Charting the Course
Historically, the marine industry has been known for its mom-and-pop operations, but now—it’s undergoing a major transformation. The sector is embracing new technology to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive long-term growth. When we attended the Docks Expo in Nashville, TN in December, we uncovered the key trends, financial pressures, and technological innovations that marine industry thought leaders see steering the future of boating businesses.
Technology is Raising the Bar
Gone are the days of cigar boxes and pen-and-paper recordkeeping. Whether you’re a private marina operator or part of a larger group, integrated software solutions are no longer a “nice-to-have”. Today’s customers expect quick, convenient interactions, and technology makes it easier than ever to meet those expectations. Accessible account records and last-minute slip rentals are a few features platforms like Molo help marinas meet today’s service expectations.
Communication Builds Loyalty
Yes, digital tools will improve your back-end workflows—but they’ll also create stronger connections between marina owners and customers. A customer books a boat rental from their phone →instantly receives a confirmation email with all the pre-trip information they need→and gets a follow-up message afterward. These automated touchpoints enhance the customer experience while helping operators stay top-of-mind. Sending a marketing email to a past customer one or two months after a rental turns a one-time guest into a loyal customer—without adding to your workload.
Marine Catching Up with Other Industries
As Kishan Desai from Port 32 noted, the marine industry is about 20 years behind other industries in terms of technology adoption. But the tide is turning. By finally leaning into cloud-based management systems and automated billing and communication, marinas can operate even better and offer the level of service today’s customers expect.
Navigating Market Challenges
There’s no doubt that in recent years, the marine industry has faced financial pressures. Rising interest rates and deferred maintenance costs are pushing many operators to seek investment partners or explore third-party management services. According to Dan Cowens from Oasis Marinas, more consolidation is on the horizon. Luckily, management solutions help bring operators into the modern age by optimizing operations, boosting ROI and plugging any pesky financial leaks. In this environment, technology can be a game-changer.
Creating Memorable Experiences
Unlike hotels or restaurants, boat rentals often are the gateway to unforgettable experiences. Whether customers are booking a fishing boat, a pontoon for a family outing, or a luxury yacht for an overnight stay, they expect seamless service and personalized attention. As Lindsey Olmstead from Southern Marina pointed out, limited availability of new boats and rising demand mean operators can increase rental prices without sacrificing bookings. But to capture that true value, marinas need to deliver exceptional service…
The Bottom Line: Service Matters
At the heart of these trends and technological innovations remains a simple truth: great service drives long-term success. As Dan Natchez, President of DSN & A, explained, today’s customers want to feel special. They expect instant service and have little tolerance for mistakes. Yet, the marina industry has historically lagged behind other sectors in meeting these expectations. The good news? Operators who embrace technology and empower their teams to deliver exceptional service will stand out from the competition—and build a loyal customer base that keeps coming back.
As 2025 revs up in anticipation of a long, hot American summer, the message is undeniable: marinas that leverage technology to streamline operations, enhance communication, and deliver outstanding experiences will be the ones who thrive in the years ahead.
