
Courtesy Boats By George
By Jennifer Farnsworth
Boats By George founder George Pensel recently purchased the Lake George Forum and envisions it as a year-round boat show.
The company’s purchase of the 50,000-square-foot arena is more than a savvy business move.
“This is something I have been dreaming about for the past four or five years, but boating has been a part of me since my family began in the business in 1948. I worked as a dock hand at age 15, and from there continued to learn and work in the business. When my dad decided to step away from it, I guess you could say there was a spark in me,” said Pensel.
“This was a space I had interest in a few years ago but the timing wasn’t right. This time around it was,” said Pensel.
Pensel said although the property needs cosmetic updates, structurally it does not need major renovations. His vision for the space is for visitors to feel as though they are at a boat show. Pensel said there will be memorabilia and other exhibit-type aspects to the facility.