Brian,

I just read the string of posts on you possibly going into the marina business. I've been in business(s) all my life and also grew up in a business family, so I just thought I'd throw in my two cents also.

You need to "unattach" yourself from the desire of owning a marina. That's the only way that you will be able to make an objective, rational decision. Ask yourself if that's what you really want to do. I would also suggest that you also do some research into the "Marina Industry". You need to talk to as many people who own marinas as possible. Tell them your plans (go to marinas on other lakes though) and get their feedback. Let them give you their opinions - listen very carefully.

Also, this board may not be the best place to get advice. Not that their advice is good or bad, but they come from all over this country. A "marina" in Washington or Maine or Florida is not the same as a "marina" on an inland lake in Texas (you are from TX aren't you - I think that's what your website said - nice boat - I'm from Oklahoma by the way). Get advice from those that own marinas in your own neck of the woods.

You need to get a handle on how much it's going to cost to build a marina (land development, etc), how much demand there may be on that particular lake (which lake is it by the way), what kind of income potential there may be (if any) - I guess what I'm saying is do a tremendous amount of research. If it looks profitable, it may be something worth doing, if not, pass on it.

That's just my opinion.

JC

> I just found out I can get undevelped land down here on a lake, cheap!
> Sort of unheard of around major cities. I thought cool ... get the land,
> build the boat, sell it off....wait a minute, why sell it build a house
> there and then sail the boat whenever I want...wait a minute since I'm
> building a small dock for myself anyways...build a bigger one and then
> rent out slip space...turning my hoby into a business that should at least
> break even..thoughts?