BY GINNY PRIVITAR
HEWITT — Sportsmans Marina in Hewitt is getting the word out.
On May 6 and 7 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., they're having a "Launch into Summer" event in conjunction with Crestliner Boats. The two-day event will feature in-water demonstration rides on Crestliners and their Cypress Cay pontoon boats and showcase their EZ Dock floating dock systems — the first on the lake. Refreshments will be provided and prizes will be distributed.
Sportsmans Marina has been a fixture on Greenwood Lake since 1952, operated by three generations of the Anoll Family. In 2014-2015, a new owner, Christopher Leahy, purchased the business. However, Operations Manager Drew Anoll and his wife, Karen, will continue to operate the marina, providing continuity of service, along with the new Business Manager, Richard Press.
In 2015, Sportsmans installed a complete EZ dock system for its boat slip customers. This innovative product, made of one-piece sealed, floating modular dock units, can remain in the water, year round, even in freezing conditions.
There's a lot more planned, including a complete renovation to the marina building, with office and classroom space for things like boating safety courses. The building will house a customer lounge, including restroom and shower facilities. Sportsmans will also boast a brand-new, state-of-the-art service building which is expected to be finished this summer.
The former Latitude 41 restaurant will be renovated; Press promises a beautiful new restaurant with a second-floor deck overlooking the lake. This part of the renovations will take place in 2018. There will be EZ Docks for Sportsmans "dock and dine" customers.
The plans for these changes have already been approved, according to Press, who said all renovations should be complete by 2018.
"The plans that we have for the buildings will make this a real showpiece. It's just a question of time," Press added.
Sportsmans Marina sells Crestliner and Cypress Cay boats and services all kinds of boats. They will provide winterizing and storage for your boat, too. They offer EZ Dock floating docks, and sell fuel and ice.
Customers can rent pontoon boats and small outboard fishing boats, as well as stand-up paddleboards and kayaks.
Sportsmans Marina looks to continue and improve on its six decades of customer service.
"We're doing some things for our seasonal slip customers," Press said. "We'll provide concierge services; if your boat is here and you call us, our dock staff will uncover your boat, put in fuel and even provide ice in the cooler. Just call us. We're trying to make it a full-service marina."