The roaring climax of "the best boating year we can remember" at Kentucky's State Dock marina was a huge Poker Run in September.  Despite rumors about the effects of lowering Lake Cumberland's water level by 40 feet to repair Wolf Creek Dam, there was more than enough water on the 37,680-acre lake for 125 of the fastest powerboats in the country to demonstrate their full 150 mph speed before a crowd of tens of thousands.  And, thanks to a four-year phased dock expansion led by Atlantic-Meeco, there was plenty of room for boaters to stay where they played.
          To accommodate guests at the premier marina in the "Houseboating Capital of the World," Atlantic-Meeco built 214 covered and uncovered docks ranging from 16- by 40-foot, 18- by 60-foot and 24- by 80-foot to 25- by 100-foot.  With a total of 460 slips on 12 docks, State Dock still has a waiting list of 80, and owner Bill Jasper is currently reviewing blueprints for 70 more Atlantic-Meeco slips.

The 12-foot'-wide walkways lead to exposed aggregate concrete decks.  "Atlantic-Meeco is the best dock builder in the business," said Jasper.  "With no wood, we have removable panels to easily get to utilities without pulling boards during expansion.  In storms, the docks do very well and Atlantic-Meeco has been very responsive to the few concerns we've had."

State Dock offers 100 amp electric service, free water, cable, wireless Internet, 6 pumpouts, trash pick-up, valet parking and a 5 percent discount on fuel and shipstore purchases.  A new bath house with country club-style travertine marble floors and a fitness center overlooking the marina were recently added to this impressive facility.

Home of one of the five most popular Poker Runs in the nation, State Dock's status is due in part to being able to accommodate participants and fans in the marina, where they can socialize for several days.  One dock was reserved for State Dock's "Boatels"-its fleet of 51 luxurious rental houseboats-and another dock for 125 extreme powerboats side by side.  "It was quite a sight," said Jasper.

"Got water?" was the nagging question before the season began, but as it turned out, at 60 feet, Lake Cumberland is still one of the deepest lakes east of the Mississippi, and State Dock is well-situated at one of the lake's deepest points.  According to Jasper, boaters like the lake at its new level.  "Without the fluctuation, there's little debris to damage props.  It's cleaner, fishing is great, and we have more than a thousand miles of shoreline to explore.  With the rocky shore exposed and the beautiful trees above, customers love it," said Jasper.