16 NATCHEZ ON THE WATERFRONT


Retrofitting for the future C


By Dan Natchez*


hances are that, even by the time this issue of Marina Industry goes to press, things are going


to be pretty bleak in most parts of the world and there is just no way to sugar-coat the situation. However, I have always been an optimist deep down at heart and so it strikes me that this can still be a time to look towards and plan for the future – perhaps even more so. When one stops to consider that of the roughly 11,500 marina facilities in the USA it is believed that over 60% are suffering from deferred maintenance (and similar for most developed countries), there is no question that retrofitting and upgrading is needed, and that it involves more than just a fresh coat of paint (although new paint is always helpful). Most facilities were created


decades ago and most were designed for a different boating market and clientele. When finally deciding to upgrade


for the future, I find it’s best to take a deep breath and then a hard look as to what has been happening in the facility over the last few years, including how have the boats changed, how have the boaters changed and what boats have you not been able to attract or to keep? There is no question that boats have become longer, wider and


deeper. The average time of usage has decreased markedly, as has the number of times the boat is used. Meanwhile, the costs of boating have skyrocketed and the type of boater, as well as the approach to boating has changed – and will continue to change. Our current global predicament


notwithstanding, we live in a time where the emphasis is on instant gratification, there is a lack of tolerance of things going wrong and customers have become much more demanding. Every facility has its own advantages and challenges, so understanding your market is most important before you embark upon an upgrading program and knowing the market is more than just what has happened and/or is happening, but understanding the trends in your region and in the industry as a whole.


Assessment is paramount Assessing the advantages of your facility is paramount to a retrofitting program. One needs to capitalise on the best attributes. Water depth, wave and storm protection, ease of usage and proximity to open water are just a few things to consider. Do you want to evolve into a specialty facility such as for bass or deep sea fishing, high powered racing boats, one design sailboats, sail, power or pontoon boats? These concepts


do not even scratch the surface. Having someone from the outside take a hard look at your facility actually can be eye-opening as to how the facility is perceived by your customers as opposed to from the facility’s perspective. One should also decide as to whether to have service, fuel and/ or other attractions. In an urban area where there other adequate fuel stations, upgrading your


fuel may or may not be a good investment. The cost of upgrading fuel to today’s requirements can easily be in the low to medium six figures and in an area with lots of competition that prospect may not be all that enticing. On the other hand, where your facility is the only one around or is fortunate to have deeper water than others, adding or upgrading fuel can provide the basis of a good investment.


This cluttered and untidy pontoon definitely needs upgrading. MARINA INDUSTRY • JUNE 2020


These retrofitted berths present a clean and neat appearance.


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