I have been a visitor of Center Hill Lake for over 10 years and often tout the lake as the most beautiful in Tennessee. Despite the terrible experience on my most recent trip to the lake, I still feel the same way. I will not, however, ever visit the Center Hill Marina again.
In August 2009, seven family members, friends and I visited the Center Hill Marina expecting a day of rest and relaxation. We rented one of their pontoon boats for the day, a wonderful experience for those without their own boats and a reasonable price. The day started off wonderfully and we had a great time with the family. Despite a few disappointing features (very slow motor, bare minimum amenities) we were pleased with the boat. However, the wonderful day took a drastic turn for the worse as we headed back to the marina at the end of the day.
While on our way back, the engine started to sputter and then died completely. We were in the middle of the lake adrift. Upon closer inspection, the boat had run out of gas, despite the fact that the gas gauge still read nearly 1/2 tank of gas. We called the Marina to alert them of our situation and request assistance as we were now adrift in the main channel without means to get back. While we had a jet ski that could eventually pull the boat in, they told us assistance was on the way and they would be bringing gas. Not to worry, they said, it happens all the time.
After 45 minutes of waiting, we called the Marina again to request an update as we had now drifted away from our original stopping point and were still in need of assistance. As we were only about 30 minutes from the dock, we wanted to ensure they knew where we were. We were told help was on the way and should be there any minute. So we continued to wait. Over 2 hours after our original request for help, a boat finally arrived to assist us. The young man who came to help was very kind and stayed with us all the way back in to the dock. Once we arrived at the dock and unloaded, we were turning in the boat and were shocked as the bill was totaled.
Under their calculations, we should pay the original $200 for the day rental and an additional $297 in late charges ($100 for every hour we were late returning). When we explained the situation again, that we had run out of gas due to the faulty gas gauge, we were told that they were aware of the problem and sent us on the boat anyways. In addition, they had purposely disconnected gas gauges on all of the boats they rented. It was up to the renter to locate the gas tank and open, look inside and determine how much gas was left. Not only that, each boat had a different size gas tank so you didn't know how much gas you had to start with (or how much you would need). After much pleading, we were told the amount was "non-negotiable" and we would have to pay.
It was the most inconsiderate and ludicrous situation and we had no options. We paid the bill and let the clerk know that we would be contacting management. She told us "good luck" and escorted us out of the shop. It is for these reasons that we will never visit Center Hill Marina again. I will not so much as buy ice at this Marina. Had we been assisted when we requested, we would have been late and were happy to pay those charges. However, to be charged for the 2 hours we were stranded (because they did not send anyone to help until 1 hour after we called) is unacceptable. I highly recommend Center Hill Lake to anyone that is interested in a wonderful day of relaxation and rest but I will never visit this marina again. We will visit Hidden Harbor next time.