishing
2925 N Center St, Hickory, NC 28601
828-328-1431
Carolina Mountain Sports 101 E Broad St, Statesville, NC 28677
704-871-1444
Chip’s Lake Stop 648 PeeDee Ave, Norwood, NC 704-474-7154
Four Seasons Marine Supply 1584 Hwy 16 N, Denver, NC 28037
704-489-8242
General Store of Denver 6360 E Hwy 150, Sherrills Ford, NC 28673
1183 Lilly’s Bridge Rd, Mt Gilead, NC 910-573-0629; LillysBridgeMarina com
Nichols Store
1980 Mt Holly Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29730
803-328-9792
Norwood Express Mart
130 S Main St, Norwood, NC 28128
704-474-4588
Pendleton’s Sporting Goods
5930 Charlotte Hwy, Clover, SC 29710
803-631-5410
River’s Edge Marina
5803 Icard Ridge Rd, Hickory, NC 28601
828-495-8833; RandNMarina com
River Stop Food Mart
Open Sun 10a.m.-8p.m.; M -- F 6a.m.-9p.m.; Sat 7a.m.-9p.m.
3900 Mt Gallant Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732
803-329-0002
Sharon Supermarket
2174 Island Ford Rd, Statesville, NC 28677
704-871-0505
Simonds Bait & Tackle Shop
On the Tuckaseigee River 1085 Main St, Bryson City, NC 28713
828-488-6854
Tom’s Grocery & Tackle Hwy 220 N, Star, NC 27356
910-428-4141
WAS Greenfield Market 522 Alexander St, Statesville, NC 28677 704-876-2613
Fishing Creek Taxidermy
Cierra Ln, Lando, SC 29724 803-789-6321
Game Trail Taxidermy
6280 County Line Rd, Mt Pleasant, NC 704-782-4497
Kimsey Museum Studio 5548 Candlewick Tr, Gastonia, NC 704-867-4616
Tommy’s Taxidermy 1313 Crowell Dairy Rd, Indian Trail, NC 704-753-1470
Trail’s End Taxidermy
459 Little River Rd, Ft Mill, SC 29715 803-547-5646
[PORT]
The left side of the boat as you face the forward bow.
[GUNWALE]
The top surface of the boat’s side: GUNNEL
[FREEBOARD]
Distance from the waterline to the gunwale.
[BEAM]
The width of the boat at it’s widest point
[MIDSHIP]
Approximately the center of the boat.
[KEEL]
The backbone of the hull, extending the full center-line.
[DECK]
Structural Surface that covers the hull from gunwale to gunwale.
[CHINE]
The angle in the hull where the running surface meets the sides of the hull.
[STERN]
The rear of the boat: AFT
[BOW]
The front end of the boat: FORWARD
[STARBOARD]
The right side of the boat as you face the forward bow.
[SOLE]
Floor of the cockpit, bow area or cabin.
[HELM]
Where the captain steers the boat [SWIM PLATFORM]
[HATCH]
Cover that encloses a storage compartment.
[COCKPIT]
The interior of the boat, not including the cuddy or cabin.
[HULL]
Sides, bottom, bow and transom of the boat from keel to gunwale.
[RUB RAIL]
Protective molding with a stainlesssteel or plastic insert around the boat’s outermost edge.
[LENGTH]
The measurement of the boat from bow to stern
Skiing Signals & Regulations
Water skiing is exhilarating! But like any water sport, it requires some skill and knowledge as our illustrated assistant demonstrates.
Skiing is permitted only between sunrise and sunset, and skiers must wear flotation devices. Ski vests are recommended because they are more bouyant. Members of the American Water Ski Association holding first class, expert or master ratings are exempt from this flotation requirement. Note that our assistant, while very cool, is not exempt.
Remember, skiing is a team effort! A boat pulling a skier must have an obsserver in addition to the operator, or be equipped with a wide-angle, rear-view mirror.
The hand signals below are a standard set of signals adopted by The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators to make skiing safer and more enjoyable.
The Beaufort Wind Scale
Violent Storm
Moderate, long waves (1.25 – 2.5). Many whitecaps; some spray.
Larger waves (2.5 – 4 meters) forming, crests of whitecaps everywhere, more spray.
Sea heaps up; waves (4 – 6 meters); White foam from breaking waves blows in streaks with the wind.
Moderately high waves (4 – 6 meters) of greater length. Crests break into spin drift, blowing foam in well marked streaks.
Waves high (6 meters) with wave crests that tumble, dense streaks of foam in winds, poor visibility from spray.
Very high waves (6 – 9 meters) with long, curling crests. Sea surface appears white from blowing foam. Heavy tumbling of sea. Poor visibility.
Exceptionally high waves (9 – 14 meters) with overhanging crests. Sea covered with patches of white foam. Edges of wave crests blown into froth. Poorer visibility.
