Sponsored by Cruising World - For those who enjoy cruising
Hi gang, Rick Ostler here again from Used Pontoon Boats bringing you news and views from the boating industry. PATOKA LAKE, Ind. – Harvey Edwards and his partners declared the sea trial of their first floating cabin a surprising success.
A success because it stayed afloat, taking on no water. A surprise because it floated away from the dock and headed out toward the lake.
Seems no one had thought to tie it up.
Patoka Lake Marina - The first to rent floating cabins
In 2004, Edwards’ Patoka Lake Marina became the first in the state to rent floating cabins. On the water but docked at the marina, the cabins offer an alternative to houseboats for those who want to be on the water but don’t want the hassle of a houseboat. The concept is popular enough that the marina has increased its fleet of floating cabins every year and, this year, the cabins are for sale, too.
“A floating cabin is the next best thing to being able to build a home on the water, and it’s a great alternative to a houseboat,” said Edwards. “You get all the advantages of being right on the water, but you don’t have the responsibility of driving a houseboat.”
Floating Cabin Rentals - increases each year
The idea has grown in popularity, with marinas increasing their numbers of floating cabin rentals each year. But during the peak season, the demand is greater than the number, and vacationers go wanting. Some folks have taken to reserving a floating cabin a year in advance.
Thus the sales.
Rustic cabins these are not. These homes away from home offer the comforts of a most comfortable abode – full kitchens, dining areas, sitting areas, baths, two or three bedrooms. They’re snuggled up against a series of docks, which make for just-about-instant fishing. Guests can tie their vessels up to the docks and go immediately from bed to breakfast to boat. Rental boats are available for those who appear without. Or there’s fishing from the docks.
What the floating cabins don’t have is the rocking motion that might be expected of them because they’re on the water.
“And the floating cabins provide independence,” said Edwards. “People think, ‘I have a place to stay, and my boat’s right here.’”
Patoka Lake - Man made lake
Patoka Lake was created in the late 1970s as a flood control reservoir. The state’s second-largest reservoir, covering more than 8,800 acres, it is owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. As such, it is destined to remain undeveloped, with no housing along its shores. The reservoir serves as the water supply for nine counties. The water is considered among the cleanest in three states, in part because the engineers constructed a sewerage system that encircles the reservoir.
“It is going to stay a clean, pristine lake,” said Edwards.
With no lodging permitted within 300 yards of the shoreline, no cabins or resorts will appear. The mandate makes the floating cabins, which fall under houseboat regulations even though they never leave the dock, especially appealing.
Floating cabins are available for rent at Hoosier Hills Marina, too.
And from both marinas, houseboats, pontoon boats, fishing boats and jet skis.
The Patoka Lake Reservoir Recreation Area has one of the largest campgrounds in the state with 10 launching ramps and facilities similar to those found at state parks – playgrounds, a beach, 10 miles of paved roads for hiking and biking. There are 455 electric, 45 primitive and seven backcountry camping sites.
Patoka Lake - Excellent Fishing
Fishermen here typically go after bass – striped, largemouth, smallmouth, white – but there are also crappie and bluegill.
And, said Edwards, there’s fantastic fall color from late September through the second week of October.
“Brown County has nothing on us. We could write the book for Brown County. Here you have God’s picture that he paints every year.”
Patoka Lake - close to new Indiana's casino
The entire area is experiencing tourism growth because Patoka Lake is close to French Lick and West Baden Springs, the site of Indiana’s newest casino.
“People are looking for getaways closer to home, and that’s helping boost tourism in southern Indiana,” Edwards said. “By offering the cabins for sale, people now have a chance to get away whenever they want and know that their little piece of paradise awaits them on Patoka Lake.”
Thanks to Elizabeth Granger http://www.county29.net/c for this.
Links:
http://www.exploresouthernindiana.com/
http://www.patokalakeindiana.com/
http://www.patokalakemarina.com/
http://www.hoosierhillsmarina.com/
Used Pontoon Boats, By Rick Ostler
Pontoon Enclosures-North American Waterway
Be sure to check out the latest Patoka Lake Videos
Also we value your comments, if you can add more info in regards to this article please do so. Thanks............Rick
No comments:
Post a Comment