By Jennifer Farnsworth
Boats By George is expanding, as ownership has purchased a second marina on Lake George—this one on the east shore of Lake George.
The company made the move earlier this summer in an effort to meet the needs of their customers, particularly those who are looking for a place to dock their boats, said George Pensel, owner of Boats By George.
Prior to the new purchase, Boats By George had a marina on the east side of Lake George at 291 Cleverdale Road in Cleverdale; A showroom at 18 Route 149, Lake George, and a service center at 10018 Route 149 in Fort Ann.
Pensel paid $2.39 million to buy Warner Bay Dockage at 39 Rockhurst Road in Queensbury from Marion DeMarco. The transaction closed June 15,
Pensel said he now has 55 more dock slips, 360 feet of lakefront property and both a rental cottage and home, all to be used to provide a complete service to his loyal customers.
“This gives our buyers the opportunity to buy a boat from us and then have a place to keep it,” said Pensel.
“We are happy to be able to add the 55 dock slips to the slips we have over at Cleverdale,” Pensel said.
He said the marina in Cleverdale is full service and allows clients to have winter storage. Pensel said they can prepare boats for owners, including fueling them and stocking them with ice.
“The marinas allow for an extension of service,” said Pensel.
Pensel is a native of Lake George and has been in the boat and marina business his entire life, having a father who operated a marina. The company’s Lake George showroom has maintained business for over 30 years. It was founded in 1982 and has 8,000 square feet of climate controlled space.
The showroom includes brands such as Cobalt, Chris Craft, Four Winns, and Marker One. The service center has boat parts and roadside service.
The marina in Cleverdale also includes Patty’s Water Sports that sells all kinds of equipment, including paddles boards, O’Brien life vests, tubes, wake boards, surfers, waterskis. wetsuits and other accessories.
Pensel now has 42 employees in the summer months.
“If someone purchases a boat from us it’s nice to be able to help them with the next step,” said Pensel.
The company website is boatsbygeorge.com.