Marina World - Issue 137 - May/Jun 2023

SUPERDOCKS ™

SF Marina is a world-renowned expert on developing new or existing premium marinas. We provide state-of-the-art floating breakwaters and concrete pontoons to anyone anywhere who plans on building a marina with superyacht berths. And who wants it to still be there after the storm.

Marina World talks to Austin Schell, CEO of Port 32 Marinas, about operations,

Monica Capria, Esteban Biondi, YP Loke, Alex Pares, Greg Weykamp, David Coyle, John Matheson, Alain Giudice, Max Brown and Robert Brown share their views on drystack – now and for the future

Hendren Plastics continues to expand the reach of its premium Eagle Floats product line. Owner and president, Jim Hendren,

Moss Marina, Fort Myers Beach, Florida was up and running in record time after being

Matthias Gehring (D-Marin); Matt O’Hara (Queen Boat Co); Kevin Lussier (Ocean Havens); Darrell Barnett (Soldiers Point Marina); and Mark Jaraczewski (Circle Boating, Suntex Marinas) discuss

on the Hillsboro Inlet of the

Waterway is one of the finest marinas in South Florida. It

in the

Marina World FROM THE EDITOR

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Time to stack

As increased interest in boating continues, the shortage of wet berths in developed boating markets will become a growing problem. Now is the time for the industry to turn its attention to the many benefits of drystack storage as a ‘needs must’ rather than optional alternative.

The advantages of drystack have been recognised for years but uptake has been minimal if compared to the development of wet berth marinas. This is fundamentally due to public perception – both from the boat owner as well as the local resident. Boat owners cannot stroll the marina and admire their boats bobbing in the water; local residents don’t want to live near tall and potentially noisy commercial buildings.

But this is 2023. Boaters have become more educated about the benefits of stacking their boats in covered buildings and NIMBY fears have been somewhat allayed by the increasing attention paid to developing architecturally-pleasing buildings that resemble upmarket hotels and US-style shopping malls. And the major sea change is just emerging with the advent of electric forklifts and improved automated crane technology.

These diminish the noise and remove the pollution element that has had many a local resident running scared. New buildings can also be mixed-use, taking prominent place in a waterfront vista and delivering a residential component to make all more attractive to a developer.

The theories are sound, but people power combined with the difficulty of finding appropriate sites and lengthy and complicated permitting processes remain negatives that need to be offset by the positives: taking smaller boats out of the water leaves water space for vessels too large to be racked; crane systems require reduced footprint and rack more boats in the given volume – density = dollars.

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The site question is interesting and throws up two immediate benefits for drystack versus wet berth facilities. Firstly, because of the enhanced technology now available drystacks can be located further from the water’s edge and in fairly confined spaces. Secondly, they are a more environmentally-friendly boat berth option, especially when boat handling equipment is electrically driven.

This makes drystacks particularly ideal for lakes, which are often governed by tough environmental regulations, and lakeside drystack appears to be on the rise. Last year we reported on the impressive new Quick Launch Dry Stack built by Hagadone Marine Group on Lake Coeur d’Alene in Idaho, USA; and gave updates on Port Corsier, which opened on Lake Léman in Geneva, Switzerland in 2021. In this issue, we release breaking news on a stacker crane facility for Aqua Boat Club by Mission Group on Okanagan Lake in Kelowna, Canada (see p. 19).

In our Drystack Industry Feedback section, Greg Weykamp of Edgewater Resources picks up on this trend, noting a “significant increase in demand for drystack across the Great Lakes region.” He explains that because environmental limitations inhibit an increase in wet slips, operators are trying to meet customer demand for slips by racking smaller boats. He also adds: “Providing smaller, lower cost drystack slips can be a profitable way to meet local community demand for boating access to the water for residents at lower income levels, which can be helpful in obtaining local zoning approvals.”

There is a wealth of information in our Drystack feature. Look out for more in future issues.

Carol Fulford Editor

STRONG · SAFE · SUSTAINABLE SEAFLEX

Guidelines for sustainable infrastructure

WG 148: Guidelines for Sustainable Recreational Navigational Infrastructure (RNI), is now available from PIANC.

Giving guidance for sustainable design, it also outlines the benefits that sustainable RNI provides, as an economic engine with social and environmental benefits, in sustainable tourism, in large infrastructure projects, in urban waterfront projects, and as part of broad conservation strategies.

The report identifies and provides analysis of typical concerns that are faced in the practice of achieving environmental sustainability in these types of projects.

It describes the alignment between Best Practices in marina design and Working with Nature and provides case studies, and also features 15 projects that illustrate environmental design features, as well as examples of innovative design process implementation and of successful regulatory processes.

The 90-page report is free for PIANC members and priced at €120 for nonmembers.

www.pianc.org/publications/reccom/ wg148

New marina at town gateway

MONTENEGRO: A new marina has been completed directly in front of the main gate of the stunning medieval walled town of Kotor. The investment by the Port of Kotor will significantly boost nautical tourism and offers mooring for 142 boats from 8-50m (26-164ft) in length at a Marinetek floating marina system.

After the completion of the public procurement procedure in January, Marinetek produced and installed the pontoons, anchoring systems and mooring equipment in a very short time, finishing the project by the end of March 2023.

The 80m (262ft) long floating breakwater that protects the marina is made with Marinetek’s standard

M3820BR breakwater elements and is anchored by Seaflex. Two piers perpendicular to the shore, and one pier parallel to the shore, with a total length of 204m (669ft) were built using 3m/10ft-wide Heavy Duty pontoon elements. A standard four-berth Mediterranean-style anchoring system is installed, and all vessels have access to electricity and drinking water.

CLEAN WASTEWATER DISPOSAL

PierPump – Trouble-free disposal of waste and bilge water from boats and yachts.

When installing a wastewater management system harbor operators have to make several decisions depending on the location, number of berths and size to find the optimal system.

The Vogelsang PierPump is a customer-oriented high-performance solution, which is easy to operate and allows bilge water or black water to be pumped directly into the sewage system. The integrated rotary lobe pump means that the PierPump is resistant to foreign matter, so that the vacuum extraction process does not come to stop if the wastewater contains foreign matter. Wastewater tanks are vacuum extracted in a very short time, and the voyage can continue.

VOGELSANG � LEADING IN TECHNOLOGY vogelsang.info

Operator chosen for Elounda

GREECE: Camper & Nicholsons Marinas is to provide management, operational and branding services to the boutique marina at Elounda Hills, an ultra-luxury sustainable resort on the Mediterranean island of Crete.

Developed by Mirrum Group in partnership with 1 Hotels, the 56ha (138 acre) resort will feature a 137-key hotel and 257 residences in its first phase. The marina will be surrounded by a private beach club, fitness and wellbeing facilities, shopping boutiques, lively restaurants and bars across 2km (1.2mi) of coastline. Seasonal mooring for superyachts will also be available.

Angelos Angelidakis, CEO Mirrum Group, comments: “We are thrilled to unveil our masterplan for Elounda Hills. Although a popular tourist destination, Crete remains largely undeveloped and

Mooring Post

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Highlights from April/May:

• Sweden: Three-year build completes at Önnereds Boat Club

• Abu Dhabi: Rahman Island mega project

• Australia: Marking a decade at Abell Point Marina

• Belgium: 2030 target on end-of-life boats

• Albania: Work starts on Vlora Marina

our vision to create a new international lifestyle destination for the island has been many years in the making.”

Phil Ladmore, commercial director at Camper & Nicholsons Marinas, says: “We are delighted to be working with Elounda Hills and look forward to providing pre- and post-opening marketing, branding and operational marina management support to ensure the marina becomes a prominent and successful cruising destination. The new marina will benefit from our global marketing reach and brand equity, increasing awareness amongst yachting and luxury communities.”

• USA: Las Olas Marina progress in Ft Lauderdale

• Greece: Tekal invests in Nafplion Marina project

USA: AMI Expo 2024 –

Call for Seminar proposals Deadline: 1st June 2023

Info: www.marinaassociation.org/ conferenceandexpo

GREENER, CLEANER MARINA SOLUTIONS

Electric Service Pedestals

Electric Vehicle Charging Units

Electric Boat Charging

Electric & Water Management Systems

It’s no secret that the world is steering towards cleaner and greener modes of transport. As world leaders in providing service pedestals and associated products for marina and waterside destinations, and with over 10 years’ experience in the electric vehicle charging industry, Rolec are able to provide a solution to suit your electrification needs. Enabling you to offer your visitors a seamless charging experience, whether it’s for electric vehicles or electric boats.

Investment plans for Pylos

GREECE: D-Marin is leading a partnership with TEMES SA to deliver a premium marina experience in Pylos on Navarino Bay on the southwest coast of Peloponnese. The 40-year concession was awarded by the Hellenic Asset Development Fund (HRADF).

Pylos Marina currently has berthing capacity for 129 yachts up to 30m (98ft) in length and specific berths for the local fishing fleet. The facility will benefit from D-Marin’s commitment to customer service and luxury facilities, and its investment of over €10 million in digitisation and innovation.

“The Messinia region has the potential to be one of the Mediterranean’s finest yachting locations. Together with our highly reputable partner TEMES, we are committed to integrating the local needs as we transform the offering and put this exceptional location on the map of

maritime tourism,” said D-Marin CEO Oliver Dörschuck.

The investment in Pylos Marina will include development of the local area to provide more parking and areas for events, as well as other amenities and a focus on digitisation and sustainability. The wider area of the marina will be open to the public to freely enjoy its benefits.

D-Marin now has marinas at 20 locations. Pylos joins three other luxury marinas across Greece and, within the last six months, D-Marin has acquired four new marinas, entering the markets in Italy and Spain.

Don’t miss IWMC 2023

PORTUGAL: Don’t forget to register for the 2023 ICOMIA World Marinas Conference (IWMC) and marina exhibition, to be held in Vilamoura, Algarve from 9th-11th October.

The event, which moves to a different country every two years, is a first-time visitor to Portugal and will be hosted by the Portuguese Association of Ports and Marinas (APPR).

For full information on how you can join the conference crowd in discussing ‘Big Challenges – Big Opportunities –Big Decisions.”

www.worldmarinasconference.com

Building on the water Ingemar: Delivering the marinas of tomorrow since 1979

Pontoons, breakwaters, superyacht piers, floating crossings and constructions, off-the-shelf or customised, with robust and reliable structures in steel, aluminium or concrete, from design to turnkey delivery.

Made in Italy. Designed to be built on your doorstep.

Marina completes waterfront regeneration

UK: The new marina at Dover, a crucial element of the town’s plan to revitalise its waterfront, opened in April. Surrounded by the Marina Curve – a large outdoor entertainment space completed in 2021 – it is ideally positioned to attract locals and visitors.

Around 50 permanent berth holders are already on site and more will move over during the first half of this year. A total of 160 yachts and small leisure boats can be accommodated.

Highlights for berth holders include access to a dedicated fuel dock, hardstand and boatyard, and a new marina office. All elements have been designed to suit a sustainable mixeduse scheme.

Doug Bannister, chief executive of the Port of Dover, commented: “The port is transforming, and the marina opening is the perfect showcase of our new

modern look and identity. My thanks go to the marina and Dover Western Docks Revival teams for working so hard to provide this world-leading facility for our berth holders.”

“It’s also a fantastic new attraction for Dover and being perfectly situated next to our cruise terminals, brings communities together from across the nation and globally. We face a bright future, and I am confident that the waterfront will soon become one of the best destinations for exploring the south east coast.”

Trophy asset for east coast portfolio

USA: Integra Marinas, a leading owner, developer and operator of marinas in major coastal growth markets along the east coast, has acquired The Perry Marina on Stock Island in Florida’s Key West.

The purchase was made by Integra Investments and marks the company’s eighth and largest marina acquisition to date.

The Perry Marina is situated on nearly 35 acres (14ha) just minutes from ‘Old Town’ Key West. It is the largest deep-water marina in the Florida Keys, offering 288 wet slips at Bellingham Marine floating concrete docks, and can berth superyachts up to 350ft (107m) in

length. Facilities include high-speed fuel, a ship’s store, captain’s lounge and resort-style pool.

“The Perry Marina’s location within a world-class destination for domestic and international boaters allows for some of the top fishing and nautical experiences of any coastal location, making this an anchor asset for our growing portfolio,” said Victor Ballestas, a principal with Integra Investments.

Ismailia contract awarded

EGYPT: Following an intensive period of preparation and design, Marinetek has been selected for the design, manufacture and installation of the floating pontoon elements for Ismailia Yacht Marina on Al Temsah Lake, the first marina on the Suez Canal (see article Marina World March/April 2023).

After completion of the first phase, the sailing club will have 96 berths for vessels of 10-40m (33-131ft) in length. A total of 34 concrete ‘Heavy Duty’ and ‘Breakwater’ pontoon types will be produced in Marinetek’s factory in Šibenik, Croatia by the end of this month (May), transported to Egypt and installed using steel piles.

The Suez Canal Authority, the project investor, plans to open the first phase of the marina by the end of June and, in subsequent phases, a modern service centre and other related facilities will be built. Marinetek’s partner in the project, Deutschland Technology, will take over the installation of the entire infrastructure and the management of the project itself.

The marina will encourage smaller yachts to stop and rest in the Suez Canal on their way between the Mediterranean and the Red Sea and is a significant step in the country’s aim to further develop its nautical tourism.

COVER STORY

Promoting a customer-focused culture

With a mantra to elevate the recreational boating experience, the Port 32 management team works hard to ensure its collection of well located Florida marinas delivers the very best to its customers. Newly appointed CEO, Austin Schell, shares insight with Marina World

Q: How are you bringing your professional expertise to your role as the new CEO? Do you have a marine background? What is your major focus in further developing the company?

A: Our leadership team comes from a variety of backgrounds, both inside and outside the marine industry. The diversity of perspectives and experiences gives us a deep foundation of marina expertise, while simultaneously challenging the standards of conventional industry thinking. Since joining, my focus has been on building a winning team, building relationships with

our employees, growing through acquisition, optimising the core business and cultivating a customerfocused culture.

Q: Are you intending to remain Floridafocused? Are you looking at additional properties in Florida? Do you plan expansion in any other US states?

A: As a life-long avid boater and sport fisherman, I tend to think of our marinas as a launch point for unforgettable experiences with family and friends. We want to be wherever

people are passionate about boating. We love Florida because it is a year-round boating market for our members; however, we are evaluating opportunities across the entire Atlantic Coast and Gulf of Mexico. Specifically, we target best-in-class properties and/or redevelopment opportunities in premier coastal locations. We want to provide access to incredible experiences on the water, so we’re looking at opportunities from a macro point of view.

Q: How different is your management approach for wet slip and drystack marinas?

A: For many of our members, time is the most valuable resource. Whether those members prefer a wet slip or a dry slip, we aspire to offer an elevated level of service, aided by modern/ innovative technology, so that Port 32 members can focus on stepping on and off the boat and maximising their time on the water.

Above: Lighthouse Point Marina on the Intracoastal Waterway is Port 32’s most recent acquisition. Previously under family ownership for over 50 years, the highprofile property welcomes visitors and has a loyal customer base. Right: Port 32 Tampa has multiple offerings, with wet slips, a drystack, repair and maintenance yard and boat club.

Austin Schell

Smith Aerial

Brian Adams Photography

Port 32 Portfolio –

Cape Coral: drystack for boats up to 35ft (11m); rentals; service, repair and maintenance.

Fort Lauderdale: drystack coming in 2023 for boats up to 55ft (17m); repair and maintenance with wet slips up to 150ft (46m).

Jacksonville at Ortega Landing: wet slips to 140ft (43m) available daily (transient), monthly and annually.

Lighthouse Point: newly renovated; 100+ wet slips to 80ft (24m) for transients and annually; liveaboards allowed.

Marco Island: drystack for boats up to 37ft (11m); rentals.

Naples: drystack for boats up to 42ft (13m); rentals; members-only club.

Q: Do you have any kind of club/ network membership scheme?

A: This is something we spend a lot of time thinking about. In a previous venture at a company called XOJET, we had success launching a club offering to our membership base. Our customers loved it. At Port 32, we think a club can be a channel to provide unique, curated experiences to members who are seeking an elevated suite of offerings. Our vision for the club is to extend Port 32’s relevance beyond our marina footprint to waterfront experiences and partnerships that club members and our surrounding communities will value.

Q: Drystack is a more popular concept in Florida than anywhere else in the USA. Why do you think this is? Do you think there will be further growth for drystack in Florida?

A: We think so. There is a scarcity of affordable, waterfront property suitable for marina development, so the most economical way to serve the most boaters is to build vertically.

Q: If you had a choice to build a wet slip marina or a drystack from the ground up, which would you choose and why?

A: I think we would want a combination of both. Our guiding principle is to provide an elevated marina experience that passionate boaters find appealing – some members prefer a wet slip or a lift slip, and others prefer dry storage. Why not aim to give them the best of both worlds?

Q: Please give an overview on the trends you see emerging in boat ownership. Are you welcoming younger customers? How do you feel the industry will develop in coming years? Where will the emphasis be? What are customers looking for above all?

A: We think Port 32 sits at the intersection of three broad trends. First, the pandemic introduced a younger generation to boating and enabled many of us to reconnect with nature. We absolutely welcome this younger consumer and are investing in digital innovation to provide our members more flexibility and efficiency in how we experience the water.

Second, we are seeing remarkable innovation in outboard engine

Palm Beach Gardens: drystack for boats up to 47ft (14m); Gulfstream Boat Club.

Tampa: drystack for boats up to 42ft (13m); wet slips to 110ft (33.5m) including transient slips; repair and maintenance; Gulfstream Boat Club.

Terra Verde: drystack for boats up to 42ft (13m); wet slips (to 42ft/13m) and boat lifts (to 38ft/11.6m); Gulfstream Boat Club.

technology, which is propelling bigger and bigger centre consoles. We are finding that older marinas often cannot equip these larger vessels, due to shortcomings in their steel infrastructure, concrete depth, lift equipment or slip sizes. At Port 32 we are building marinas for the next 30 years, not the past 30 years. This means we are making significant investments in the infrastructure and equipment required to accommodate larger, modern vessels. Our newest, state-of-the-art facility in Fort Lauderdale opening next month (May) is a great example of this.

Last but certainly not least, I’m a big believer in experiences as an investment theme and as a way of life. Personally, I find myself choosing to invest in experiences over “things.” Marinas and boating are platforms for extraordinary experiences… for exploration and adventure, for leisure fishing or competition, for time away from the fray with friends and family, and for natural beauty on the water. I haven’t yet studied the neuroscience,

Brian Adams Photography

Brian Adams Photography

Able to accommodate vessels up to 140ft (43m), Jacksonville at Ortega Landing has extensive slips for mid- and long-term slip holders as well as visitors.

Cape Coral offers secure drystack, on-site service, repair and maintenance, and boat rentals.

Port 32 Naples is drystack-focused with a club atmosphere that extends to a restaurant and event space.

but there is something about the ocean that soothes the soul.

Q: What is your five/ten year goal for Port 32?

A: It sounds a bit ambitious when you put it in writing. First and foremost, every day we are trying to build a company that our members, investors and employees can be proud of. As far as goals, I believe we are well ahead of schedule in our quest to assemble the best leadership team in the industry.

We also have a strong foundation of irreplaceable, high quality marina assets. Building on this foundation, it is our goal to aggregate the premier portfolio of coastal marina assets on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. We don’t need to be the biggest, and frankly we want to avoid diluting our brand, customer experience or employee experience in pursuit of scale, which is what you’ve seen with other large marina consolidators.

We want to deliver industry-leading risk-adjusted returns to our investors. We want to be a great place for our employees to work and to feel a

Our hand-produced, electropolished trolleys made from stainless steel have been a proven solution at marinas for 30 years. Trolleys (with changed tyres) from 1993 are still in use!

sustainable solution and a great investment.

sense of purpose and connection. And we want to be a straightforward, transparent and trustworthy partner to, or acquiror of, individual marinas and owners/operators who are looking to participate in the world and lifestyle we are building at Port 32.

Big picture, we want to deliver a distinctive experience to our members, who are the lifeblood of our company.

Brian Adams Photography

Thorny problems –but a bright future

With the recent significant and ongoing rise in boat ownership, covered drystack is the most obvious solution to creating safe and secure boat storage in a world that is short of wet berths. Marina World asked industry experts how they thought the market was developing; what stumbling blocks existed; and whether they expected drystack to represent a noticeably larger slice of overall boat storage/mooring solutions in the future.

Monica Capria, Capria Stacker Machinery

Development: Drystack is the solution for boats up to 5 tons/32ft (10m) in South America and Europe and up to 10 tons/43ft (13m) in North America and Australia, but the market for new drystack projects is not rising as fast as boat ownership. Basing our views on our team’s experience and conversations with clients, marina consultants, project owners and developers over the past ten years, we realise that markets, macro and micro, are also different and have different priorities. For example, we compare Europe with North America but Europe is not homogenous, e.g. drystack development is unlikely in Italy; there has been pioneering automation in France; and in Norway the focus is on winterising.

Obstacles: Permits take so much time, over five years and, according to some Americans, ten to 15 years, that investors may change the objective of the project, i.e. a drystack becomes a shopping mall…

Future growth: Yes. We think that because of the noise and odour-free eco-friendly electric solutions (stacker machines and new forklifts) the new generation drystacks will enable dry storage to be integrated into the community alongside housing, hotels, restaurants, offices and commercial areas. And preserve the most beautiful views close to lakes and oceans that will bring benefits to the community.

Esteban Biondi, Applied Technology & Management

The market is evolving differently in terms of economic, physical and boat use conditions. But this evolution responds to common fundamental drivers.

Drystack facilities are a relevant element of a boating infrastructure system and can efficiently accommodate a potentially important share of the boats in a region. Their role within a regional system (described in PIANC WG 132) must be recognised in coastal/marine spatial planning,

regulations and boating industry growth plans.

Fundamentally, drystack is an excellent solution for light motorboats under 10 or 12m (32 or 39ft) in length (including jet skis). This is especially convenient when there is a relatively high cost of waterfront land, scarcity of water space and high demand for small boats. This becomes critically important when the highest and best use of the water space in a marina is for berthing larger yachts. Therefore, as demand for berthing grows, a larger share of the small boat capacity is accommodated in dry storage; and as land cost increases, drystack becomes the preferred solution. For example, Pete Peterson (ATM) points out that the rise of larger and expensive centre consoles plays a huge role in the need for more drystack in Florida and some resort communities.

Where land is available in the short term, demand is weak and water level

Stacker crane for lakefront facility

Argentina-based stacker machinery expert Capria has recently installed a customised 8 tonne top running stacker crane at the new Aqua Boat Club by Mission Group facility in British Columbia, Canada.

The machine can pull boats up to 35ft (10.6m), weighing up to 17,600lbs (8,000kg).

The Club, which is positioned within a residential lakefront community on Okanagan Lake in Kelowna, will accommodate nearly 200 boats in its new 30,160ft² (2,802m²) drystack facility.

variations are low, surface storage and boat ramps are preferred. For example, drystack facilities are still uncommon in the Middle East, where the market is used to surface dry storage on trailers. Philip Slagle (ATM) notes that covered hard stand dry storage remains popular in the region given affordability. While drystack facilities may not be justifiable in the short-term, long-term planning requires their consideration to allow for the growth of boating without capacity ceilings. For example, drystack facilities in Mexico were built within the last two decades as part of master plans that allocated waterfront land for other real estate uses.

Within the drystack solutions, technologies for forklift based systems (more flexible) and crane systems (more space-efficient) have evolved over three decades (the fundamental concepts are also described in PIANC WG 132). Larger trucks and electric propulsion are now available for the operation of higher capacity forklift systems. After decades of technology improvements and limited projects built, crane systems appear to be achieving more popularity. For example, automated crane systems have been built in Florida and are being considered in Texas and in South Carolina, as well as for large scale new

Pioneering drystack buys larger forklift

Yacht Haven Quay has taken delivery of a brand new Wiggins Bull marine forklift to support drystack and boatyard operations at its Plymouth facility.

The popular Plymouth marina, which was the UK’s first purpose-built drystack when it opened in 2008, now operates with three full time forklifts to cater for over 200 boats.

The new larger forklift can also support boat lifting operations in the boatyard, allowing yard and drystack operations to take place simultaneously in line with the growing demand for services.

The new forklift arrived on site in the winter and was in full operation ahead of the new 2023 season.

projects in the Red Sea.

In terms of stumbling blocks, some urban, tourism and real estate developers overlook the role of smaller boats and underestimate the value of drystack facilities. Some early adopters in new regions were built with drivers not fully established in the market and have not always performed as expected. This has reduced momentum. In the future, I expect the role of drystack facilities to consolidate.

YP Loke, Spinnaker International

Drystack berthing has been growing in popularity around the world, but it has not been as widely adopted in Asia. There are several reasons for this, including the historical promotion of boating as an elitist activity leading to a preference for larger boats. The effect of this is that many boat owners preferred their boats to be visible and easily admired, making wet berths more appealing than drystacks. However, recent developments suggest

that this trend may be slowly changing. A growing boating population has made boating activity perceived as less exclusive in many parts of Asia. The Covid pandemic has accelerated this trend as it drove a new demographic to the water, with younger boat owners eager to reconnect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. This has led to an increase in demand for smaller boats, which has in turn brought new business to drystack facilities.

However, despite these positive developments, the lack of drystack developments in Asia remains a challenge. In most cases, marina development is driven by private enterprise, with many marinas being part of upmarket integrated developments. As a result, drystack facilities often lose out to alternative land use options that may be more economically viable or better aligned with the development’s aesthetic goals. While efficiency of storage and sustainability are key drivers, developers should also explore new partnership models between public and private sector entities, as well as innovative architectural solutions that blend drystack facilities aesthetically into the development in a way that adds value to the overall offering.

MARINA VISIT SPONSOR

DRYSTACK STORAGE

Alex Pares, Drysta

Development: The drystack solution is clearly the most efficient way to maximise space, especially in overcrowded marinas, where a larger number of boats can be stored on the same space. In addition, each space that is released from the wet slips can be used for larger boats, generating greater profitability for the marina.

In the last few months, we have been working on a number of projects around the world, both for marinas that want to reorganise their moorings and for new facilities that are planning to incorporate drystacks from scratch.

After the pandemic and due to the need to connect with enjoyment, the outdoors and recreational activities in general, many projects started up again and we are seeing significant activity in our sector, as in other outdoor-related sectors.

Obstacles: Projects for new marinas, as well as their refurbishment, take a long time to plan and are highly subject to regulation by the authorities. Drystacks are no exception to this reality, which means that decisionmaking takes a long time. Inflation and interest rate increases, as well as the price of steel and other materials, together with rising labour costs, have led to an increase in investment analysis, but as drystacks involve a much more efficient use of labour and materials per boat unit, due to the incorporation of vertical moving

equipment such as bridge cranes and shore elevators, we come out ahead in the investment analysis, with returns on investment in the order of 20 to 25%.

Future growth: The economic benefits for marina operators, the space efficiencies due to overhead storage, the user experience of 24/7 availability of boats in a matter of minutes, and the savings in wear and tear, ensure that we will see many drystacks in marinas in the coming decades.

Greg Weykamp, Edgewater Resources

We are seeing several trends in the drystack market, including increasing demand in the central and northern United States where drystack has historically been less prevalent, and increasing interest in automated drystack facilities.

In particular, we are seeing a significant increase in demand for drystack storage across the Great Lakes region, which is in response to a number of factors. First, increasing environmental limitations on the expansion of existing and/or development of new wet slip facilities is limiting the ability to respond to market demand for either more wet slips or larger wet slips. In response, marina developers are trending towards building larger wet slips within limited developable areas and moving the smaller boats into adjacent drystack facilities. This allows the facility to greatly expand the number of slips it can provide at a much lower environmental impact, which further reduces permitting delays.

Additionally, providing smaller, lower cost drystack slips can be a profitable way to meet local community demand for boating access to the water for residents at lower income levels, which can be helpful in obtaining local zoning approvals.

As boaters are moved from wet slips to drystack facilities, we have found it very helpful to provide more community gathering spaces within the marina to maintain the social aspects of marina life, such as fire pits, grills, play areas and restaurants.

Another trend driving demand for drystack facilities in northern climates is the simplicity of winter storage of the boats already in the racks, and the ability to use the aisles of the facility for supplemental winter storage. Many more boaters, in particular those with higher value centre console boats in the 35-45ft (11-14m) length value the additional protection from the elements. These facilities are also providing a much higher level of concierge service in terms of fuelling, maintenance, cleaning and provisioning that further increases profit margins.

Automated drystack facilities offer a range of benefits in the Great Lakes region, especially in areas where space is limited and there are concerns over emissions and noise from beeping, diesel-powered forklifts. All electric automated crane systems are quiet and reliable, and can stack larger and heavier boats on all levels of the facility for much greater efficiency and effective use of the interior volume of the structure. They can be taller, which allows for more boats in a smaller footprint, and can offset their demand for electricity through the use of solar panels on the rooftop. If sufficient battery back-up systems are employed, the facilities can continue to operate even during power outages.

While southern markets for drystack facilities are more mature, boaters in the northern and central US are beginning to see the benefits and marina owners are building more and more of them in response. The only major challenge is in the architectural design of the facilities, in particular in areas within historic maritime districts or other sensitive areas that require a high level of care in the design and detailing of the structures to avoid blocking views and negatively impacting the scale and character of the waterfront with a building grossly out of scale for its context.

Drysta and GH Cranes worked together on their first European drystack project at Port Corsier in Geneva, Switzerland.

DRYSTACK STORAGE

David Coyle, Mack David Buildings

Development: Demand is definitely growing, and I see many marinas with waiting lists. With the need for marina drystacks increasing, the logistics of storing additional boats is changing the marketplace.

Now more than ever, it is critical to obtain a market study to determine the likely boat sizes and general demand so as to plan for maximum capacity. Height restrictions and building size will dictate the most efficient storage - think usable space, not number of spaces. An empty rack is bad for business.

Builders who customise racks are becoming more sought after than those who throw together generic racks. Short term, generic racks are more affordable but when you operate month after month and year after year with empty racks, the cost is much greater. I cringe when I go into marinas and see wasted space because they didn’t plan in the beginning for enough room at the top. So, yes, they have more racks, but what good are empty racks?

Obstacles: With well publicised storm damage, boat owners are also turning to more secure options for their storage needs. To support this growth, automated systems are becoming popular as well but, as they are relatively new to the market, the technology can be a great help but sometimes a hindrance. I am working on an automated/manual system where should the power fail, operations don’t have to stop. Upgrades in how we store boats are as important as improving basic marina storage operations. The quick release, adjustable bunker board system makes for more efficient operations as the bunk board can be adjusted with no tools necessary - it’s safer too.

Keeping convenience in mind for the customer needs to be a top priority. When they are able to keep their boats in a slip at the docks, they can just hit the water at their leisure. Making boat owners wait to get their boats can send them looking to the competition for better service. Planning for more than just maximum storage means a better, more profitable business.

Future growth: Absolutely. Robust outdoor racks are a worthy option as well, based on location. In places that are prone to hurricanes and other wind events, it is critical to go sturdy, and not skimp on costs. Centre-bolted, angled X bracing, and minimising the deflection of beams are two major considerations. The bottom line is that finding a builder who understands the big picture will make marina dry storage more profitable in the long run, and able to better accommodate future growth.

John Matheson and Alain Giudice, F3 Marina

The demand for drystack storage in the US is clearly on the rise and will likely continue to increase in the foreseeable future. This is due in part to the record pace of new boat sales over the past several years but also reflects an evolution in the way many people use their boats. There is a preference to spend more time boating and diminish the effort to launch,

clean and store a vessel particularly in Florida, the eastern seaboard and many inland lake marinas. Probably less so on the salt water marinas on the west coast due to the type of boats that are in that market. International interest has also grown, along with boating demand.

In markets exposed to hurricanes, there is also a strong need to have boats stored out of the weather in a hurricane rated facility. Finally, there is a preference for drystacks to provide a high-end experience for boaters, families and guests by locating in more convenient sites with quality building finishes, comfortable lobbies/restrooms and amenities you would expect in the best hotels.

As there is strong demand and many drystacks are full with a waiting list that

A Mack David designed drystack and custom racking system looks good and maximises the use of rack space.

John Matheson

Alain Giudice

Shepperton Marina

can take years for an opening, why are there not more under construction? New drystack development has not been able to keep pace with demand and will continue to have major challenges in the future for several reasons. Regulatory factors, such as height and use restrictions, local opposition and site availability are key factors. In addition, new drystack developments are competing for waterfront access with condominium, multi-family and hotel developments. There is also a stigma with drystack structures creating strong opposition and a “not in my backyard” attitude. Finally, marina prices have skyrocketed in the past three years with many investment firms and developers jumping into the industry to take advantage of the nationwide growth in boating. This has driven marina prices higher making the margin for error very thin from a developer perspective.

Internationally, drystack demand has also increased along with the boom in new waterfront developments. The challenges here are similar to those in the US as waterfront sites are highly desirable locations and it is difficult to find available building land. The types of boat and boat usage vary significantly from region to region as well, and some locations do not demand drystack as much as others.

This does not mean drystack development will stop. Drystack developers that are persistent and possess the right formula can react to the current market realities and still be successful. At F3 Marina, we have overcome these challenges by perfecting the fully-automated drystack concept. An example is F3 Marina Fort Lauderdale, a fully-automated drystack located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale close to the ICW and Port Everglades inlet. The building is beautifully constructed to look like a 5-star hotel and has a quiet operation, enabling us to be good neighbours for condo developments directly across the canal. Because of the automated nature of the structure, we are able to create density allowing us to build on expensive real estate and take up a smaller footprint than traditional drystacks with 250 slips on less than 1.5 acres (0.6ha). The automated concept can also be constructed

DRYSTACK STORAGE

away from the water such as behind a waterfront condo as long as there is about 30ft (9m) of access (either land or water).

Automated drystacks are very complicated and expensive structures to build. However, with the right team, they are the path to overcome the challenges of meeting strong and growing demand by boaters. It is our belief that drystacks will take an increased share of the market for boat slips in the coming years.

Max Brown and Robert Brown, ASAR

Development: Generally, a drystack marina serves to protect boaters’ investment while allowing them access to the water. From an investment standpoint, dry boat storage is effectively increasing the density of leasable, revenueproducing space in a restricted footprint. The advent of concrete structures and automated solutions is revolutionising the drystack industry by merging them with country club visages, lifestyle amenities and residential components to create destination locations around the world. As with a condo building versus a single-family home, more units can be offered by building vertically. This increases the supply of boat storage

slips in a given area and allows an investor to make the maximum return on his/her investment.

On a global level, dayboats, pleasure yachts and fishing vessels have been difficult to access for the middle classes for some time, specifically in Europe and the Middle East. The introduction of drystack developments in these areas would serve to make storage, maintenance and accessibility far more cost effective than wet storage for vessels in the 7-20m (2366ft) range. With Europe’s environmental regulations, a space saving, electric system would be a good solution. We are seeing growing interest and discussion in dry storage automation as the cost per vessel is far less with ASAR than the traditional forklift building.

On top of this, the use of concrete building materials has proven itself to be a safe haven from the elements, and even the threat of natural disasters. For example, Gulf Star Marina in Florida was hit by the strongest storm surge and winds of Hurricane Ian, yet did not lose a single vessel and only reported minor damage. On top of that, it was the first drystack marina fully operational and launching vessels, despite having been impacted directly by the shrimp boat fleet coming untethered and finally landing just to the north on land.

F3 Marina Fort Lauderdale has been built to resemble a 5-star hotel and is fully automated.

Max Brown

Robert Brown

DRYSTACK STORAGE

Regionally, in the southeast USA, dry storage is an extremely limited resource, and the market is vastly underserved. Every year tens of thousands of day boats and centre consoles are built but very few dry storage buildings or slips are being created. This is causing the demand to rise ever higher, and pricing to go with it. For example, Haulover inlet, Hamilton Harbor Yacht Club and Riviera Beach Marina all saw up to 25% increases in rent rates over the last year, and didn’t lose a single customer according to management, while maintaining an ever-growing waiting list. We don’t see the market for dry storage decreasing any time soon.

Obstacles: As mentioned before, very few new dry storage projects are being built, and there are several reasons for this.

Governmental requirements exist as barriers to development almost everywhere in the world, and can range from zoning, legacy sites, height restrictions, setbacks, architectural requirements and many more.

Historically, dry storage buildings have been built using pre-engineered metal building systems and incorporate the use of massive diesel forklifts. These developments are noisy, not environmentally friendly, and can be eyesores to the surrounding community and its residents. None of these are ingredients for an easy permitting process or smooth community acceptance.

There are also many environmental restrictions that vary by location throughout the world. Regionally in Florida, one piece of legislation in particular is the manatee protection programme. Its many rules and restrictions that vary by county have made approvals for a drystack marina extremely difficult. Often disjointed and superfluous (with a few exceptions such as Collier County), these plans often require the existence of “manatee slip credits” that, if not properly claimed

Gulf Star Marina in Florida proved its hurricane resistance when hit by the strongest storm surge and winds of Hurricane Ian.

and maintained, can disappear for ever from a property never to be re-created. These credits can be purchased and transferred from an area of high protection to an area of low protection, but this is a costly and laborious process, if it is even feasible. Aside from that, many factors both on the upland and the submerged land, such as endangered species, presence of seagrass, density of mangroves etc. can have an impact.

As a result, many waterfront properties in locations where the market for dry storage development is strong have to compete with other alternate uses, such as condo, residential and resort/hotel. Often these other development types can perform just as well and can be easier to permit. In fact, many dry storage buildings are being removed or torn down and replaced with such competing development types. One example is in Fort Myers Beach, where Hurricane Ian demolished several dry storage barns. Moss Marina is operational but plans to redevelop to become a large mixeduse bayfront destination (see article on p.46). In this development, the dry storage component will be demolished and only the wet slips will remain.

Future growth: For some time, forklifts and metal dry storage barns have been the only offering in the market. GCM Contracting Solutions built Hamilton Harbor Yacht Club, the world’s first allconcrete dry storage barn in Naples, Florida in 2008. Nearly a decade later, GCM and ASAR developed the world’s

Hamilton Harbor Yacht Club, built in 2008, was the world’s first all-concrete dry storage barn.

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The design of Rose Marina shows how well thought out design can fit seamlessly into waterfront areas.

first fully automated all-concrete barn, Gulf Star Marina in Fort Myers Beach. Both represented new options in the market that didn’t exist before. With the rise in ultra-luxury centre consoles and day boats, some with a price tag north of $4 million, the demand for dry storage is only growing larger. In order for dry storage supply to grow, the stumbling blocks we mentioned above must be overcome. That is the reason the ASAR system was created.

Stacking boats taller and multiple deep allows a far higher density of boats for a lower price per slip. Being all electric, the ASAR system is very environmentally friendly, and can even be powered completely by solar panels with very little roof coverage. The operation cost is always less, but depending on the number of boats stored, there can be upwards of $750,000 per year savings in operational costs alone. The concrete construction is designed like a fortress, and is not only aesthetically

pleasing and able to be modified to fit virtually any architectural design or motif, but can also adjoin mixed use spaces, such as commercial, dining, residential and hotel, both vertically and horizontally.

This means that a developer/ investor doesn’t need to choose which investment type to construct, but rather can have a wide range of revenue streams, and please the community at

the same time. As a result of emerging technology in this space, we see not only more dry storage projects coming online here in Florida, but rapid growth globally. We are currently in design phase on projects on four continents: South America, Australia, Europe and North America, specifically Florida. The future is bright for dry storage. Demand is growing, and supply has no option but to follow.

DRYSTACK STORAGE

Forklift design for growing centre console market

US manufacturer Marine Travelift has designed, built and delivered a new model of marina forklift specifically engineered for the growing centre console market. The M4200H (42,000 lbs/19,000kg capacity) centre cab Hydro M_Drive forklift was recently delivered to Viking Yachts in Riviera Beach, Florida for use in hauling the Valhalla line of boats and more.

Viking Yachts currently has a 150 ton Marine Travelift boat hoist at both its north and south yards but was looking for a faster more efficient way of moving smaller craft around, as well as loading and unloading trailers. There are also future plans for a rack system at the yard to help with space constraints and the number of vessels moving through. A marina forklift was the best solution for current needs and future plans.

The growing popularity of larger centre console vessels means that drystacks need to increase their forklift capacity. “There is definitely a growing need and market for this range of forklift,” said Brock Rubens, director of sales/marketing at Marine Travelift. “In order to best meet our customers’ needs it was time to expand our product offering, and with Viking being such a great customer of ours for decades the timing was perfect,” he added.

While designing the M4200H, Marine Travelift put extra emphasis on serviceability, cycle speeds and turning radius. All of the improvements are also being applied to the M3600H (36,000lbs/16,000kg capacity) and M5200H (52,000lbs/24,000kg capacity)

models. Shorter wheelbase, combined with a tighter turning radius, allows marinas to upgrade without needing to make major infrastructure adjustments. The M4200H comes in either a 140in (3.5m) or 129in (3.2m) wheelbase and, with Marine Travelift’s own-manufacture

The all-new M4200H at work in the Viking Yachts facility in Riviera Beach, Florida.

steering axles, it is said to provide an unrivalled turning radius.

Serviceability is key. Service points are typically accessed from underneath a forklift but for ease of maintenance the access points on this unit are top side. The tyres are also solid as Marine Travelift realises that most marinas don’t have the proper size compressors to inflate to the necessary 145 psi. This eliminates any issues with flats and the need to call in an outside company to keep the tyres properly inflated.

A larger engine was also chosen for the M4200H model so as to give it adequate drive speed and power necessary for efficient navigation in virtually any marina or service yard. An additional benefit is the power left over for increased mast, carriage and fork speeds. The combination of all this equals faster cycle times, which means more boats launched and retrieved in the same amount of time.

The standard centre cab configuration moves the operator as far forward as possible, achieved by setting the steering column forward of the front guard rails. The forward position and standard rear back-up camera displayed on a 10in colour screen, gives the operator maximum visibility. A Moment Indicator System, which provides a green/yellow/red scale to indicate the limits of the machine, allows the operator to safely and efficiently move boats.

DRYSTACK STORAGE

First phase drystack opens in Charleston

Family-owned company Ross Marine has opened a 160-slip drystack at newlybuilt Clark Island Marina. The facility delivers desperately needed boat storage just a short drive from the vibrant US city of Charleston in South Carolina. Charlotte Niemiec reports.

Phase one of the project, which opened in April, aims to provide a solution to the dearth of storage space in and around the city. Ross Marine

general manager, Paul Speights Jr, explains: “There’s a big need for drystack here,” he says. “If you go to any public boat ramp in Charleston –especially the south side on a busy weekend – you can hardly get into the boat ramp to launch your boat, it’s a logjam. So we’ve looked at ways to provide residents with another option.”

The project is being developed

Left & below left: Boats are transferred to and from the water by a Marine Travelift machine. Below right: Plans for the marina site, which should see double the number of drystack spaces.

over two phases. The first phase, now complete, comprises 160 drystack spaces installed by local company SJ Hamill. Using a Marine Travelift, the marina can haul and launch up to 35ft (11m) outboard boats. Phase two will seek to double the number of drystack spaces available, Speights confirms. “If it fills up like everyone’s telling me it will, phase two will come quickly!” he adds.

“So far, we’re ahead of expectations and we’re starting to put boats under annual contracts for dry storage. We have about 12 exclusive wet slips as well, which we’ll also rent under annual contracts.” Over the next ten years, Speights envisions a full, 300slip bustling marina with a ship store and amenity centre, hosting plenty of community events.

40 years of repair experience

Ross Marine is a well-known shipyard operated by the same family for 65 years. Speights’ grandfather purchased Clark Island in the late 1960s and ran a sandblasting contractor business that eventually became an army/navy contractor shipyard. “In the 1980s, after the navy left town, the shipyard business became less lucrative and the family started Ross Marine in 1986,” Speights explains. “This is our core business, offering private yacht repair, refits, storage, engine repairs at a full service boatyard, with a 70-ton Marine Travelift, where we can haul up to 75ft (23m) boats.”

The company’s extensive repair history helps separate it from other drystacks in the area, Speights says. “You drystack with us and there’s

nothing we can’t do from a maintenance and service point of view, so it’s a one-stop-shop, a maritime village where we have tenants that do custom carpentry and diesel engines, electrical/ electronics, canvas … We’re looking to create a service where you can pull in and get everything done.”

Long in the works, the project received its first permit in 2007 and has since seen two extensions – one

DRYSTACK STORAGE

during the economic recession of 2008/09 and the second during the Covid pandemic in 2020. However, the delays have ultimately worked in their favour, Speights says. “A lot of things have changed in the Charleston area since 2007 – we’ve become a boom town, we’re on a barrier island called Johns Island and it is one of the fastest growing parts of Charleston, a lot more populated and with a much larger

demand for dry storage and marinas.”

Along with the rest of his family, Speights helps run all the services on Clark Island. “We’re not a big marina group,” he says. “A lot of the industry has shifted to a corporate set up and private marinas are becoming less common, but our roots are here, we’ve been in this industry and community our entire lives, grew up on the water. We intend to continue to do just that.”

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Clean access and plenty of manoeuvring space dockside (left) at the first-phase drystack for 160 boats.

DRYSTACK STORAGE

Wet versus dry in the western Med

Marina Arenella is perhaps the largest and most efficient drystack in Italy and is located at the northern end of Sicily’s Gulf of Palermo.

the theme. The largest and perhaps most efficient is Marina Arenella at the northern end of Sicily’s Gulf of Palermo. Equipped with three forklifts to rapidly lift, launch and store boats up to 13m (43ft) in length, the facility houses around 230 boats, 180 of which are stored on multi-storey racks, 30 in a covered building and the remainder on outdoor dry storage space. In the summer, about 100 wet berths are available.

“During our 30 years of experience, we have revolutionised the concept of the dry port,” says marina manager Massimo Acierno. “Customers can use their boats 24 hours a day, seven days a week because, once launched, the boat can stay in the water as long as the customer wants.”

“Combining a building with access to the sea is always very complex,” Perocchio says. “If a suitable building exists and you can get permission for change of use, this is easier than trying to build new; a mission that is almost impossible due to laws that protect the coast.”

The western Mediterranean, although a favourite international boating destination, is not big on drystack. Due to rules, laws, limited land space and customer preference, just a few in fact exist – and these are mostly uncovered or only active in the summer season. Donatella Zucca reports Roberto Perocchio, president of Italian marina association Assomarinas, explains: “Average Italians, and maybe ‘Mediterraneans’ in general, don’t like being restricted by times and rules. The freedom of having a boat on the water tends to outweigh the advantages offered by a traditional drystack.”

Exceptions to this trend may be found in urban situations where demand for berths exceeds availability but it is nonetheless difficult to modify urban planning, obtain permits or construct drystacks at existing marinas (where sufficient land is not usually available) or build them from scratch.

Variety in Italy

Although it enjoys a central Mediterranean position, a long coastline, many islands and a number of well-equipped marinas, drystacks are a rarity in Italy. This is surprising given the excellent health of its marina sector, which according to Confindustria Nautica enjoyed a turnover of around €1 billion in 2022. In the last ten years, the country has been enriched by 40 marinas and 22,000 berths but, in part due to the challenges of finding sites and obeying laws, drystack development has been difficult.

In years past it was easier, as can be found at the Consorzio Cantieristica Minore della Giudecca in Venice, where a state-of-the-art covered drystack storage operation was created years ago in the historic city centre. Venice is, however, on the Adriatic – and the Adriatic veers more to the east than the west. Perocchio continues: “With Confindustria Nautica, we are trying to explore this type of service by appealing to Article 49 of the New Pleasure Boating Code, which favours the issue of concessions for dry storage. However, the problems of slow urban planning, the scrutiny of various superintendents and other delays remains. Many operations have in fact been developed with only partial permissions, gradually establishing themselves and then obtaining an amnesty.”

Most Italian drystacks are to be found in the south, especially in Sicily, although they are often variations on

“In recent years, we have developed software that allows you to book a lift or launch, make special requests etc., via a smartphone. The requests arrive via the app on displays located on the forklifts and in the back office. The customer is then told where to find the boat and given details on the services provided by smart pedestals. We have car parking, bar, restaurant services, Wi-Fi, fuel, mooring assistance, a mechanical repair shop and shipyard. If we had a quay big enough to host a US-style drystack, we would be truly unbeatable!”

Other dry ports in Catania include the Nautica Glem dry rack business and Vento Maestrale opposite the entrance to the port of Trapani. This efficient dry port caters for dinghies and small boats. Marina Capo d’Orlando has a beautiful drystack facility at planning stage but is not moving forward with it as it is devoting all its usable yard space to large boat storage.

Roberto Perocchio, Assomarinas.

Massimo Acierno, Marina Arenella.

DRYSTACK STORAGE

Notables elsewhere in Italy include Marina Santa Marinella’s Porto Castello, a dry port for sailing boats in the province of Rome, and Deiva Marina Service, the only drystack in Liguria. Deiva caters for boats up to 10m (33ft) and uses a hydraulic lift platform, electric forklifts and trolleys. It is active from June to September and then winterises boats. It has no wet berths.

Dry ports for France

There are several dry ports but very few true drystacks in southern France. They strive to offer the ambience of a wet marina. Jean Michel Gaigné, representative of the French and TransEurope marina industry associations, cites the best examples as Port Inland at Mandelieu La Napoule, Portland at Hyères and Port Navy Service at Port Saint Louis du Rhône.

7.30pm – to make the most of the opportunity. What hasn’t changed is the strong demand in August,” she says, and notes the new demands as being for categories the marina cannot cater for – like sailboats and catamarans. “There are currently about 130 ongoing requests for space and, when offered at reasonable prices, most customers also want follow-up maintenance. All appreciate the turnkey readyto-sail option.”

Other examples are mostly in open areas where something akin to drystack is offered in the summer. They are close to maintenance and refit facilities, and space for wintering within first class marinas.

How do they differ from drystacks in the UK and northern Europe? “We started up in 1989 and we represent the first European dry port,” says Erika Drouard, director of Port Inland, which has 800 berths for motor boats up to

11m (36ft) and 5 tonnes. She believes they have an edge because customers can access their boats seven days a week year round (except Christmas and New Year) and have access to maintenance, free parking, speciality shops, a bar, restaurant and a huge range of on-site industry professionals. Customer trends show increased storage demand for boats of 9m (29ft 6in) and above and recent frustrations lie in the regional drought. “The inability to wash their boats has annoyed customers a lot,” she admits, “so much so that some have even given up using theirs.”

Further south, on the bay of Hyères, Portland offers 500 dry berths and 50 wet berths and has been in operation for 25 years. Pascal Jourdan, manager of both dry and wet port, explains the dry operation: “We have no roof or sides for 75% of the racking. We do not use apps. The staff record customer requests via telephone or when they arrive.” Customers appreciate the reduced boat maintenance, excellent security, comfortable waiting area, the successful ‘parking formula’ (various fees for different usage), management of boat shares and summer aperitifs.

Customer practices and demands have changed in recent years. “Boaters go out less, but for the whole day – from 10.00am to

Jourdan believes the scarcity of drystacks in the Mediterranean is less about demand than feasibility.

“You need to have a lot of land for car parking. On a rotational basis on average you have to calculate two cars per boat.”

While Portland is forced to turn away catamarans, Port Navy Service in Port

Saint Louis du Rhône is a very different story. Nicknamed Cataland, it hosts sail and motor boats up to 120 tonnes for maintenance and mooring on a 22ha (54.4 acre) site, which includes large hangars and extensive outdoor space. Considered the largest dry port in Europe, it is also popular for winterising. But although it guarantees fast delivery and short waiting times, it is far more a fantastic dry port than a traditional drystack and in 2010 enriched its offering by opening an elegant yacht club for its members.

Plan first in Catalonia

Although detailed information is harder to come by, Spain suffers a similar dearth of drystacks. Javier Garcia Camps, manager of the Yacht Harbour Association in Catalonia (ACEPT) says there are only three in Catalonia: Marina Vela Barcelona; Marina Badalona; and Port Forum.

Why only three? “The reason is very simple for Catalonia,” he says. “When a group, a company or a private entity

Port Inland at Mandelieu La Napoule in France is seen as the first European dry port and has 800 dry berths.

Pascal Jourdan, Portland.

Portland is a busy drystack on the French bay of Hyères with racks for 500 boats and 50 wet berths.

Erika Drouard, Port Inland.

DRYSTACK STORAGE

Marina Seca at Marina de Badalona offers 211 drystack spaces on the outskirts of Barcelona, Spain.

builds a marina, the project must include a drystack. If the concession doesn’t cover this from the very beginning, costs and permits make it very difficult to introduce. It can sometimes be done towards the end of a concession but the costs involved and the time remaining can’t deliver a good return on investment. It’s better to give the idea up if it wasn’t part of the original project plan.”

Customer choice is also a factor. “In the Mediterranean, people prefer to have their boat on water. When they arrive, they want it ready and available. In the Costa Brava, which is cold, drystacks work well but in the Mediterranean I don’t think they are a good idea. This is demonstrated by the fact that there are only three in Catalonia out of 23 marinas.” He

does, however, report that there are some ongoing projects that include dry shelter areas that could possibly be transformed into drystacks.

Barcelona, however, offers proof that drystacks can work in cities as it has Catalonia’s three drystacks at Marina Vela, Port Forum and Marina de Badalona. Marina Vela is a modern automated operation for 222 boats up to 9m (29ft 6in) long. It offers swift turnaround (five to eight minutes) and all the top level services

Leading the Industry in Quality, Versatility and Innovation

of the associated wet marina. Port Forum in Sant Adria de Besos, a few minutes from the centre of Barcelona, accommodates 220 boats of 6 to 11m (20 to 36ft), racked on a Bellingham Marine Unistack system in the mix of its vast technical area and wet berth marina.

The third drystack – on the outskirts of Barcelona – is Marina Seca, the drystack associated with Marina de Badalona. This offers 211 drystack places in a 640-berth marina. Boats are handled by crane and housed in a sustainable building with a roof of solar panels.

Specialists in the design, fabrication and installation of customized aluminum and timber floating dock systems, fixed piers and gangways for marina projects worldwide. From project design and management to manufacturing, installation and maintenance, Bluewater Marine competes globally with fabrication facilities in Hawaii, California and North Carolina.

Contact our team today for a consultation and quote on your next project!

West Coast: San Diego, CA619 449 2007

www.bluewaterdocks.com info@bluewaterdocks.com

Javier Garcia Camps, ACEPT.

Developing the Eagle Float

Long in the forefront of plastic float manufacture, Arkansas-based Hendren Plastics continues to expand the market reach of its premium Eagle Floats product line. Jim Hendren, owner and president, talks shop.

Q: How did your business life develop?

A: My dad bought a very small plastics plant in our home town of Gravette in 1967. I was four years old so I grew up in the business. He and I started my current company, Hendren Plastics Inc. in 1984 as I was graduating from college. However, I decided to join the Air Force and see the world. I was fortunate to get to fly the F-15 Eagle and that is where the name for “Eagle Floats” came from. I came back from active duty in 1992. He and I ran the company together for a few years and then I purchased it from him in 2006. We have been making plastic here for over 30 years now.

Q: When did you first start supplying plastic floats for the marina industry? How did the floats change over time?

A: Prior to the encapsulation requirement, we provided white foam

for the market clear back to the 1960s. We watched as white foam that had been in the water for over 25 years was removed and replaced with Eagle Floats. The white foam had taken on

a lot of water but was still providing sufficient buoyancy. It truly is a great product for flotation. After regulations required encapsulation, we waited a few years to determine the best method and technology. We made our first Eagle Floats in 2008 and are now making over a thousand a day.

Q: Over the course of your career, what were the most notable changes/ advances in core materials and plastic float manufacture?

A: The resin quality has improved significantly for both polyethylene and expandable polystyrene. This makes it a little easier to provide consistently high quality. We’ve also seen widespread incorporation of computer devices for controls and equipment management that also have greatly improved quality.

Q: You must have invested a lot in maintaining the best manufacturing equipment. How has this changed over time? Do you expect equipment to develop further? If so, how?

A: When we first began the company we did not have enough capital to buy new equipment so we bought mainly

Jim Hendren

Eagle Floats support docks, gangways and fingers at marinas in overseas boating hubs such as Turks & Caicos (above) and on home territory in the USA (right).

TALKING SHOP

used equipment and refurbished it. Beginning in 2000, we were able to buy new equipment for all of our processes. While the capital costs are high, the efficiency, quality and capacity are incredibly better than older technology.

The change in technology is very rapid in terms of equipment and it is always occurring. We strive to stay current. For example, we just added a completely new computerised control panel to a 20 year old block mould. The mechanical parts are still solid, but with new controls it is now performing like a completely different machine. We also build a lot of our own custom equipment, including adding programmable logic controllers to many basic machines to improve performance and consistency.

Q: Why do you believe your floats are the best?

A: Engineering and the use of high quality equipment and resins. As an electrical engineer, I understand the value of quality engineering. We are the only manufacturer with the ability to custom build our own tooling. We also use automated steaming, dispensing and measuring equipment that we built and designed in house. We have done objective testing to verify that the quality is superior, and the use of technology and engineering have also allowed us to be lower priced than the competition.

Q: While no one can ever guard completely against freak accidents, there have been some disturbing pollution issues with polystyrene escaping from plastic floats. Is the quality and/or arrangement of the polystyrene a risk factor or is it down to shell impact strength? What types of quality/strength tests do you undertake to minimise the risk of pollution?

A: We strive hard every day to make sure that even if a float is punctured or damaged, the EPS foam core is fused properly preventing the escape of beads into the water. We do this using a proprietary steaming system

Marine structures, such as this cabin, remain afloat on Eagle Floats.

that measures the parameters every 50 milliseconds to make sure the steaming process is correct. If the foam is fused properly there is almost no chance of pollution of the water by loose beads. That also prevents loss of buoyancy and performance of the float.

Q: Are there any feasible alternatives to the use of expanded polystyrene for floating dock systems? Is there any ongoing R&D in this field?

A: We have tried a couple of different products, including a resin called ARCEL that is not prone to flaking. We have found nothing as convenient for attaching and as durable as encapsulated EPS foam (Eagle Floats). I’m sure research will continue, but compared to the days of unencapsulated white foam flaking off and being destroyed by animals or abrasion, the encapsulated float is a huge improvement.

Q: What significant factory expansion have you undertaken?

A: Since making our first Eagle Float in 2008, we have invested nearly $7 million in additional equipment and plant expansion. In the last two years we have added an additional 15,000ft² (1,400m²) of manufacturing space and both a new carousel and shuttle rotational moulding machines. These were some of the largest machines in the industry and nearly doubled our production capacity. This expansion has cut our backlog by two thirds and given us the ability to make even larger parts.

Q: What is your market reach? Do you have plans to extend this?

A: Worldwide – we are always looking to expand our reach and increase our overseas business.

Q: What are the biggest challenges currently facing manufacturing companies in the USA?

A: Labour shortages. Last year the supply chain was a real problem but it seems to have settled down. Every other manufacturer I talk to has the same struggle as we do of finding sufficient workers to meet the demand.

Hendren Plastics president, Jim Hendren, and vice president sales, Susie Wallace, proudly display their latest industry awards from the Marina Association of Texas.

MARINA UPDATE

Moss Marina: surviving the storm

Family-owned Moss Marina, located on the island of Fort Myers Beach in Florida, US, claims the impressive accolade of being the first marina to reopen after Hurricane Ian hit the region in September last year. Marina president, Ben Freeland, explains how good preparation and an enthusiastic team helped pull off a near-impossible recovery in just two months. Charlotte Niemiec reports

Despite facing category 4 hurricane winds of more than 150mph (240km/ hr) and over 13ft (4m) of storm surge, which wiped out much of the island’s infrastructure, by teaming up with the company that installed its docks – Golden Manufacturing – Moss Marina was able to fully reopen by 1st December.

Before the hurricane, Fort Myers Beach was a charming Florida beach town with a fun and eclectic vibe, at the heart of one of the world’s premier boating regions. With beautiful calm waters, white sandy beaches loaded with world-class shelling, incredible backwater fishing and wildlife exploration, world class tarpon fishing, offshore fishing of grouper/snapper and wildlife sanctuaries galore, it was the ideal stop-off point for excursions to the Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas around 100 miles (160km) away. The area is home to fun and laid back people,

magnificent boating and personal experiences with nature.

Today, however, extensive work is ongoing to rebuild the paradise Fort Myers was. Six months after the hurricane hit, many homes remain in pieces while the town’s officials work to organise repairs from tents and trailers.

Left & Below: Despite the debris inside and out, the core elements at Moss Marina sustained minimal hurricane damage. Swift repairs ensured all was up and running again in record time.

Coastal properties and marinas were especially hard hit, with many simply destroyed.

“Homes, businesses, community assets and the dreams of many felt like they washed away with the tide,” says Freeland. “But, despite the devastating losses to our property, buildings, equipment, inventory and employees’ livelihoods, the Moss Marina team and our family locked arms and went to work immediately rebuilding what was left.”

No stranger to strong winds, marina teams over the years had carefully installed extra sturdy buildings and docks designed to withstand hurricaneforce winds. After Ian, most of the buildings built in the 1960s remained standing. The marina had previously lost its hard docks during Hurricane Irma in September 2017. These were rebuilt the following year using Golden Marine Systems’ aluminium docking. “Golden docks are designed to articulate in wave and wind situations, which prohibits them from binding and breaking like most rigid dock systems do,” explains Mike Shanley, president, Golden Marine Systems. “This, coupled with a strong pile design, played a factor in the resilience of the floating dock system.”

The clean-up operation was a team effort between the marina and Golden Manufacturing, which is headquartered in Fort Myers and also found itself directly in the path of Hurricane Ian when it made landfall. When the storm subsided, “our docks had sustained some damage and were misplaced, along with some utilities,”

The drystack (right) and marina below were both usable within two to three months. The floating dock system received some new elements (gangway below right) and minor repair and reattachments.

says Freeland. “But we were able to recover and rebuild the existing floating docks to their original layout.”

Work was completed quickly. Shanley explains: “Some of the docks had to be reattached as they were compromised, but all in all they were able to use the docks within days. The marina arranged for Golden to be escorted onto the island by the US Coast Guard to deliver parts and assist with the smaller repairs. Some docks got hung up on the pilings but, once they were down, the docks floated perfectly and were then again utilised.” Two other marinas using Golden installations –Gulf Star Marina and Nervous Nellie’s – were also up and running shortly after the storm.

As one of the only usable marinas in the region, the US Coast Guard then used Moss Marina as a temporary base from which to launch its search and rescue missions. Today, the marina has retained the 55 wet slips it had installed before Hurricane Ian hit and has managed to rebuild 120 of the 210 drystack spaces it previously had available.

Preparing for the storm

Living for six months of the year in the direct path of hurricanes blowing in off the Atlantic Ocean, the Moss Marina team always makes sure to prepare as much as possible when alerts are issued. Ahead of Ian, it removed as many in-water vessels from the basin as possible, secured boats and potential flying debris, shut down its

MARINA UPDATE

fuel system and ensured its back up generator was operational.

When asked what recommendations Freeland would make to other marina operators, he says: “Every property is so unique it is hard to be specific other than to really evaluate every aspect of your facility for potential risk with maximum tidal surge in your area, and design your docks and facility to accommodate this appropriately. Have your hurricane plan written and practised. Take all your important documents and irreplaceable items off the property ahead of time.”

Forging ahead

Freeland remains undeterred in his plans for developing the marina. “We were exploring a three to five year redevelopment plan pre-hurricane and expedited the plans post-hurricane. After seeing the destruction to the island, we felt we could really help to be an economic driver for the town of Fort Myers Beach, while providing a great example of how to bridge the history and unique personality to the future of the town.”

The marina has been a landmark of Fort Myers Beach for more than 80 years, with the Moss family owning and

operating the business since the 1950s before George Freeland purchased it in 1982. “Through the years, Moss Marina has been the largest volume ChrisCraft dealer in the world, was home to the Big M Casino boats for over 15 years and currently is the temporary home to the US Coast Station on Fort Myers Beach,” explains Freeland. “With six generations of the Freeland family calling southwest Florida home since 1966 and owning multiple businesses, including the 40+ years of Moss Marina, the roots run deep.”

“Now that the US Coast Guard station and Moss Marina are operational and we all have a better sense of the challenges facing Fort Myers Beach, our family is rising to the challenge to be the driving force in rebuilding and stabilising the economic engine,” says Freeland.

His vision for the future is to develop a vibrant and unique mixed-use bayfront, integral to the downtown district with a complement of restaurants, shops, cafés, hotel rooms and bayfront access for the public to enjoy, he explains. DPZ CoDesign – renowned for its award-winning work throughout Florida – will be the marina’s design partner.

OPERATOR TALK: SMART MOVES

Enhancing customer service across a multi-national portfolio

Q: What principle areas of marina management do you believe benefit from digitisation?

A: There are many areas, the principle being customer convenience, ensuring we can provide a faster and more seamless service, improving communications at all levels of the business, and doing all we can to make our customers’ lives effortless.

Our marina management and customer experience has been enhanced through digitisation, not least with our brand-new native app. This app serves as a centralised platform for our customers to access all the key information they need and communicate with our teams. In many ways, the native app strengthens the relationship between our marinas and customers. D-Marin customers can use the app to check in and create real time bookings, as well as pay online and complete the check in procedures remotely, which in turn significantly reduces waiting times and has had a demonstrable return on maximising marina occupancy.

The digitisation of the experience through our Smart Pedestal solution should deliver a direct reduction in our environmental footprint, allowing customers to book, monitor and optimise

energy and water consumption to ensure more efficient and sustainable use of resources, which will result in direct savings for our customers.

The roll out of our smart boat sensors has also seen many benefits to marina management, enabling us to monitor and assist our customers even when they are away from our marinas –offering remote support and helping to address any issues or concerns.

We can see many benefits with digitisation and are committed to leveraging these current and future innovations to ensure our customers enjoy a seamless and enriching yachting experience.

Q: How have you implemented digital systems in these areas?

Are these D-Marin specific and are they integrated throughout the entire multinational portfolio?

A: All digital systems have been implemented

Above: D-Marin Borik is a top-of-the-line boutique marina offering 177 berths in the ancient Croatian city of Zadar. Right: Turgutreis is D-Marin’s flagship marina located just 20km/12.4mi from Bodrum, Turkey.

across our entire portfolio, allowing us to offer a consistent and effortless experience that meets our premium quality standards. By integrating these solutions in all our marinas, we can guarantee that our customers receive the same exceptional service and systems in any D-Marin location.

Our approach to digital implementation is two-fold. Firstly, we are developing our own D-Marin proprietary systems, such as our booking platform, which has been designed to offer a seamless reservation process. By utilising our in-house solutions, we can ensure a high level of quality control and are agile to adapt the platform to meet the unique needs of our customers across different locations.

Secondly, we are actively collaborating with strategic partners or integrating world class systems to bring the best solutions to our marinas. An example of this is our partnership with Sense4Boat, a company that specialises in smart boat sensors. By integrating its cutting-edge technology into our digital offering, our customers can closely monitor the status of their boat within our marinas, enabling them and us to proactively address potential issues and provide the highest level of care for our customers’ vessels.

Q: When did you first start to look at your management systems with a view to digitising them? Did you inherit very different systems with each portfolio addition over the years? Did this encourage you to develop a standardised system?

D-Marin, a leading marina network with marinas in six countries, is on a continued mission to enhance and expand its digital offerings. Matthias (Matti) Gehring, responsible for the company’s smart initiatives, gives Marina World an update.

OPERATOR TALK: SMART MOVES

A: Our commitment to meeting our customers’ needs has always been at the forefront of our decision-making process. We began exploring the potential for digitising our management systems very early, when we realised the importance of embracing technological advancements in order to enhance the overall customer experience.

To ensure that our digital solutions would address the genuine needs of our customers, we conducted extensive research across all our marinas and within the industry. This involved conducting in-depth interviews with customers and marina experts, gathering feedback, and identifying any issues that customers face in the marina industry. Through this process, we gained valuable insights into how we could best leverage digital technology to alleviate these potential issues, while still maintaining the essential human touch that defines our premium service.

As we consistently add new marinas to our portfolio, we indeed inherit a variety of different systems. The diversity of these systems encouraged us to develop a standardised, unified approach to digital marina management that could be implemented across our entire group. By doing so, we were able to ensure consistency in the level of service we provide and make it easier for customers to navigate our marinas.

Q: How is your smart marina initiative more customer-friendly?

A: Our Connected Marina initiative,

brought together in our native app, elevates the customer experience by combining the advantages of digital technology with our unwavering commitment to personalised service. By addressing our customers’ needs, we have created a more customer-friendly environment that sets us apart in the marina industry.

Our app is an easy-to-use intuitive solution for customers to access all our services and information. It includes a real time booking platform, remote check-in, full information about the marinas and the ability to have direct contact with the team – all designed to enhance our customer experience whilst maintaining the human touch.

Although a key element of our strategy is digitisation, we remain committed to preserving the personal human element that will continue to define our premium service. Our team is always available to assist customers, ensuring that technology enhances, rather than replaces, the valuable interactions between our staff and customers.

Q: You say your smart system has helped maximise visitor berth occupancy. Can you expand on this?

A: We are proud to say that our digital initiatives, specifically the implementation of our digital booking platform, have significantly contributed to maximising visitor berth occupancy. The real-time view of current occupancy and future reservations has enabled us to predict and manage our

berth availability more efficiently.

Thanks to the enhanced visibility and control provided by our booking platform to our sales and front office teams, we can quickly identify periods of high and low demand. This allows us to devise and execute targeted marketing and sales activities to optimise occupancy rates during various seasons. By offering tailored packages, we can attract more customers during off-peak times, ensuring a more consistent flow of visitors throughout the year.

Our efforts have already proven to be successful. In 2022, approximately 30% of our transient bookings were already made, paid for, and invoiced online using our digital platform. This demonstrates the effectiveness of our Connected Marina initiative in streamlining the booking process, improving convenience for our customers, and maximising berth occupancy across our marinas.

Q: What are you looking to introduce next?

A: We are constantly looking for ways to enhance our offerings and provide additional value to our customers. Our next project focuses on expanding our digital platform to include a comprehensive boatyard management solution. This new feature will enable customers to conveniently book a wide range of services directly through our app or online portal, such as lift, launch, pressure wash and antifouling.

By integrating these services into our digital platform, we aim to streamline the process for customers seeking boatyard services, providing a seamless experience and reducing the need for time-consuming phone calls or in-person visits. We believe that this expansion of our digital services will further improve customer satisfaction and consolidate our position as a leading marina operator.

In addition to the boatyard project, we are committed to continuously listening to our customers’ needs and gathering feedback to inform our future initiatives. We understand that the preferences and requirements of our clientele may evolve over time, and we strive to adapt our services accordingly. By staying in tune with our customers’ expectations, we can ensure that we remain at the forefront of innovation and continue to deliver an exceptional marina experience.

D-Marin Mandalina in Šibenik is the only marina in Croatia designed for superyachts. Vessels up to 70m/230ft can be accommodated.

OPERATOR TALK: SMART MOVES

Smarter management, happier customers

Implementing smart technology is usually a gradual process that delivers positives along the journey. Matt O’Hara, Kevin Lussier, Darrell Barnett and Mark Jaraczewski give operator feedback for Molo, Marina Master and Stellar software systems. Each was asked about how they implemented smart technology; the benefits and problems; customer response; and plans for future smart initiatives.

Matt O’Hara, owner, Queen Boat Co –Freedom Boat Club Lake George, USA

We bought the marina in 2018 and when we bought it, the former owner did everything very old school: pen, paper and file folders. We were lucky to even have contact info for some customers, let alone service records and work orders. The first thing we decided we needed to change when we got here was that we needed a real system of being able to keep track of customers and of the work we’re doing

on boats, while having it all in one software system, including inventory and all. We shopped around and found Molo and were happy with what their system was and how easy it was to use. Then we implemented that to handle all our service work orders, all our parts and customer billing, customer interactions, loading insurance and customer vessels.

Benefits include all the communication with members; sending invoices and allowing them to pay online. It’s really streamlining these things that have been the benefit. These things were happening before but through multiple different software systems and multiple people. With Molo, we can do all these things internally and customer-facing in one spot.

It’s been a big improvement. Any time customers call, we can pull up the service history for their boat in two seconds and let them know what we

did and when. It’s been a huge help for our customers to offer them online billings. Sending invoices to customers’ emails, which is what everyone wants now, gives them the ability to pay online versus calling to get credit card numbers. It’s much more streamlined for payments and it’s a much more frictionless experience.

The customer interaction with us is just easy and smooth and quick so it’s just made their overall experience with us great.

The next smart initiative we are adding is putting in charging stations at our dock to give electric boats the ability to come and charge up at our marina. The smart part of that is that the company has an app, enabling customers to find marinas that have superpower chargers. They then find all their information already loaded into the app, and can make payment through it.

We are really excited about this as we will be the first marina with this charger in the northeast and I think the third in the United States. I think in the next few years we are going to see a lot more of these superchargers, but we are really happy to be piloting this in the region.

Kevin Lussier CMM, director of operations, Ocean Havens LLC, USA

All of our marinas have implemented Marina Master software to streamline the reservation process, send automated emails, build seasonal dockage contracts, and more, with ease. Marina Master software is integrated into our website to enhance the user experience. We even developed a loyalty programme to give back to our customers with discounts on fuel, dockage, and more.

We use other forms of smart technology beyond our reservation and communication system. To create better security at our facility, we give each customer a key fob that allows them access onto their dock and keeps unauthorised individuals from entering the marina. Our parking lots also use

The operations system at Queen Boat Co has moved from pen and paper to singlesystem management and communications.

Matt O’Hara

Kevin Lussier

OPERATOR TALK: SMART MOVES

Darrell Barnett CMM general manager, Soldiers Point Marina, Australia

technology to keep record of available spaces and allow our customers into the lots with their key fobs.

Our marina staff have seen an increase in efficiency, knowing technology has automated processes that previously took away from other responsibilities.

The team at Marina Master is knowledgeable and quick to resolve any problems that arise. For example, when we noticed customers signing up for the loyalty programme multiple times, Marina Master quickly adjusted the contract automation to only display the sign-up form for those not already in the programme to prevent duplicate records from being created.

Customers respond very well to the loyalty programme. Marina Master’s software helps determine the status level for a customer, and applies their benefits to applicable transactions. Being rewarded with savings is incredibly valuable to our boaters.

Our team is always thinking of new ways we can use the software and leverage automation to our advantage. Something on deck at Charlestown Marina is creating a scheduled pumpout form through Marina Master to make this amenity at the marina more efficient.

Implementing smart software at Soldiers Point in Australia has improved day-to-day operations and saves thousands of dollars per year in operational costs.

We implemented the smart Marina Master solution step by step, focusing on CRM smart technology that enables us to offer our guests unique customer experience. The best thing is how versatile the system is and how cooperative and diversified the owners are in being willing to customise to our needs. Nothing is too hard – everything is prioritised and to date they have met all expectations.

The software enables a lot of flexibility in customising solutions according to our requirements and ever evolving customer services. It not only improves the day-to-day operations but is saving me thousands of dollars a year in operational costs. Marina

Master has managed to integrate with MYOB.

As for customer response, clients who try our marina services and facilities are returning and becoming long-term loyal customers. myMarina enables them to make restaurant reservations, call for assistance by boat or car and have quick access to marina business offers from tenants and more.

Smart initiatives are part of our future strategy in updating and upgrading luxury facilities and services for our guests according to latest marina industry trends. Customer and marina requirements are constantly developing according to the rapidly changing environment in the marina industry.

Mark Jaraczewski, vice president, Circle Boating, Suntex Marinas, USA

When implementing Stellar as online booking software, the customer experience is very easy and simple. We use Stellar for all our boat clubs and boat rentals, and we have been with them for six or seven years. We are currently operating 20 boat clubs across the United States, and we have 29 properties that use Stellar for rentals on The Circle of Boating that handles our division. It’s been a great system for us as we can target key areas with certain pricing structures as well as get the report for things that we need. It’s a very good system for the boat rental market and the boat club market.

Charleston Marina, an Ocean Havens marina, uses wide-ranging smart technology. The team is always thinking of new ways to use its software and leverage automation to best advantage.

Darrell Barnett

OPERATOR TALK: SMART MOVES

The Circle of Boating division at Suntex Marinas runs smoothly, and enjoys multiple benefits, using online booking software for its boat clubs and boat rentals.

A lot of the advantages we see lie in how booking grids work and how you arrange the booking grids. The willingness to design the platform and make it more appealing for the frontend user for our operations is big and we run a big operation here.

I think the future advancement in dashboards and creating different structures for dashboards will make a difference. For example, having revenue for my division for the boat rental market in the cloud. It’s been a seamless and easy system to navigate and operate. I’m boarding new properties and it’s pretty easy for us to do that, so I think that is an advantage and it would be different if you didn’t have this technology behind you.

The understanding of the system as

we grow means we know the system inside and out now. It’s really been that easy for us to install at the properties and move to a more positive direction so I think that the install and learning the system is very simple.

And the customer experience has been a huge advantage for the business. Having the online booking experience is very easy and simple to utilise which has allowed for a better experience for the customers.

In the future, we want to move forward with some other changes when it comes to booking windows: how can we increase our booking window times and make sure a person books more effectively? I think you’ll see us in the future looking at our operating system as we advance with our marinas. We’re going to be working on some future designs and how we can enable the customer to book more quickly and easily.

Mark Jaraczewski

Setting a new standard in marine electrical safety

VoltSafe Marine electrical shore power connectors and outlets set a new standard in marine EV charging and shore power safety, with smart features like current leakage detection, power-metering and automated utility billing. This level of unprecedented safety ensures both marina operators and boaters alike have confidence knowing there are safety levels near that of the aerospace sector, while optimising operational efficiency.

VoltSafe Inc., an inventive tech company headquartered in Vancouver, Canada is on a mission to improve electricity use for everyone, everywhere. Technology has rapidly advanced many facets of our lives, yet – until now – we have seen little innovation or significant improvements with how we connect to and control electricity – particularly when it comes to marine shore power.

Traditional marine electrical power pedestals can be problematic, with recessed contacts that make it impossible to detect corrosion, a major cause of marina and boat fires. Shore power pedestals can also require maintenance and labour to manually monitor and manage electricity usage, which can be inefficient and costly.

VoltSafe Marine electrical connectors

do not use prongs to connect to the electrical outlet, they use magnets and VoltSafe’s patented technology. On the outlet side, a sleeve-over adaptor with flat metal contacts retrofits to the outlet and magnetically mates with its connector allowing power to safely flow.

PRODUCT FOCUS

With no prongs or recessed outlets, VoltSafe Marine connectors eliminate the arcing, corrosion and risks that can lead to disastrous boat and marina fires. The design of the connector prevents corrosion from building up and being hidden.

VoltSafe’s patented technology – a proprietary blend of internal integrated circuitry – keeps the plug off by default until a secure connection with the pedestal is established. “The power only flows once the outlet recognises an exact electrical signature from its counterpart, and this all happens in less than five milliseconds once the two sides are fully connected,” explained VoltSafe’s CEO, Trevor Burgess. “So, if you accidentally drop your plug in the water, it’s not going to pop all the breakers or electrocute anyone. People are talking about electric shock drowning a lot these days, and this eliminates any potential for it.”

This level of safety ensures both marina operators and boaters alike have confidence knowing there are safety levels near that of the aerospace sector, without the aerospace pricing. Jeffrey Poole, a founder, executive and advisor in the marine industry, recently noted: “VoltSafe is positioned to disrupt an age-old shore power system, accelerate electrification and set a new standard in marine electrical safety.

VoltSafe CEO Trevor Burgess (left) and CTO Sanad Aridah.

Discussing prototype design (right) and in operation on a marina pedestal (above).

VoltSafe is going to disrupt the power supply and delivery space, a sector ripe for innovation. The safety aspect of VoltSafe products should set new regulatory standards and change how power cords are connected to devices. Marine electrification needs VoltSafe’s technology.”

The interest in VoltSafe Marine extends beyond pleasure-craft boaters and marinas and into industrial shipping and national defence too. Learning about VoltSafe’s technology and marine solution, Alex Rueben, executive director of the Association of British Columbia Marine Industries and former chief operating officer of the Canadian Navy, stated: “This plug will set a new standard for marine electrical safety and adds further ‘smart’ capabilities that promise to accelerate the electrification of vessel fleets. This is an exciting technology addressing a real need.”

Reducing greenhouse gases (GHGs) through electrification is the future, but energy management is equally as important. VoltSafe believes what gets measured gets managed, and has built its connectors with smart capabilities that allow a user to monitor power being used at the outlet level. With this IoT-enabled connectivity, boaters can manage a boat’s power usage from a smart phone, and a marina operator can manage every slip from a single dashboard, all while relying on the

Smart adaptors ensure safe and secure connection.

safest standard in marine electrical safety.

Sanad Aridah, VoltSafe’s CTO, describes the root benefits as follows: “An investment in a VoltSafe Marine connector is like getting an insurance policy on your vessel. Along with previously unattainable levels of safety, energy usage also comes into play with the electrification of boats becoming increasingly popular. The accompanying VoltSafe mobile application will help boat owners and marinas reduce their power consumption effectively.”

PRODUCT FOCUS

Elisabeth Charmley, executive director and co-founder of the Vancouver Maritime Centre for Climate, added: “As electrification of assets proliferates, VoltSafe’s patented plug and outlet connectors will play a key role in energy management – VoltSafe is ahead of the curve.”

VoltSafe recently received its eighth patent approval, and approvals are still pending in 40 additional countries. “VoltSafe’s patented technology is the engine that drives prongless (conductive) connectors delivering safe, simple and smart-enabled solutions. Protecting our IP enables us to optimise opportunities for licensing agreements, proliferating our technology worldwide. We are currently placing heavy focus on advancing our technology within the marine industry, a sector that is ready and primed for safer, ultraconvenient shore power solutions that save lives, money and reduce GHG impact,” Burgess added.

Earlier this year, VoltSafe earned a CES 2023 Innovation Award. The company will be exhibiting at several trade shows this year, including IBEX in Tampa, Florida, this October, taking centre-stage in the Tech Talk Theater to deliver a one-hour presentation of its marine application as a solution for marine EV and shore power. VoltSafe will also be attending Metstrade in Amsterdam for the second consecutive year.

A final word of approval comes from marina operator, Mauricio Guerra Navarro, dock operations coordinator at Coal Harbour Marina in Vancouver. “VoltSafe Marine is the

most modern and convenient way of shore power solutions; a fully integrated shore power system with optimised functionalities,” he says. “It’s easy to use and convenient for manual plug-in. With VoltSafe, there are no complicated plug-ins, no more hassles and no more need of twist locks that usually fail. Integrated with a modernised software app, with true live monitoring, it’s extremely user-friendly for captains and boat enthusiasts, as well as marina and facility operators. [It’s an] all in one product destined to cover all the needs of the industry. It is extremely convenient and a great tool to survey the use and distribution of electric power in the marina/dock grid. This is definitely the future of shore power.”

For a limited time, VoltSafe is inviting select marina operators across North America to join a beta pilot programme to conduct a large-scale test of its patented technology within an active marina.

As part of this pilot, each marina will actively test the control box and pedestal-side connectors retrofit onto a small number of existing pedestals and have access to VoltSafe’s power management software. Marina test partners are required to place a refundable deposit for the beta units. At the end of the test project, these beta units can also be converted into a purchase order for first-access to commercial units at a later date.

Interested marinas should contact marine@voltsafe.com or visit voltsafemarine.com/aboutbetapilot

With VoltSafe’s power management software the marina operator can manage every slip from a single dashboard.

Flovac wins second Mallorca contract

Flovac is to provide the sewerage pipes and vacuum wells for the buildings at Club de Mar in Palma de Mallorca (above). The contract is the second the company has won for work on the remodelling of the marina.

The remodelling project is being carried out in two areas and has been awarded to two different construction companies. Both networks will be connected to a single vacuum station.

In the marina area, Flovac has been working since 2021 on pipes, manholes and turrets for emptying wastewater from yachts up to 150m (490ft). Water is treated with hydrocarbon separators also supplied by Flovac.

Both the manholes for the boats and the wells for the buildings are supported by Flovatronic software, which allows real-time supervision of everything that happens in the marina’s vacuum sanitation network. www.flovac.es

PRODUCTS, SERVICES & PEOPLE

Joint connector enhances breakwater performance

The design for the Astra semi-flexible rubber joint for connecting concrete floating breakwater modules has been purchased by Chinese marina builder Livart Marine. The technical transfer was made in 2022.

Developed by Spanish engineers, the joint adjusts the strength of the connection by changing the number of rubber blocks, allows for small amplitude movement and energy absorption, and is easy to assemble.

Thanks to the Astra connection design, Livart Marine’s floating concrete breakwaters are now designed with a hydrodynamic approach to provide the best

Valterri Vauramo

Valterri Vauramo (right) has returned to Marinetek Finland as its new director, central and northern Europe. He has 22 years of experience in the international marina industry.

Vauramo previously worked with Marinetek Group and Marinetek Finland in various roles for over ten years before deciding to leave Finland in 2012 for the UAE, where he worked as a business unit manager for a local marina construction company.

In 2020, he moved to the Australian

Gold Coast to become general manager and senior engineer at a local marina company.

Santeri Suoranta, CEO of Marinetek Group, is delighted to have him back.

“We are really happy to have Valterri on board with us with his wide knowledge on marina business and technology

attenuation for wind and waves. All breakwaters are structurally designed in accordance with Euro 2, and manufacturing quality is assured under ISO 9001:2015 standards.

Custom manufacturing enables Livart to design and fabricate for every configuration and thus minimise stress on structural joints even in the roughest conditions.

www.livartmarine.net

and his excellent personal touch. He will be a vital part of the next steps of Marinetek,” he said.

PRODUCTS, SERVICES & PEOPLE

Index to Advertisers

ASAR/GCM Safe Harbour

Drystacks, USA 18

American Muscle, USA 42

Aqua superPower, UK 52

Australia Marina Engineering, 58

Bellingham Marine, USA 7, 9 & 11

Bluewater Marine & Dock, USA 40

Capria, Argentina 32

Conolift by Kropf Industrial, Canada 26

D-Marin, Greece 25

DualDocker, Austria 16

Flovac, Spain 63

Forklift Exchange, USA 39

GH Cranes & Components, Spain 22

Gigieffe, Italy 18

Golden Manufacturing, USA 29

IWMC 2023, Portugal 45

Ingemar, Italy 12

Inmare, Italy 58

Lindley, Portugal 22

Livart, China 32

Mack-David Buildings, USA 41

Marex, Croatia 32

Marina Master by IRM, Slovenia 60

Marina Projects, UK 64

MARINAGo by

Scribble Software, USA 51

MarinaTrolley by Bogense Yacht Service, Denmark 17

Marinetek, Finland 4 & 35

Martini Marinas, Italy 30

METSTRADE, Netherlands 20

Molo, USA 48

Pacific Netting, USA 56 & 60

Pacsoft, New Zealand 52

PierPump by Vogelsang, Germany 8

Plus Marine, Italy 30

Rolec, UK 10

Ronautica, Spain 36

Roodberg - a brand of Frisian Industries, Netherlands 31

SF Marina System, Sweden 2

Seaflex, Sweden 6

Seijsener, Netherlands 42

Superior Group, Australia 60

Swede Ship Sublift, Sweden 58

ThruFlow, Canada 52

Walcon Marine, UK 26

Wiggins Lift Co, USA 36

UK marina group signs four-year service contract

International marina consultancy firm, Marina Projects, has signed a four-year service contract with Marina Developments Ltd (MDL) for the provisioning of licensing, project management and technical support for its marina dredging and capital works programmes.

MDL owns and operates 19 marinas, predominantly on the south coast of England.

In addition, it also manages through an agent two wholly owned subsidiary businesses: Hythe Marina Village Ltd and Ocean Village Marina Management Company Ltd. Both have a portfolio of property and marina assets.

The agreement covers the full portfolio of marina sites, including those at Hythe and Ocean Village (Southampton).

Two clearly defined work streams have been established: support for the delivery of a dredging campaign to include licensing and project management activities; and

Geoff Phillips

Twenty-one years after founding Marina Projects, chairman Geoff Phillips has announced his retirement.

Confirming the news, managing director Mike Ward said: “The whole of the Marina Projects family wishes Geoff well for his well-earned retirement. He has played a significant role in some of our most successful and substantial projects, with no better example than Geoff’s vision and master planning guidance for Porto Montenegro.”

“Geoff has also been instrumental in the establishment and delivery of the lease and operating arrangements at Whitehaven Marina and James Watt Dock Marina and the setting up

Geoff Philipps (second from left) with the Marina Projects team.

programme/project management support for the delivery of the annual capital works programme, including lock shutdowns, infrastructure audit and pontoon replacement projects across the various marina developments.

“The framework agreement with MDL provides both parties with long term benefits and assures MDL of continuity and project delivery,” said Marina Projects managing director Mike Ward. “Furthermore, it demonstrates the breadth of skills and experience that Marina Projects has at its disposal and the benefits of applying that support to an organisation with an extensive marina portfolio such as MDL.” www.marinaprojects.com

of the Hong Kong Office. I know that the team will miss Geoff’s passion for the industry and our business. He can be very proud of the contribution he has made to the marina sector across a working life largely dedicated to the industry.”

Geoff Phillips commented: “As we pass the 21st anniversary of Marina Projects, the time has come for me to move towards retirement and I do so with an immense feeling of pride at everything that has been achieved, and safe in the knowledge that the company is in good hands and set fair for the future. The highlights have been many but above all it has been the satisfaction that comes from the establishment of a business that is well respected within the industry and where the focus has always been on the development of a team ethos and spirit.”

THE SMART GREEN FUTURE OF SEWAGE COLLECTION

Vacuum sewerage systems are ideal for use in marinas and ports of any size.

The Flovac system can capture sewage and bilge water from boats and all facilities around the marina complex.

No electrical power required at dockside Discreet, small diameter pipework

No risk of water contamination

Validates MARPOL certification

Eco-sustainable system

Ease of installation

No odour, no spills

BUSINESS PLANNING

MARINA

TENDER

MARINE OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT

ENVIRONMENTAL & LEGISLATIVE ADVICE

PROPERTY CONSULTANCY SERVICES www.marinaprojects.com