Lakeway Marina Ships Store

The Ships Store offers boat maintenance and sailing instructions, and carries a full line of clothing and swimwear. The store also has a fuel dock and sells beer and snacks.

"If people don't like this, they don't like being out on the lake," Allen said.

Replacing the Ships Store had become necessary due to the wear and tear it accumulated for more than 40 years, Allen said. He joked that the ice machines were being held on by straps, and the whole place was ready to fall into the lake.

While the new Ships Store is the same size as the old one, it has a different layout, putting the service department on one side, the merchandise department on the other side and rentals up front.

The store has new gas pumps and an expansive deck.

"This has state-of-the-art upgrades," Allen said. "It's the nicest Ships Store on Lake Travis right now."

A benefit for Lake Travis

Allen said that a new Ships Store is good for the Greater Lake Travis community.

"In a time when everyone is doom and gloom, it's something new and something everyone should be excited about," he said.

Allen said the May rainfall has him cautiously optimistic about the upcoming summer.

The store brings out its full range of rental boats when the lake is at least 650 feet above sea level. As of May 16, the lake was at 642.44 feet above sea level, according to the Lower Colorado River Authority.

The ships store officially opened May 17. A soft opening was held Memorial Day weekend, and a grand opening is being planned for an unknown future date.

Allen said he hopes the new store will have a party at some point for residents of the Lake Travis area.

"Everyone needs to see it," he said. "It's something to be excited about."

New merchandise

The new merchandise store at the Lakeway Marina Ships Store carries a full line of clothing and swimwear.

The store has new items from brands such as Reef and Billabong, co-owner Steve Allen said.

Allen said the merchandise store is popular with people who live in the Lake Travis area.

"We get locals all the time in here who just stop by to pick up a new bathing suit," he said. "It's good to provide that service."

Lakeway Marina Ships Store, 103 Lakeway Drive, 261-7511, www.lakewaymarina.com