Two weeks ago, "Bob The Boat Guy" did some work on our 18' Sea Doo so we decided to take it out for a late afternoon run and have dinner at one of the restaurants where you can dock and eat overlooking the lake. What a way to spend an afternoon. We thought.
Unfortunately, Bob neglected to put the boat in the water to TEST his work before he called to say that will be $405.00, thank you very much. The engines still didn't want to catch and we had trouble getting one to turn over but eventually we were on our way. We didn't get too far before we realized something wasn't right so we headed over to Parkway Marina to buy new spark plugs. Surely, new spark plugs will solve the problem. A quick change out and we were on our way again. However, ten minutes in, something really didn't sound right so we stopped and opened the compartment to the engines. There was water everywhere, hoses were leaking and one engine wasn't working at all. Oh darn, that can't be good. Now what?
We were too far from the house to make it back before dark on one engine, we were too far from Parkway Marina. It was starting to get dark and all we had was one wimpy paddle and our little beacon light. With no options, we decided to head for Belview Bay and the marina below the Sportsman Restaurant.
We remembered that the owner had a limo she used to transport people from the dock to the restaurant and figured we could get a ride to our truck to come back and get the boat. We limped in to the cove and went to the marina only to find the lady didn't run the marina anymore; instead there was a store, Ultimate Watersports renting boats, jet ski's, sea doos. And now you could buy tropical slushies. Smith Mountain Lake doesn't have taxi service and it's eight pm. Oh darn, now what are we going to do?
As we were talking to the young lady who was closing up the store, we pleaded for an answer to our dilemma. She calmly said, my brother can take you to your truck, no problem. We have a jet ski. Are you serious? You'll take us all the way back to our house? Who does stuff like that anymore?
Thankfully, these two kids did. Twenty minutes on a jet ski at dusk wasn't too appealing to me so I decided to babysit the boat and wait for my husband to come back with the truck. As I waited I had the chance to talk to the young lady and found out that her brother and parents operated the Ultimate Watersports store. Check them out; they have the cheapest price for gas at the lake and are offer rentals of: Sea Doo's, a 24' Palm Beach Pontoon, Hobie-Cat Wave Sailing Catamaran (2 and 4 person), Wakeboard, Kneeboards, and Viper Airhead towables.
Soon, the brother was back, my husband was pulling into the drive and we were on our way. We cannot thank these two kids enough for bailing us out and going beyond what most people would do. How refreshing! If you're looking to rent equipment at the lake, check them out. And have a slushie.
Ultimate Watersports is located on the water behind The Sportsman Restaurant, 2.5 miles past the Smith Mountain Lake State Park. Take a right at Belview Bay Condominiums. To contact Ultimate Watersports, call (540) 297-2020.
Posted by
Debbie Malone, Realtor(R) RE/MAX 1st Olympic 20395 Timberlake Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24502
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Searching for a home in Lynchburg, Forest, Bedford or Campbell County, Virginia? I work with Buyers & Sellers: First homes, Investment, Relocation & Smith Mountain Lake homes. RE/MAX 1st Olympic Agent
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Debbie, isn't it refreshing when you meet people like that. We have had lots of misadventures on the water. Our latest we broke a fuel line but we were on our sail boat and that just met we had to sail all the way in. That test your capabilities.
Marchel, we were able to laugh about it while it was happening- when you look at that sad little paddle you know you're not going anywhere fast. I was so grateful for these kids and their willingness to help. Thanks for stopping by!
It's very unusual these days. You guys lucked out. It sounds as though you would have been in a bit of pinch if they hadn't helped. Glad you are paying it back by promoting them.. A WELL-DESERVED PROMOTION.
Ruthmarie, we were literally up the creek! It would have been a long walk back if we couldn't find a ride. Thanks for commenting.
Wow, great story, I wish we had a boat to have some fun on but then again, that would cause me to panic...I'm a little afraid. I love that story, there are still nice people out there, a refreshing reminder!!, thanx
Patrice, I love the SeaDoo; the engines are safe to swim around and we can tool around the lake without it killing the gas budget. But, I wouldn't want to be stuck in the middle of the lake at night with just a paddle!
Howdy Debbie
I sure am glad you and your husband made it to the marina ok.
You sure don't find many folk's now a days, that would do that for someone they don't know.
Debbie do they have a website, for their store ?
I just have to ask ya, are Y'all goen let Bob work on Y'all boat any more ?
Debbie, wow, what an adventure, sounds like a great idea and romantic, darn boat! Excellent ThemThem to the two kids for going above and beyond their call of duty as well as Ultimate Watersports for having such great owners.
Sounds like crazy times! I hope your boat got fixed just in time for the long holiday!
Take care!
What an awful situation you found yourself in! I hope you find a Sam the Sailor to tend to your boat needs and leave Bob the Bereft behind! I am happy to hear of your great luck in finding such good people to help you out. It is good to know that there are still people who will help you out without the expectation of personal gain! BTW, what a beautiful lake!
Hi Dale, I wish Ultimate Watersports did have a website, but they don't have one set up as yet. I'll keep checking back and we'll definitely be buying our boat gas there
Duane, the best laid plans....lol! These kids just had a great attitude and we so appreciate them helping us out. I'll be sending referrals for boat rentals their way. Thanks for commenting.
Renee, we did get the boat back in time for the weekend and spent hours on the lake this weekend. It was so much fun to take my daughter and her boyfriends family out.
Rich, we are hoping there is another repair person who works on these boats at the lake. I'm not too happy with the work we had done. Thank goodness there are people out there who willingly help out without expecting anything in return. I'll definitely be recommending Ultimate Watersports! Thanks for commenting!
Hi Debbie...Don't you believe it is just some more of that good old neighborly helpfulness that we keep getting out here in the country?
No matter how many times we're recipients of this kindness it is always a treat.
Hope you and your husband got to have a nice dinner that evening.
Kate
Debbie, I would guess you will be one of their best walking advertising people after that. :-)
I have really enjoyed reading your blog. I am relatively new to AR and have noticed you have received a lot of points and have achieved a remarkable high ranking. Congratulations! May I ask if you have had success in turning your high ranking into business? I am curious if it has been a profitable venture personally as well as financially. Thanks for sharing and best of luck in your business.
Hi Debbie! I've been away from AR for a few months, but yours was one of the first blogs I checked out upon returning. You've been up to mischief since I last heard from you! Glad it all worked out!
I don't do much lake or water sporting, so I would have been freaked out. Sounds like you kept a cool head and met some cool folks. It really doesn't surprise me to hear of that kind of helpful kindness. It's just that kindness doesn't make near as good front page stories, so we don't hear about it as much. People are good and kind naturally. That doesn't keep me from feeling warm and fuzzy when I hear a story like yours. Thanks for sharing! Keep up the great posts!
Hi Debbie! I've been away from AR for a few months, but yours was one of the first blogs I checked out upon returning. You've been up to mischief since I last heard from you! Glad it all worked out!
I don't do much lake or water sporting, so I would have been freaked out. Sounds like you kept a cool head and met some cool folks. It really doesn't surprise me to hear of that kind of helpful kindness. It's just that kindness doesn't make near as good front page stories, so we don't hear about it as much. People are good and kind naturally. That doesn't keep me from feeling warm and fuzzy when I hear a story like yours. Thanks for sharing! Keep up the great posts!
Kathleen, we are so fortunate to live where we do! I truly have been blessed by the generosity and friendliness of the people in Virginia we have come into contact with.
And yes, we did eventually get that dinner!LOL!
Duane, you know it! Anytime someone does something to help when they don't have to, they are tops in my book and I'll gladly send business their way. Thanks for stopping by!
James, thanks for your nice comments! I've been away from AR the last few weeks due to closings and volume of business I'm receiving from the internet. I KNOW it's thanks to AR that people are finding me. I just had my first closing on Wednesday from clients who found me through my blog. Localism is where I concentrate when I have time to post because it works!
HI DAWN!!! Good to hear from you! I'm not into water sports either, I wasn't relishing the idea of swimming to shore!LOL! Thanks so much for your kind comments. Glad you're back!
WOW! That is quite the adventure...Thank goodness for those kind-hearted folks! BTW...what ever happened to your SeaDoo? Was Bob the Boat Guy as princely as the folks from Ultimate Watersports, or did he leave you "high and dry?"
Kim, High and Dry! Would you believe we took it out on Saturday and neither engine would turn over. We had to be rescued by a wave runner! Thank goodness we were just in the next cove! Needless to say, Bob won't be getting another shot at fixing this. The boat is at another mechanic.
Debbie - Now there's a pair of young people who know the meaning of service and who obviously are not part of the me first generation.
Kathy, you are so right! Their parents did a great job of teaching them the importance of helping out. We were so fortunate to have come into contact with them. Thanks for commenting.
Debbie - Wow! Glad your were able to get the help you needed, and get home safe and sound. It will be good for locals to know this business, Ultimate Watersports, has such great people running it.
Karen we were so fortunate and after leaving the boat again with Bob, we were stuck the very next weekend. Thankfully, we found a competent mechanic and the boat is working fine now.