Short answer: Harbor Marine helps Lake Lanier owners get boats out of the water and to our Buford shop when a repair needs it, planned around access and the lake level. Call (770) 967-8495.
Getting a lake boat to the shop
Most Lanier boats live in the water, and many owners do not keep a trailer. When a repair needs the shop, the boat has to come out of the water, onto a trailer and down the road. Transport takes that off your plate.
Lake levels change the plan
Lanier's full pool is 1,071 feet, but the level moves, and it has dropped as low as 1,050.79 feet in the past. When the lake is down, some ramps get shallow or close, and boats in shallow coves can be harder to reach. We plan the move around where the boat is and what the water is doing at the time.
Repairs that usually need the move
- Drive rebuilds. See sterndrive repair on Lake Lanier.
- Below-waterline fiberglass work. See gel coat repair on Lake Lanier.
- Larger engine repairs that need time on a bench.
Routine work usually does not need a move. Our mobile service on Lake Lanier can often handle it at the slip.
What we need from you
- The boat's length, make and model.
- Where it is: marina and slip, or dock address and cove.
- Access details and any marina rules.
- What the repair is, so we can confirm it needs the shop.
Combining work while the boat is out
Pulling a Lanier boat out of the water is the biggest step in any shop repair. Once it is out, it often makes sense to handle more than one job: a drive inspection, a below-waterline gel coat touch-up, a detail or winterization. Getting more done with one haul-out saves time and keeps the boat on the water longer during the season.
Preparing for the move
- Remove loose gear and cushions.
- Secure hatches and the windshield.
- Let us know about any known leaks or issues before it comes out of the water.
- Share marina rules for haul-outs or trailer access.
Back on the water
When the repair is done, the boat has to go back in. On Lanier that depends on the same things as the haul-out: where the boat lives, which ramps or lifts can reach it, and the lake level at the time. We plan the return with you so the boat goes back to its slip or dock at a time that works for you.
If you would rather pick the boat up and launch it yourself, that is fine too. Tell us ahead of time.
What affects a move off the lake
Pricing is set when you call for a quote. These are the things that change the size of the job:
- Boat size and weight.
- Where on the lake it is kept, and how it comes out of the water.
- Ramp conditions and the lake level.
- Whether we plan the return trip too.
Busy seasons on the lake
Ramps and marinas on Lanier are busiest in spring and fall, when owners launch for the season or haul out for winter. Planning a move early gives you more choice of timing.
Nearby
Our shop is at 6516 Lanier Islands Parkway in Buford. We also help move boats for owners in Buford, Flowery Branch and Cumming. See our main boat transport page, or contact us to plan a move.