8 PONTOONS


Rebuilding on a budget F


ollowing the Covid-19 pandemic, many leisure harbours may wish to rebuild their facilities on a


tight budget without sacrificing quality or style. US-based Bellingham Marine has already gained vast experience in this area of expertise and has developed comprehensive pre-construction services that enable successful rebuilds without costing the Earth! Depending on the scope of the project, these may include: berth layout optimisation; preliminary structural calculation; financial proforma analysis; permitting services; and site investigation and planning. When involved during the


inception phase, Bellingham is able to use its experience to identify and solve potential construction issues early and thus prevent problems from arising during the building process. With an open mind and a


willingness to invest time in the process, marinas can rebuild on a budget by following these three tips for successful renovation.


Focus on planning The tighter the budget the more valuable the planning phase. Acquire a good understanding of the big picture. Then, sit down with the chosen marina builder and begin to construct a plan that will take the project from point A to point B. The planning phase should


include more than design and material choice. Identify and define these key items: business goals; market demand; site conditions (including limitations); sticking points (what are you not willing to compromise on); budgetary constraints; and funding sources This important step will give management the lens it needs to make critical decisions going forward. Everything should point back to the marina’s business goals and market demand. The site’s conditions – water depth, wave environment,


MARINA INDUSTRY • JUNE 2021


Bellingham Marine helped Santa Barbara Harbor in California to rebuild 500 of its berths without imposing large rate increases on its clients. (picture courtesy of Blake Bronstad).


boundaries, entrance channels and any sticking points will provide a guide towards what is possible. Armed with the above


information and any ideas on dock type and amenities, the marina builder will be able to identify potential options, which should include:


● A range of approaches, including phased construction options.


● Permitting requirements and possible work-arounds.


● Possible system trade-offs. ● Optional features and amenities (upgrades and downgrades). ● Future add-ons.


An experienced marina builder will know what trade-offs can occur within a project. The ultimate goal is to find a solution that is a best fit for the client’s business, the budget and the boaters, who are its customers.


Reuse infrastructure Is there anything in the existing marina infrastructure that can be reused, refitted or replaced in a different position? Commonly reused components are


piling and concrete dock modules. New piling is a big expense. Can any of the piles be reused? It may be necessary to compromise on layout, but reuse of piling can offer huge savings. Can any of the dock modules be reused? These can be repurposed and refitted to give them new life.


Other options are to refit with new


weldments and walers, resurface or re-deck, increase freeboard with supplementary flotation, remove or reposition finger piers to create wider berths, correct twisting and listing issues and relocate modules for use in new areas of the marina. Become creative and learn from others. The stories of marinas that have reused parts to design the marina they want are endless.


Avoid preconceived notions Nothing will deminish a management team’s ability to explore the full range of options available to it more than clinging to preconceived notions. As human beings, we like to think


we are rational creatures. The truth is we are anything but. There are a


vast array of biases that shape our perceptions and decisions, so remain aware of the following common biases:


● Status Quo – the tendency to like things to stay the same.


● Focusing Effect – the tendency to place too much emphasis on a single aspect.


● Not Invented Here – aversion to use of products, research, standards or knowledge developed outside the group.


● Confirmation Bias – a tendency to search for, interpret and focus on information that confirms one’s preconceptions.


● Anchoring – the tendency to rely too heavily on a single piece of information when making decisions. This is usually the first piece of information acquired.


To achieve the goal of improving a marina from tired and worn-out to modern and new on a shoestring budget, it is essential to be bold, creative and open-minded. Bellingham Marine bmi@bellingham-marine.com www.bellingham-marine.com


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