2023 May June Marina World

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.
A Mack David designed
drystack and custom racking
system looks good and
maximises the use of rack
space.
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
John Matheson
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.
Alain Giudice
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
24 www.marinaworld.com – May/June 2023