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NATCHEZ ON THE WATERFRONT


of a particular site and location and what are the problems or, as we have been saying for years, challenges. Most importantly, what is it that will distinguish this facility from others? Pretty pictures are inviting, but it is how it is put together and functions that will be able to sustain and command a leading position in the area and in the industry. Nothing makes me madder than seeing some glitzy rendering for a new facility where it is immediately apparent that someone who knows nothing about marinas or boating simply said “draw some docks and insert pretty boats here”, with no regard for what is needed for that marina to properly function and be a success. There is no shortcut to fully


assessing what the site has to offer. Views, topography, location, water depths, protection in storms and currents are just a few of the issues one needs to understand for a meaningful, functional design. Truth be told, shortcuts end up


having a real impact, which can easily be reflected in the functioning of the facility, the happiness of your clients and the rates that can be commanded. Turning over a project design or implementation to the accountants or lawyers may not have the best long-term result. While their input is essential, the decision- making needs to be with the person able to take a broader view. Budgetary decisions are important, but are often better accommodated by doing projects in stages rather than cutting corners.


Master plan While it may seem counter- intuitive to some, particularly for existing facilities, spending the time and money creating a meaningful master plan is essential for almost every marina from a small harbour to the largest superyacht marina. It allows one to achieve the desired goals while incorporating appropriate stages where needed due to budgets or logistics. As that plan is coming together, focus on the function, substance and what makes the facility special or unique, which will


help command rewarding pricing. Once the core plan is created, the plantings, features, facades and colour co-ordination should be added, making the facility shine and glimmer for customer acceptance and desire, as well as marketing, financing or regulatory approvals. That same focus on substance then needs to be carried through in all aspects of the marina’s operation. Things don’t need to just look good, they need to work, work well and have a pleasant, friendly and knowledgeable staff for assistance. It’s great if you have attractive showers, but if the water heater (that no one sees) cannot provide enough or consistent hot water then that fancy tile job was probably a waste. If the trendy-looking restrooms are not continually cleaned, the wrong and lasting impressions are formed by customers. If the pontoons look really great, but sink or tip the moment you step on them, the nice look will quickly be forgotten, replaced by a feeling that corners were cut and the facility is not safe. If the home page of your website looks exciting at first glance, but is otherwise useless, what will customers think? Don’t get me wrong. I’m not


saying that you should not try to make every aspect of your facility and its marketing as attractive as possible. After all, we do all tend to fall for those shiny new toys. However, similar to the boats themselves, it is by focusing on substance that a marina’s financial well-being and success, and by extension that of recreational boating itself, will ultimately be sustained and thus deliver the bright future for which we all strive.


*Dan Natchez is President of Daniel S. Natchez and Associates Inc, a leading international environmental waterfront design consulting company specialising in the design of marinas and marina resorts throughout the world. Your comments and enquiries are invited on Tel: +1 914 698 5678, by Fax: +1 914 698 7321, by E-mail: dan.n@ dsnainc.com or on his Website: www.dsnainc.com


DANIEL S. NATCHEZ and ASSOCIATES, Inc.


Environmental Waterfront Design and Consulting Company


An International


NATCHEZ ON THE WATERFRONTEYEBROW21


DESIGN


WATERFRONT


YOUR ONE STOP SHOP WHERE THE WORLD COMES TOGETHER!


ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING


Master Planning - In-Water and Upland Integration Comprehensive Marina and Marina Resort Design Proficient Project Management


Functional Marine Services and Launching Facilities International in Scope


Site Evaluation and Economic Analysis Cost Effective Solutions Three Decades of Experience


DANIEL S. NATCHEZ and ASSOCIATES, Inc.


916 East Boston Post Road Mamaroneck, NY 10543 (tel) 1.914.698.5678


(email) dan.n@dsnainc.com www.dsnainc.com


MARCH 2017 • MARINA EURO-REPORT


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