Sinclair Marina reinvented, ready for grand opening

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Covered fuel docks, extensive dry storage, a service center and sales showroom provide the total boating package at Sinclair Marina. Contributed photo

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February 18, 2013

Sinclair Marina reinvented, ready for grand opening

Kyle Collins The Union-Recorder The Union-Recorder Mon Feb 18, 2013, 05:00 PM EST

MILLEDGEVILLE — Lake Sinclair has a freshly renovated full service marina. Sinclair Marina started the transformation to pristine condition in 2011.

General Manager and Co-owner Jason Lattin traveled Florida studying various boat service facilities. Being active water enthusiasts and lake property owners, Lattin and his partner Mike saw the marina purchase as a great opportunity.

Boat storage, service and sales are taken care of at Sinclair Marina.

The facility remained open throughout the construction process to build the customer base. Personalized service in a clean, environmentally friendly location helps erase any negative notion towards boat ownership.

Lattin said little touches like popsicles and ice water when boaters pull up during the summer make an impression.

“We want to provide a new experience. Everybody has this attitude that the best day of your life is when you buy and sell your boat,” Lattin said. “I want to make sure we change that. We are trying to get out of that mindset that boats are a pain to own.”

Service Manager Randy Lowe said the Sinclair team strives to gain loyalty and trust before any work commences. Lowe wants the classic full service gas station mentality.

“One of the biggest things when the boat comes in is spending a lot of time with the customer getting to know how they enjoy the lake life. We make it a point to start the relationship. I've sold more boats and service just by the personalized atmosphere,” Lowe said.

Sinclair Marina is brand new.

Dry stack storage holds up to 420 vessels from runabout to pontoon.

Height adjustable racks avoid a one size fits all setup. An insulated roof prevents moisture drip, keeping the boats clean.

Accessory storage and a dedicated detailing area are additional perks.

The marina also includes Sinclair's only covered fuel docks. Floating concrete maintains a safe walking surface that sits at the proper level, making boat entry and exit easy.

“You get them fuel, and you hope you can get them for service. When they leave here, if nothing else you want them talking about the marina in a positive way,” Lattin said.

Isolated marina operations increase safety as well.

As a Clean Marina Program participant, any fuel runoff goes through a clean water box or natural rock and grass filtration before hitting the water.

This EPA certified setup covers all areas of operation from docks to the clean service shop. Anything coming out of a boat like oils and filters isn't trashed.

“We want to be different,” Lattin said. “Everything we take out of the boat gets recycled. It's a way for us to do a better job cleaning boats and help the environment.”

In the Mercury-Mercruiser and Tracker certified shop, Lowe and staff look at the entire vessel, not just one customer-expressed issue. Boats are always cleaned and ready for action when the owner arrives.

Having worked at other facilities around Lake Oconee and Lanier, Lowe believes Sinclair Marina has a quality first team. The local spot pulls customers from surrounding areas also.

“We are all avid boaters. We love the lake life,” Lowe said. “The last thing we want to do is not strive for the quality experience on sales or service. I already know the level of service is beyond most of the marinas.”

The marina teamed with Tracker Marine, the No. 1 boat seller worldwide as well. The showroom features the full U.S. built Tracker lineup.

All models and customizations are made to order as part of no-haggle pricing.

Given the average boat owner purchases at least four vessels over a lifetime, Lattin said the sales staff doesn't look at things from a one time sell perspective.

“We are aware and want to make sure you are part of the family,” the general manager said.

The official grand opening is March 1 through 3. Boat lovers have a safe place on an attractive lake.

“This is a friendly lake. A lot of people I've met wanted to come to this lake, but there wasn't a place to store their boat, or they didn't feel comfortable. We tried to build this, so people feel really good bringing their investment to us even if it's just tied up to the docks,” Lattin said.

Check out storage, sales and rental options at www.sinclairmarina.us or call 478-451-0167.

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