Bar and Grill at Akwa Marina

[Happy Gourmand]

Originally Posted by Woodsy

I think the new bar is absolutely awesome! What a great place to hang out and have a few beers! The food is heavy on the seafood.. But it looks great! (I don't eat fish)

The only issue is the docking... they placed a bunch of large mooring balls instead of tie posts down the length of the public dock.... on a rough day (and we all know those are coming) the mooring balls will wear your paint or gelcoat.

Woodsy

Those aren't mooring balls, they are large round fenders. They work great.

[Woodsy]

Phantom...

Sorry I had the description wrong....

I have to disagree with you. Regardless of what you want to call them, on a busy weekend, that water WILL be rough and they WILL rub your paint or Gelcoat. Boats have a RUB rail for a reason and its not just to cover a seam.

They need to install tie posts.... and then the place will give the NAZ a run for its money!


Woodsy

[LIforrelaxin]

Kurt,

Does the beach bar have any gluten free menu options?

[AkwaMarina]

Originally Posted by LIforrelaxin

Kurt,

Does the beach bar have any gluten free menu options?

Our kitchen is too small to have a true certified gluten free options, but we do gluten tolerant items, just tell your server. We have BBQ Chicken Wings, Salads with Balsamic Vinaigrette, Salmon and Tuna Specials, Gluten free French Fries and gluten free Buns. I have many relatives that are celiac (sp?) so it is something the cooks are very used to preparing.

I am going to look into socks for the fenders, right now...

[LIforrelaxin]

Originally Posted by Woodsy

Phantom...

Sorry I had the description wrong....

I have to disagree with you. Regardless of what you want to call them, on a busy weekend, that water WILL be rough and they WILL rub your paint or Gelcoat. Boats have a RUB rail for a reason and its not just to cover a seam.

They need to install tie posts.... and then the place will give the NAZ a run for its money!


Woodsy

I agree this place could give the NAZ some needed competition.

I disagree on the idea that the Bumpers would cause damage to the Gelcoat. I suppose over a number of years that could be true, in extreme conditions but come on to tie up for a hour or two, I don't think so.... I have used bumpers with my boats for years... and not had an issues....

[Woodsy]

LI....

I use bumpers all the time.... to protect the boat from other boats... rub rail to rub rail. Now take your 4000# boat, and protect it only at the waterline with a rubber balloon.... in very rough (for a dock) water....

That's why they make these....

http://fendersox.com/

Woodsy

[ishoot308]

I have an Eastern 22' Lobster with a rub rail, no fenders required at any vertical post style dock or recommended.

If I were to use unprotected fenders against the gel coat it will definitely scratch the #$%* out of the gel coat in no time at all, minutes not hours! Fendersox would be the only way I would use any fenders directly against gel coat, even then it would be for a short time only and with little to no movement, such as boats tied tightly together.

Dan

[codeman671]

Originally Posted by The Phantom Gourmand

Those aren't mooring balls, they are large round fenders. They work great.

I have not seen the setup so I can only guess, if they are large mooring type balls at basically water level they would be fine for pontoons. For regular gelcoat clad boats-not so much.

A few years back I had our Monterey 298SS tied up in Gilford Yacht Club. Docks there are straight wooden tie posts. I had a few of the big bertha, or similar fenders tied around the lower post to fend off the boat if it bounced a bit so that the metal rub rail did not get trashed. In a very short span of time the boat rocking back and forth against the fender rubbed a perfect square on the side of the boat in the black gelcoat. After $500 in touchups I went with fender socks. Even with them you have to be careful. My boat was tied rather loosely, had it been tighter the damage would have been worse.

[jrc]

Fender socks are only good if they are new and clean.

Obviously fenders or anything rubbing on bare gelcoat will wear it. On the other hand, rub rails directly on posts can flex the boat at the hull deck joint and cause stress cracks. There is no perfect way to dock a boat in rough water.

When I dock at the Weirs, it's always a debate on which is the least damaging, fenders to hold the boat off the dock or just let rails take the beating. In calm water rails always win, in rough fenders win.

If you a have pilings on both sides, you can do a four way tie, how about some pilings?

[NoBozo]

Almost all of my years of boating has been in Salt Water. I used fenders. No "Socks." My dockspace was in a protected marina. When I got back from sailing I still hosed off the hull AND the fenders with fresh water.

Salt water splashes on the hull will crystalize... and is very abrasive. I never had any indication that there was a problem with fenders abrading the gel coat. I am a meticulous SOB.

When I go to the lake with my little 20' runabout for two weeks...A rented cabin with dock space: The dock is broadside to the wind and wakes of the boats that go by. I bring my own 12 X 28 "Fend Aire" fenders. Totally oversize for the boat ..I hang them from the verticle posts on dock..but they work. I don't carry them on the boat. TOO Big. No Socks. No abrasion problems. Going on 15 years..same boat. NB

[Woodsy]

NoBozo....

That works because you are putting the fenders on a VERTICAL tie post, and the fenders get pinched between the RUB RAIL and the VERTICAL TIE POST. Eliminating most of if not all of the wear on the gelcoat or paint. it also helps that they are oversized for the boat, eliminating a lot of the compression.

Anyway...

Bottom line, Akwa needs to forgo the fender covers and just put in some 2x6 vertical tie posts.... every 12 ft or so with a cleat in the middle between each post. They don't have to extend to the bottom (they have floating docks there) Probably use 10' long boards.. 4' above the dock, the rest below. this will give them the maximum usage of their dock. More cleats and more posts make it for more options fitting in boats of all sizes. Not too expensive and it solves the issue for everyone. Then it doesn't matter if the water gets snotty on a busy day!

I am lucky enough to be able to walk down to Gazebo. I keep my Donzi at Anchor marine. So I really have no dog in the fight. I just know all of my friends are as anal about their boats (Fountains, Donzi's, Formulas etc) as I am about my boat.

Woodsy

[BroadHopper]

For years I had to endure the rough waters on the widest part of the lake. The most effective way to have a boat in front of the property is to moor it. What I find effective when tying to a single dock with no pilings to tie to. is to tie the opposite side middle boat cleat to a tree or piling on shore. This keep the boat away from the dock. I think NoBozo can take advantage of this trick. I had many broken whips to tell me it is a waste of money.

Akwa Marina should cover the metal rings around the pilings. It looks like it can cause major damage to a boat. I personally would rather use my own snubbers than use the huge balls provided by the marina.

If you want expert advise as to handling this situation I would talk to John Spooner of Diamond Shine. He's 'Da Man'.

[AkwaMarina]

We are working on a better solution for the situations when the water is rough. Many of the solutions mentioned here we are not allowed to do.

[AC2717]

Hi Akwa
I think you are already doing more than yoru share to make things accomedating, some folks just will not be happy
keep up the good work and food and the people will come!!!!!

[NoBozo]

I bought my BIG 12 X 28 "Fend Aire" fenders ...USED.. at a "Nautical Consignment" shop for $10 each. They are normally around $100.

SO: AKWA..Go out and buy some BIG rubber fenders at a Nautical consignment shop @ $10 each and hang them up on the pier. Your boating customers will appreciate it. NB

[watrskir]

I parked there last Friday and would not do it again. The place is awesome and food was great!! The only way I will be back is by car or park at the weirs. My boat has white sides and I'm sure it left a mark even in short time! Had it been a "colored" boat....I wouldn't have tied up after seeing those fender/balls. Looks like the Naz will still get me if I'm too lazy to walk )

[Par Four]

Originally Posted by AkwaMarina

We are working on a better solution for the situations when the water is rough. Many of the solutions mentioned here we are not allowed to do.

I absolutely love to see smaller businesses make a go of it, especially when you see the evidence of ownership wanting to and trying to "do the right thing".

I work in Big Business (yes, Im just a number) where its not hard to see the motivations that drive the agenda.

Dock, walk or drive, the Par Four dining team should be dining there in the not too distant future!

Best of luck to you, looks like you've got a very good start going on.

[ishoot308]

We just came back from the Akwa Marina Beach Bar and must say the food and atmosphere is very good! We had buffalo wings which were tender and very tasty, I had a lobster roll which was excellent and my wife had a chicken ceasar salad which she said was very good and one of our friends had a burger which he said was fantastic!

As far as boat docking, it's perfect for my pontoon boat!!.... not so great for any high end gel coat finish.

The Akwa Marina is definitely a great stop on the big lake!!

See pics below of buffalo wings, lobster roll and dock area....

Dan

[BernerGuy]

What are the odds of this place being even a little bit "dog friendly?"

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by BernerGuy

What are the odds of this place being even a little bit "dog friendly?"

I brought my dog but she was left on the boat. I would not think pets are allowed anywhere on the premises except your boat...

Dan

[brk-lnt]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

I brought my dog but she was left on the boat. I would not think pets are allowed anywhere on the premises except your boat...

Dan

That would be my impression too. I stopped by there last week in morning, before they were open to chat with Kurt for a bit.

You park at the marina docks and head across a beach area and over to the restaurant. Not much of a place for dogs to run or anything, and the eating area is a little bit tight, not in a bad way, but no room for a dog to lounge around either.

[VitaBene]

I saw some dogs around- their owners may have been club members though...

[AkwaMarina]

By popular demand, we added little dock posts. So now you can use the big fenders we provide or flip them up and just use the dock posts. Either was we have tons of cleats.

You are welcome to bring your dogs we just ask that you keep them on your boats. We are dog lovers too but we just have to many people to allow people that have dogs to bring there dogs into the facility.

I would also like to point out that even though the city of Laconia has blocked off the street to "local traffic" if you are coming to Akwa Marina for your boat, the Akwa Marina Beach Bar, the American Boat Club, etc consider yourself "local traffic" and come on down.

Thanks
Kurt
AND I final got my cell phone back!!! 603-231-6002 if you need me

[Happy Gourmand]

Originally Posted by AkwaMarina

By popular demand, we added little dock posts. So now you can use the big fenders we provide or flip them up and just use the dock posts. Either was we have tons of cleats.

You are welcome to bring your dogs we just ask that you keep them on your boats. We are dog lovers too but we just have to many people to allow people that have dogs to bring there dogs into the facility.

I would also like to point out that even though the city of Laconia has blocked off the street to "local traffic" if you are coming to Akwa Marina for your boat, the Akwa Marina Beach Bar, the American Boat Club, etc consider yourself "local traffic" and come on down.

Thanks
Kurt
AND I final got my cell phone back!!! 603-231-6002 if you need me

Now that's what I call accomodating!
We'll see you this weekend, and we'll leave our killer chihuahua at home!

[AkwaMarina]

I hope it is okay to post here?

We are offer a few fun specials.

"Whenever it is raining it is still Sunny at Akwa" $2 Sam Summer Drafts, When it is raining.

We will also be having an app special every Thursday from 4-6, "Buy one get another half off, all apps"

Thanks
Kurt

[Dave M]

Looking at picture for Public Docking, if its full can you park on the outside dock where boat slips are.

Dave M

[Sal]

We first visited right after it opened. Great view, very few people . . . word
hadn't gotten around.

Ate there this evening again. It was VERY busy, Haddock basket was good. Waitress seemed a bit confused. View was still great.

We'll go back.

[brk-lnt]

Every time I check out the Akwa cam during the day, it seems like there are always 3 or 4 boats tied up on the public docks, even during the week. They must be doing something right

[AkwaMarina]

Thanks for a great season. Today is the last day we will be open, so come down for pats game and help us clear the cabinets! All drafts are $1, all bottles and cans $2, all kinds of food and cocktail specials. We even have hot cider! Doors open at 11:30.

[SIKSUKR]

Great photo Kurt.

[pjard]

WOW! That is indeed a great shot!

[WakeboardMom]

Looking forward to visiting! Enough snow...!

[AkwaMarina]

Wakeboard Mom... We are definitely in agreement. Time for summer

[AkwaMarina]

Akwa Marina Beach Bar opens this Saturday (5-17-14 11:30 AM). Come help us kick off the season with our first annual "Christen the Anona" Party. We will have some great specials including a $1 draft beer special. We will also be offering a more robust menu this year.

The Anona is the name of the 1904 gaff-rigged sloop, that we put on display as our bar. Former owners were often quoted as saying that they "pump the lake through the Anona a good many times" so we are going to carry on the tradition with our draft system and set the sail for the season

Cheers!!!

https://www.facebook.com/AkwaMarinaYachtClub

[MeredithMan]

We visited you several times for lunch last summer by boat and it was always a great experience! We brought some out-of-towners there each time and they thought it was the coolest place. Question: Are you accessible only by boat, or can we drive there as well? Do you have to go through the gates for the community out on Rte 3?

Thanks and good luck for a great summer!

MM

[AkwaMarina]

Originally Posted by MeredithMan

We visited you several times for lunch last summer by boat and it was always a great experience! We brought some out-of-towners there each time and they thought it was the coolest place. Question: Are you accessible only by boat, or can we drive there as well? Do you have to go through the gates for the community out on Rte 3?

Thanks and good luck for a great summer!

MM

I am happy you had a great experience. You can come by car, boat, kayak, etc.
We are located right on the same street as Weirs beach, so if you aare coming by car, from say Gilford, go over the channel bridge, turn right at the Wiers Beach sign, go past the Mt. Washington on your right, past the Gringo on your left, past Weirs the Beef on your right, and continue for about ~1000ft and we are down on the water. So just walk down the boat ramp and across the sandy beach and up into the Beach Bar like you would from the docks.

https://goo.gl/maps/61fEv
95 Centenary Ave
Laconia NH 03110

[Happy Gourmand]

Originally Posted by AkwaMarina

Akwa Marina Beach Bar opens this Saturday (5-17-14 11:30 AM). Come help us kick off the season with our first annual "Christen the Anona" Party. We will have some great specials including a $1 draft beer special. We will also be offering a more robust menu this year.

The Anona is the name of the 1904 gaff-rigged sloop, that we put on display as our bar. Former owners were often quoted as saying that they "pump the lake through the Anona a good many times" so we are going to carry on the tradition with our draft system and set the sail for the season

Cheers!!!

https://www.facebook.com/AkwaMarinaYachtClub

Can you post the new menu?

[AkwaMarina]

The new Menu is not 100% complete or posted but as it evolves it will always be available for viewing here https://www.toasttab.com/akwa-marina
You can also purchase digital Gift Cards there.
The menu keeps everything from last year but adds some more options, like a catch of the day.

[kauriel]

Is there a designated parking area for the restaurant or is it mostly geared toward boat visitors? I went Sunday but wasn't sure where to park and our server didn't provide a clear answer if it was OK to park in the guest/visitor lot.

[AkwaMarina]

Originally Posted by kauriel

Is there a designated parking area for the restaurant or is it mostly geared toward boat visitors? I went Sunday but wasn't sure where to park and our server didn't provide a clear answer if it was OK to park in the guest/visitor lot.

I apologize the server wasn't very clear. As a guest of the restaurant, you can use the car parking lots and walk down the boat ramp and across the beach to get to the beach bar. Thanks for visiting.

[kauriel]

Originally Posted by AkwaMarina

I apologize the server wasn't very clear. As a guest of the restaurant, you can use the car parking lots and walk down the boat ramp and across the beach to get to the beach bar. Thanks for visiting.

Thank you for clarifying. We enjoyed our visit and hope to go back again!