Smith Marina on Lake Martin - Alexander City, Alabama

Tara L.

Over this past weekend, we rented a boat from them. We paid $555 for an 8-hour rental. The morning we picked up the rental, we were greeted politely and professionally, and I thought "we made a good choice". However, after piling all our things into the rental, the boat "blew a fuse" and it seemed as if the owner was blaming us for it. We hadn't even moved the boat from his dock yet, and he was with us the entire time. The boat had tape all over the seats and the door wouldn't latch, so I wasn't too terribly surprised that there were also mechanical issues. After trying unsuccessfully to fix it, the owner told us to switch to a different boat. So we had to move all our ice chests, supplies, dogs, etc. a boat over. This took some time off our rental. It was inconvenient but tolerable.

The real issue came later in the day when we returned to drop the boat off (20 minutes early I may add), and my friend and I (both women) needed to use the restroom. The only public restrooms available are outside the marina. When we got to them, there was an "Out of Order" sign on them and the doors were locked; which was disappointing, as we had a long drive home ahead of us. We went inside to ask the owner's wife is there were other restrooms available. She told us she didn't think there was anything wrong with the women's and suggested we try the door again. She along with a younger girl that worked there followed us. They proceeded to try to pick the lock because it does not use a key. They were unable to get it unlocked, so my husband was asked to try to get it unlocked. Immediately after he got it open, the owner swung open a door from inside to us, yelled very vulgarly "I'm not pumping their c*** out!" We were so appalled. It was such a disgusting thing to say, and completely inappropriate. His wife tried to explain the situation, but he continued to get upset and say more things that someone in the service industry should not say in front of any customers, especially ladies and people that just spent nearly $600 in one day at their establishment.

It was clear his wife was embarrassed as she apologized, which was appreciated, but I assure you, we will never rent from them again, and I'd advise others not to. It was such a sour ending to an otherwise perfect lake day. It would do him well to learn some manners and treat his customers with respect. The entire situation could have been handled with a little more gentlemanly care. It's clear he has a temper and an attitude, and those are poor characteristics for a business owner that caters to the public.

Tiffany R.

This is always a must stop place for the kids when we come every summer! BUT this year was horrible. One of our kids (12year old) couldn’t get the frozen yogurt to stop fast enough so he let maybe a large spoonful drop in the tray under the dispenser (you know the one that is there for this situation). The old man seen this and then continued to come look over our shoulders so close that I bumped into him on accident. I thought he was someone waiting to get some and just checking out the flavors. I said I’m sorry and he said “I’m just making sure there are no more messes made”, like we weren’t right there helping our kids. The same kiddo, we told him to kinda wiggle his cup so the fro yo would go down so he didn’t spill and to make more room. It went down a lot and he wanted to add another kind on top…which is allowed ($13 for the froyo to swirl over the top of the cup) the old man came and literally asked him directly, when both myself and my husband were standing right there, what he did with that pink ice cream that was on top. We told him we wiggled it down and he said “that’s hard to believe”. My kid was almost in tears & we were very upset. But thank god for the angel that was doing the toppings, an older lady, because she was so sweet to him. Our whole party couldn’t believe what just happened and we were all appalled.

Edited to add response:
I’m glad you have it on camera, maybe you can go back and review how rude you were to kids. They were all supervised by 4 adults. If you don’t want an occasional spill over maybe you shouldn’t have it be self service. (Plus I’m sure the prices of the yogurt $10-$13, plus toppings $1/each, even for one squeeze of syrup cover that little spillage)
Btw, it wasn’t cookies and cream he put on the top, it was the caramel flavor because my husband was the one that told him to add it because he wanted to try it.

josh W.

We drove over just to get some ice cream after having lunch at kowaliga. Great people, delicious ice cream, lovely view, clean bathrooms, friendly dog. What more could you ask for?

Joshua J.

Rough day on the water. Pulled up to Marina to let kids out for ice cream. Didn’t like the dock situation with all the traffic. Was going to drop them off and park around the corner. Owner insisted on us staying in the slip and with many witnesses he said, “ you are good I’ll keep your boat from hitting.” Me: Are you sure ? Owner: “Absolutely!“
Got ice cream, came out and my boat was scratched front to back. Going to have to figure this one out.

Henry C.

Great ice cream and marina

Michael R.

Went to get some ice cream and met the owners at the end of the season. Really nice people that have done a great job with this marina. Great spot to stop for some ice cream on a hot summer day!

Suzy G.

We rented a pontoon boat for several days from the Smiths. They were kind, helpful, and available. The boat was in great shape and made our family time even more fun.

Joye B.

The yougurt ice cream is awsome. The owners are very friendly. The puppies are sweet.