Winnipesaukee Marina for Sale?

Patiently Watching · 10-08-2012, 04:53 PM

What about any of the places in Alton? Gillan or Minge Cove? The first shot appears to be taken looking out of Alton Bay from Rt. 11 beyond Sandy Point...

Belmont Resident · 10-08-2012, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patiently Watching

What about any of the places in Alton? Gillan or Minge Cove? The first shot appears to be taken looking out of Alton Bay from Rt. 11 beyond Sandy Point...

I believe those are just generic pictures of the lake and boats on it taken in past years. Look at how close all those boats are in one picture, it almost looks like a poker run or some sort of gathering.
And given the none disclosure agreement whoever is selling it doesn't want anyone to know where it is or who it is.
Might be able to connect the dots by searching the details of marina's around the lake. 250 racks, 40 slips, gas docks those details should narrow it down.
7 acres of land really isn't a whole lot if you figure the size of a rack storage facility, shop, store and showroom.

kauriel · 10-08-2012, 09:14 PM

Looking at description some items say 40+ as oppposed to 40 so it may not be exact figures in listing.

Phantom · 10-09-2012, 08:30 AM

Channell Marine would be a Candidate !!

If I recall, they went out on the market a few years back.

samosetguy · 10-09-2012, 12:20 PM

Fay's?

I notice no one has guessed Fay's but Fay's seems to match the description. I thought I heard a couple years ago that the current owner was an older woman. I don't know much else about who in the family is involved but I've had only very positive experiences with them.

I also think very highly of Melvin Village Marina. I would be bummed if Matt was selling. Is his father still alive? He's excellent and he has a great service team. One of the most customer focused people I've met in a while.

samosetguy · 10-09-2012, 12:24 PM

I just noticed one of the listings says "Belknap County" as the location.

If that's intentional, it would rule out many of the marina's mentioned. It would leave us with everything from Meredith to Alton and south.

Just Sold · 10-09-2012, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by samosetguy

Fay's?

I notice no one has guessed Fay's but Fay's seems to match the description. I thought I heard a couple years ago that the current owner was an older woman. I don't know much else about who in the family is involved but I've had only very positive experiences with them.

I also think very highly of Melvin Village Marina. I would be bummed if Matt was selling. Is his father still alive? He's excellent and he has a great service team. One of the most customer focused people I've met in a while.

Not likely it is Fay's. Family owned, Fay, 3rd generation and not by a woman. They have way more wet slips than the 40+ noted in the listing and 2 ships stores. Dry rack storage at water and over at Meadowbrook. They also have a separate Sales building on Rt 11. I have my boat there and have heard no rumors of it being for sale either.

meredith weekender · 10-09-2012, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phantom

Channell Marine would be a Candidate !!

If I recall, they went out on the market a few years back.

Channel really seems to fit the description. I know they have a the rack storage building out front at their main building and another 2 or 3 buildings out back on the other side of the tracks. Could be.

AC2717 · 10-09-2012, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meredith weekender

Channel really seems to fit the description. I know they have a the rack storage building out front at their main building and another 2 or 3 buildings out back on the other side of the tracks. Could be.

so doesn't thurstons unfortunatley for me

Steveo · 10-10-2012, 01:26 PM

I called the listing agent and he won't say which marina it is without signing a non-disclosure agreement, sounds pretty weird.

I still think it is Thurston's

fpartri497 · 10-10-2012, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steveo

I called the listing agent and he won't say which marina it is without signing a non-disclosure agreement, sounds pretty weird.

I still think it is Thurston's

\
why would you think that Is wierd? Thats S.O.P.

Belmont Resident · 10-10-2012, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fpartri497

\
why would you think that Is wierd? Thats S.O.P.

And it states this right on the ad as well.
FYI Nothing weird about it, it happens all the time in big industry when hiring for high position jobs.

Rusty · 10-10-2012, 02:11 PM

Ambrose Cove Marina seems to fit the description the best. They have @ 20 acres of land that is broken-up into 16 lots. They could split off 7 acres very easily.

Go to the Moultonborough, NH GIS Mapping site and type in A C Marina LLC for "Find Owner" and you will get 16 lots that they own: http://www.caigisonline.com/moultonboroughnh/

I don't know of any other Marina on Lake Winni that has 7 acres.

meredith weekender · 10-10-2012, 02:46 PM

Ambrose cove is not located in Belknap County and one of the listings does say Belknap County. Checking the Laconia Assessors records it shows that Channel marine has 2 parcels totaling 6 acres and that Thurstons has 2 parcels totaling 7 acres. Just an FYI.

Rusty · 10-10-2012, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meredith weekender

Ambrose cove is not located in Belknap County and one of the listings does say Belknap County. Checking the Laconia Assessors records it shows that Channel marine has 2 parcels totaling 6 acres and that Thurstons has 2 parcels totaling 7 acres. Just an FYI.

Thanks for the info.

I guess I ruled out Thurston's because they haven't been in business for over 60 years. Then again I guess I should have ruled out Ambrose Cove because they aren't in Belknap county.

Belmont Resident · 10-10-2012, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rusty

Thanks for the info.

I guess I ruled out Thurston's because they haven't been in business for over 60 years. Then again I guess I should have ruled out Ambrose Cove because they aren't in Belknap county.

Ah the suspense.

But if it doesn't sell we may never know which one it was.

searay220 · 10-10-2012, 06:28 PM

Could it be Parker Marine in Alton?

upthesaukee · 10-10-2012, 07:15 PM

No fuel. No showroom. has 223 slips, wouldn't list 40+. Has 10 acres..why list for 7 acres only.

Shreddy · 10-10-2012, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rusty

Ambrose Cove Marina seems to fit the description the best. They have @ 20 acres of land that is broken-up into 16 lots. They could split off 7 acres very easily.

Go to the Moultonborough, NH GIS Mapping site and type in A C Marina LLC for "Find Owner" and you will get 16 lots that they own: http://www.caigisonline.com/moultonboroughnh/

I don't know of any other Marina on Lake Winni that has 7 acres.

Quote:

new boat sales and showroom, boat rentals,

I don't believe Ambrose cove has the above mentioned features...Seems like we can rule them out...

BroadHopper · 10-10-2012, 02:59 PM

If a business is ongoing, most owners prefer to be discrete in order not to upset current employees and customers.

Steveo · 10-11-2012, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

If a business is ongoing, most owners prefer to be discrete in order not to upset current employees and customers.

Anyone involved in the business knows what is going on. I would never buy a business when I don't know what will happen with the employees and customers. So the buyer will never allow you to "keep it from the customers".

No, I still am of the mind that this is very odd and not normal. If you want to sell something the more people know about it the better. You would be promoting this to other marinas in the area, even to those employees and customers who might be so happy with their treatment they might be interesting in buying. I see no "gain" in not promoting the name.

LIforrelaxin · 10-11-2012, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steveo

No, I still am of the mind that this is very odd and not normal. If you want to sell something the more people know about it the better. You would be promoting this to other marinas in the area, even to those employees and customers who might be so happy with their treatment they might be interesting in buying. I see no "gain" in not promoting the name.

This is actually incredibly normal. When I see an add like this one, the first thing that come to my mind is actually, what is forcing the sale. The current marina owners could be in serious financial trouble, that is making it hard to keep the Marina going. If something like that got out, the hit to the Marina's business could / would make it unmarketable for sale. AS people would fear that if a buyer can't be found the marina will be closed.

jrc · 10-11-2012, 03:42 PM

When you buy almost anything, part of the value is the people who sold it. I would be very leary about buying a boat, renting a slip, storing a boat or even getting service from a marina that was obviously for sale.

Who knows who the new owners will be, could be that clown that I hate from that other marina. Will he honor agreements I have with the current owner? Why risk it, just go somewhere else.

Lot's of reasons for a business for sale to keep that fact secret. No reason not to, anyone with the money and skill to buy a multi-million dollar business, can very easily get the information.

brk-lnt · 10-11-2012, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steveo

Anyone involved in the business knows what is going on. I would never buy a business when I don't know what will happen with the employees and customers. So the buyer will never allow you to "keep it from the customers".

No, I still am of the mind that this is very odd and not normal. If you want to sell something the more people know about it the better. You would be promoting this to other marinas in the area, even to those employees and customers who might be so happy with their treatment they might be interesting in buying. I see no "gain" in not promoting the name.

This is extremely common. As others have said, you don't want to disrupt the current operation, and as this thread is evidence, a lot of gossip and speculation can be caused about 'why' the business is for sale.

This is not the kind of sale that is just going to go to some casual buyer who says ' I think I'll buy a marina', so there is little value in the word of mouth aspect.

Steveo · 10-12-2012, 01:24 PM

All I am saying is, if I was going to buy a business I would certainly want to know, even if it is a best guess as to what will happen with the employees and customers. You are not going to go into it blind. I new owner will not "take the word" of the old owner that all his customers will stay. As the new owner I would want to reach out to my customers to find out what they like or don't like and to assure them that things will not change or will get better, simply to gauge how many will stay. If someone has to sell because they are in financial trouble then I don't think the customer is going to worry that new blood and money are coming in to fix things up. In almost all cases customers don't leave upon news of selling, they will wait to see what the new organization will bring.

Newbiesaukee · 10-12-2012, 01:55 PM

As others have said this is very common practice. Once you sign the confidentiality agreement, the information from the seller will be given to you. I do understand your point that your would like to speak to your potential customers, but anyone willing to purchase this type of business usually has the experience (or access to people who have the experience) to be able to understand the customer base.

Also, you certainly can negotiate what you will or will not do in your purchase agreement with respect to these issues.

Only point is, this is so common in this type of commercial transaction it really doesn't raise any specific "red flags" that you need to worry about. You will be able to get more information as you proceed to negotiate the purchase terms.

ITD · 10-12-2012, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steveo

All I am saying is, if I was going to buy a business I would certainly want to know, even if it is a best guess as to what will happen with the employees and customers. You are not going to go into it blind. I new owner will not "take the word" of the old owner that all his customers will stay. As the new owner I would want to reach out to my customers to find out what they like or don't like and to assure them that things will not change or will get better, simply to gauge how many will stay. If someone has to sell because they are in financial trouble then I don't think the customer is going to worry that new blood and money are coming in to fix things up. In almost all cases customers don't leave upon news of selling, they will wait to see what the new organization will bring.

Unfortunately Steve, there are no guarantee's in life. The old owner would be foolish to promise his customers would stay as he has no control over the customers or what the new owner will do. Advertising the sale of a business like this could spook many customers causing problems for sales and service alike. People don't like change, especially change they have little control over. I would think once a confidentiality agreement is signed the old owner would open all his records to the prospective buyer. Then it is up the buyer to determine whether the risks are worth it or not. Employees generally want to be treated fairly and whether they stay or not is usually up to how the new owner treats them.

All that being said, this method for selling a business is pretty common place.

Winnisquamguy · 10-12-2012, 05:49 PM

I was at Riveredge Marina on Squam Lake when Skip sold out...There was never any talk about it even being for sale so it was a shock for all of us. He had always written us a letter every winter in February telling us how the winter was going, not once did he mention the marina was for sale. The year he sold, right before ice out we got another letter from him saying he sold and he would be gone before we would all arrive in the spring. He explained the plans the new owner had and what they were going to do. His son and daughter stayed on for the first year or so then eventually all the help would leave. Ernie is the only one left as far as I know from the original staff when I was there.

Kamper · 10-14-2012, 12:43 PM

@Steveo

You wouldn't be buying it blind. The non-disclosure doesn'ty mean the propective buyer can't get the details, they just can't share them.

It can take years for a large property to be matched up with a suitable buyer. Keeping the marina's market status discreet allows the business to be operated with less disruption. Not only cutomers but suppliers as well can get skittish. If the operator has a notable drop in revenue it will effect the closing price.

Until the business changes hands the owners have the right to keep the details private so just be patient.

10-09-2012, 08:30 AM	#4
Phantom Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Berlin, Ma / Gilford Posts: 1,934 Thanks: 450 Thanked 605 Times in 341 Posts	Channell Marine would be a Candidate !! If I recall, they went out on the market a few years back. __________________ *A bad day on the Big Lake (although I've never had one) - Still beats a day at the office!!*

10-09-2012, 12:20 PM	#5
samosetguy Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 61 Thanks: 42 Thanked 35 Times in 14 Posts	Could it be . . . Fay's? I notice no one has guessed Fay's but Fay's seems to match the description. I thought I heard a couple years ago that the current owner was an older woman. I don't know much else about who in the family is involved but I've had only very positive experiences with them. I also think very highly of Melvin Village Marina. I would be bummed if Matt was selling. Is his father still alive? He's excellent and he has a great service team. One of the most customer focused people I've met in a while.

10-09-2012, 12:24 PM	#6
samosetguy Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 61 Thanks: 42 Thanked 35 Times in 14 Posts	Belknap County I just noticed one of the listings says "Belknap County" as the location. If that's intentional, it would rule out many of the marina's mentioned. It would leave us with everything from Meredith to Alton and south.

10-10-2012, 01:26 PM	#10
Steveo Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 524 Thanks: 47 Thanked 123 Times in 63 Posts	Need non disclosure I called the listing agent and he won't say which marina it is without signing a non-disclosure agreement, sounds pretty weird. I still think it is Thurston's

10-10-2012, 02:11 PM	#13
Rusty Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 2,028 Thanks: 603 Thanked 687 Times in 425 Posts	Ambrose Cove Marina seems to fit the description the best. They have @ 20 acres of land that is broken-up into 16 lots. They could split off 7 acres very easily. Go to the Moultonborough, NH GIS Mapping site and type in A C Marina LLC for "Find Owner" and you will get 16 lots that they own: http://www.caigisonline.com/moultonboroughnh/ I don't know of any other Marina on Lake Winni that has 7 acres. Attached Images __________________ It's never crowded along the extra mile. Last edited by Rusty; 10-10-2012 at 02:32 PM. Reason: Changed "Address" to "Owner"

10-08-2012, 04:53 PM	#1
Patiently Watching Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 184 Thanks: 2 Thanked 42 Times in 34 Posts	What about any of the places in Alton? Gillan or Minge Cove? The first shot appears to be taken looking out of Alton Bay from Rt. 11 beyond Sandy Point...

10-08-2012, 09:14 PM	#3
kauriel Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Laconia, N. MA Posts: 290 Thanks: 119 Thanked 62 Times in 44 Posts	Looking at description some items say 40+ as oppposed to 40 so it may not be exact figures in listing.

10-10-2012, 02:46 PM	#14
meredith weekender Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Meredith / Manchester Posts: 373 Thanks: 87 Thanked 84 Times in 57 Posts	Ambrose cove is not located in Belknap County and one of the listings does say Belknap County. Checking the Laconia Assessors records it shows that Channel marine has 2 parcels totaling 6 acres and that Thurstons has 2 parcels totaling 7 acres. Just an FYI.

10-10-2012, 06:28 PM	#17
searay220 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Reading Ma/ Alton NH Posts: 81 Thanks: 1 Thanked 5 Times in 3 Posts	Could it be Parker Marine in Alton?

10-10-2012, 07:15 PM	#18
upthesaukee Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Alton Bay Posts: 5,603 Blog Entries: 2 Thanks: 2,468 Thanked 1,983 Times in 1,083 Posts	No on Parker Marine No fuel. No showroom. has 223 slips, wouldn't list 40+. Has 10 acres..why list for 7 acres only. __________________ I Live Here... I am always UPTHESAUKEE !!!!

10-10-2012, 02:59 PM	#20
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,591 Thanks: 3,231 Thanked 1,107 Times in 797 Posts	Businesses for sale If a business is ongoing, most owners prefer to be discrete in order not to upset current employees and customers. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

10-11-2012, 03:42 PM	#23
jrc Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NH Posts: 2,689 Thanks: 33 Thanked 439 Times in 249 Posts	When you buy almost anything, part of the value is the people who sold it. I would be very leary about buying a boat, renting a slip, storing a boat or even getting service from a marina that was obviously for sale. Who knows who the new owners will be, could be that clown that I hate from that other marina. Will he honor agreements I have with the current owner? Why risk it, just go somewhere else. Lot's of reasons for a business for sale to keep that fact secret. No reason not to, anyone with the money and skill to buy a multi-million dollar business, can very easily get the information.

10-12-2012, 01:24 PM	#25
Steveo Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 524 Thanks: 47 Thanked 123 Times in 63 Posts	The new owner will want to know All I am saying is, if I was going to buy a business I would certainly want to know, even if it is a best guess as to what will happen with the employees and customers. You are not going to go into it blind. I new owner will not "take the word" of the old owner that all his customers will stay. As the new owner I would want to reach out to my customers to find out what they like or don't like and to assure them that things will not change or will get better, simply to gauge how many will stay. If someone has to sell because they are in financial trouble then I don't think the customer is going to worry that new blood and money are coming in to fix things up. In almost all cases customers don't leave upon news of selling, they will wait to see what the new organization will bring.

10-12-2012, 01:55 PM	#26
Newbiesaukee Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Coral Gables, winter; Long Island, summer Posts: 1,354 Thanks: 949 Thanked 573 Times in 298 Posts	As others have said this is very common practice. Once you sign the confidentiality agreement, the information from the seller will be given to you. I do understand your point that your would like to speak to your potential customers, but anyone willing to purchase this type of business usually has the experience (or access to people who have the experience) to be able to understand the customer base. Also, you certainly can negotiate what you will or will not do in your purchase agreement with respect to these issues. Only point is, this is so common in this type of commercial transaction it really doesn't raise any specific "red flags" that you need to worry about. You will be able to get more information as you proceed to negotiate the purchase terms. __________________ "You're only young once, but you can be immature forever."

10-12-2012, 05:49 PM	#28
Winnisquamguy Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Winnisquam, NH Posts: 613 Thanks: 419 Thanked 163 Times in 115 Posts	I was at Riveredge Marina on Squam Lake when Skip sold out...There was never any talk about it even being for sale so it was a shock for all of us. He had always written us a letter every winter in February telling us how the winter was going, not once did he mention the marina was for sale. The year he sold, right before ice out we got another letter from him saying he sold and he would be gone before we would all arrive in the spring. He explained the plans the new owner had and what they were going to do. His son and daughter stayed on for the first year or so then eventually all the help would leave. Ernie is the only one left as far as I know from the original staff when I was there. __________________ "I'd rather be ridin than rolling"

10-14-2012, 12:43 PM	#29
Kamper Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Thornton's Ferry Posts: 1,308 Thanks: 67 Thanked 172 Times in 128 Posts	@Steveo You wouldn't be buying it blind. The non-disclosure doesn'ty mean the propective buyer can't get the details, they just can't share them. It can take years for a large property to be matched up with a suitable buyer. Keeping the marina's market status discreet allows the business to be operated with less disruption. Not only cutomers but suppliers as well can get skittish. If the operator has a notable drop in revenue it will effect the closing price. Until the business changes hands the owners have the right to keep the details private so just be patient.