Marinas Industry Overview

Excerpt from Marinas Report

The US marina industry includes about 3,500 commercial marinas, excluding private yacht clubs, with combined annual revenue of more than $3 billion. Major companies include Westrec Marinas, Marinas International, Flagship Marinas, and California Yacht Marina. More than 90 percent of marina operators have only one location. Most marinas are privately owned, but some are operated by municipalities or state agencies.

Competitive Landscape

Demand is driven by ownership rates for power boats and sailboats. The profitability of an individual marina depends on location and good marketing. Large and multi-location marinas have the resources to advertise and negotiate better prices with suppliers, builders, and maintenance firms. Small marinas can compete by offering customized services or preferred locations. The industry is labor-intensive: average annual revenue per worker is about $115,000.

Products, Operations & Technology

The main business of marinas is renting slips (dockside spaces) and moorings (anchored buoys). Marinas also sell fuel and other items, provide maintenance services, sell food, and provide winter storage. About 40 percent of industry revenue comes from slip and storage fees, 15 percent from maintenance, 10 percent from food sales, 10 percent from fuel sales, and 5 percent from marine equipment sales.