Oklahoma marinas suffer $40 million in snow damage

February 2011 News

Heavy snowfall caused an estimated $40 million in damage to marinas and boats at Oklahoma's Grand Lake, according to reports.

As much as 4 feet of snow fell in the area during the first two weeks of the month, the Tulsa World newspaper reported.

Tom Benton, a marine surveyor who owns Marine Damage Consultants, estimated that the heavy snowfall damaged at least 16 marinas and 600 boats, for a total loss of roughly $40 million.

"I have one boat that I'm working with that's $1.1 million, and it sank," he told the newspaper. "The repair work's probably going to go on for a year. There are just so many boats and there are not enough places for them to get immediately fixed. We're probably not done yet. Some of the boats that had docks come down on them and are still afloat may not be in the next few days."

One of the unlucky areas is Tera Miranda Resort and Marina on Monkey Island, where Tom Berry is the general manager.

"It was too dangerous to get guys on the roof during the heavy snow," he told the newspaper. "We did get them up between the storms. It's kind of like a tornado coming through. You can't do anything about it. You know it's coming. You just batten down the hatches.

"Someday, it will get back to normal," he added. "The lake will be great again. We're just trying to fix boats and figure out who's got what. Some people don't even know their boat's damaged yet."

Click here for the full report.

  • Like what you read?

    Want to know when we have important news, updates or interviews?

You Might Also Be Interested In...
News, Feature

BoatClass Expands to more than 35 Locations

BoatClass, a certified on-water boater training ha...
Web Exclusive
Feature, News

TowBoatUS Service Now in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

When boats break down on the water, TowBoatUS safe...
Web Exclusive
BoatUS
News

Introducing Revel Boats

Revel Boats is the newest pontoon brand that was i...
Feature, News

Earth-friendly tips for Earth Day

Mother Earth needs a little help from boaters, but...
Web Exclusive
BoatUS
Feature, News

Coming Up: Marine Service Technician Week

The week is dedicated to recognizing the exception...
Web Exclusive
Feature, News

Supersede Set to Transform Marine Grade Plywood Market

Supersede Marine Board addresses the gap in the ma...
Web Exclusive
Theresa Nicholson
Share

Send to your friends!

Click here to read the current issue.

Already a subscriber? Please check your email for the latest full issue link.