{"id":25505,"date":"2023-10-08T13:33:06","date_gmt":"2023-10-08T18:33:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/marketingmarinas.com\/?p=25505"},"modified":"2023-10-08T13:33:11","modified_gmt":"2023-10-08T18:33:11","slug":"down-season-how-to-audit-and-strengthen-your-marinas-fine-points","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/marketingmarinas.com\/down-season-how-to-audit-and-strengthen-your-marinas-fine-points\/","title":{"rendered":"Down-season: How to Audit and Strengthen Your Marina’s Fine Points"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.17.0″ width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”THE BOARD” subhead=”A Blog To Help The Marina Owner Understand Online Marketing” text_orientation=”center” header_scroll_down=”on” scroll_down_icon=”%%0%%” background_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.37)” logo_image_url=”https:\/\/marketingmarinas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/amp-3.png” content_max_width=”none” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ title_level=”h2″ subhead_font_size=”20px” background_enable_color=”off” background_image=”https:\/\/marketingmarinas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/wood-02.jpg” parallax=”on” custom_button_one=”on” button_one_border_color=”#ffffff” button_one_icon=”#||divi||400″ button_one_icon_placement=”left” custom_padding=”0px||90px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||80px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||70px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_main_element=”padding-top:100px;” custom_css_subtitle=”margin-bottom: 20px” background_url=”https:\/\/marketingmarinas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/6.jpg” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”15px||15px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”http:\/\/marketingmarinas.com\/blog” button_text=”Back to the Blog” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”16px” button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”|||on|||||” button_icon=”#||divi||400″ button_icon_placement=”left” button_on_hover=”off” animation_style=”fade” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”50.5156px|0px|50.5156px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”1280px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_post_title author=”off” comments=”off” featured_image=”off” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ title_font=”|700|||||||” title_font_size=”35px” title_line_height=”1.2em” meta_font=”Abel||||||||” meta_text_color=”#0f0f0f” meta_font_size=”15px” background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” title_font_size_tablet=”33px” title_font_size_phone=”28px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_post_meta=”font-family: ‘JosefinSans-Regular’;||display:block;” module_bg_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_post_title][et_pb_image src=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9mZWF0dXJlZF9pbWFnZSIsInNldHRpbmdzIjp7fX0=@” alt=”down-season for marinas” title_text=”down-season for marinas” _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _dynamic_attributes=”src” _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

In copywriting, a simple mistak is the difference between a credible piece of writing and one easily dismissed.<\/p>\n

See what I did there?<\/p>\n

A marina that isn\u2019t tightened up like a piece of copy may get away with it, or that small inaccuracy may be the factor that tips a potential customer over to signing a slip contract with your neighbor. As we move deeper into fall, a helpful exercise can be to assess where your marina has weak points in the little things and take action to strengthen them. The time spent will reflect in a customer\u2019s appreciation for your care and respect for your dedication to maintaining a sharp business presentation.<\/p>\n

Here are a few of the \u201cfine points\u201d a marina manager can address in the fall down-season to self-assess and strengthen their marina\u2019s brand credibility.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_2_line_height=”1.4em” header_3_text_color=”#b5b5b5″ custom_margin=”||14px||false|false” header_2_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_2_font_size_phone=”24px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_3_font_size_tablet=”” header_3_font_size_phone=”20px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Update your online profiles.<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_font_size_tablet=”” header_3_font_size_phone=”23px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Marinas who utilize a hands-on marketing service (like Hammer & Nail<\/a>) can simply forward their updates to their marketing team. Managers who are doing it themselves – this is an activity that can be done once or twice a year, takes only a few minutes, and the slower fall season is a great time to do it.<\/p>\n

Check your Yelp profile, your Marinas.com profile, your Facebook – any active profiles that represent your business hours and amenities are open for review. Perhaps you changed your hours nine months ago and your office is now open until five p.m. instead of six. But it hasn\u2019t been updated. Many marinas don\u2019t recognize that their information is stored in scores of databases, and marinas can assess where they need to update their current info by using a local business listings audit report. There are many SEO audit tools with a simple but comprehensive interface, and some, like BrightLocal<\/a>, offer a free trial. If you\u2019re looking for something a little more robust check out MOZ Local Listing Checker<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019d like a free custom-tailored audit, email Hammer & Nail<\/a> or book a call here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

An alternative scenario might be that you\u2019re under-selling a facet of the business. You may have opened up a pair of Airbnb rooms two months ago, but this doesn\u2019t currently reflect on a Marinas.com profile or your website. Or you expanded your berth capacity by building new docks, or a barbecue pit food truck has set up shop directly next to your marina property.<\/p>\n

Assessing your public image for accuracy and amplifying fine points will help to build trust with your clientele and optimize future income.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/marketingmarinas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Down-Season-for-Marinas-f1.jpg” alt=”Down-Season for Marinas” title_text=”Down-Season for Marinas” _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_2_line_height=”1.4em” header_3_text_color=”#b5b5b5″ custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” header_2_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_2_font_size_phone=”24px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_3_font_size_tablet=”” header_3_font_size_phone=”20px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Complete a marina deep clean.<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Many organizations like the Ocean Conservancy<\/a> hold community cleanup events in the fall that coincide with the off-season. A shoreline littered with plastic bottles and cigarette boxes is like a playground with a used needle under the sliding board. Customers respond positively to an environment that is clean, safe, and feels like a place where they\u2019d want to make a memory.<\/p>\n

On the micro level, a marina deep clean doesn\u2019t have to look like an expansive public event. It can be as simple as cleaning out the staff room refrigerator and changing out the can of Maxwell House that expired in 2019. A well-kept environment builds morale and pride for you and your staff.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_2_line_height=”1.4em” header_3_text_color=”#b5b5b5″ custom_margin=”||14px||false|false” header_2_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_2_font_size_phone=”24px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_3_font_size_tablet=”” header_3_font_size_phone=”20px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Send out a boater survey.<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_font_size_tablet=”” header_3_font_size_phone=”23px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

A marina can assess where they can improve for the upcoming year with an end-of-year boater survey. It builds trust with your clients and shows that you care about striving for excellence in service, as well as providing you with feedback straight from the people closest to your business – your tenants.<\/p>\n

A manager can use a free survey tool like Google Forms<\/a> to put together a brief survey or engage on a more personal level with direct text messaging. We published a deep dive on the benefits of direct text messaging here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_2_line_height=”1.4em” header_3_text_color=”#b5b5b5″ custom_margin=”||14px||false|false” header_2_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_2_font_size_phone=”24px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_3_font_size_tablet=”” header_3_font_size_phone=”20px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

It\u2019s assessment time.<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

We\u2019ll call it a marina self-audit – a time of reflection. The marine industry is ever-shifting, as seen right now with more electric boats on the water than ever before and a recreational boating community that has grown by $60 billion in economic activity<\/a> over the past five years, according to the NMMA.<\/p>\n

You might feel satisfied to look over this year\u2019s sales and see the increase in ice, fuel, and bait. Or you might have two empty garage units out in the parking lot just waiting to be turned into lucrative Airbnb rentals. However you choose to assess, there\u2019s a common theme:<\/p>\n

A marina that explores areas of potential growth is a marina that thrives.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Article by Hammer and Nail Marketing<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/marketingmarinas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Hammer-and-Nail-Marketing-banner-blog-MM.jpg” alt=”Hammer and Nail Marketing” title_text=”Hammer and Nail Marketing” url=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoiaG9tZV91cmwiLCJzZXR0aW5ncyI6e319@” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _dynamic_attributes=”url” _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_line_height=”1.3em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

WHAT IS HAMMER & NAIL?<\/h3>\n

Hammer and Nail Marketing is a boutique marketing firm that helps small to mid-sized marinas get noticed by boaters. If you\u2019d like to focus on operating your marina without the additional responsibility of marketing, get in touch with us.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re boaters ourselves from a background of operating a family-run marina. From a group of experts who know the water, let Hammer and Nail Marketing help you be the waterfront your local boaters see every time they cast off.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_cta title=”SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER” button_url=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9saW5rX3VybF9wYWdlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsicG9zdF9pZCI6IjI1MTg2In19@” button_text=”SUBSCRIBE” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _dynamic_attributes=”button_url” _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#000000″ header_font_size=”30px” header_line_height=”1.2em” body_font_size=”17px” body_line_height=”1.4em” background_enable_color=”off” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(255,255,255,0.81) 0%|rgba(255,255,255,0.85) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_image=”https:\/\/marketingmarinas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/marina-marketing-newsletter-bg-01.jpg” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#000000″ button_bg_color=”#FFFFFF” button_border_width=”1px” button_use_icon=”off” button_custom_margin=”9px||||false|false” background_layout=”light” custom_margin=”57px||57px||true|false” custom_padding=”64px||64px||true|false” header_font_size_tablet=”” header_font_size_phone=”26px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_blur=”9px” global_module=”25305″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” button_bg_color__hover=”#000000″ button_bg_enable_color__hover=”on” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” button_text_color__hover=”#FFFFFF” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” button_border_color__hover=”#000000″]<\/p>\n

No spam, we promise! Just the latest marina marketing tips.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_cta][et_pb_post_nav in_same_term=”on” prev_text=”%title” next_text=”%title” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ title_font=”Abel||||||||” title_text_color=”#7a7a7a” title_font_size=”15px” title_line_height=”1.3em” custom_margin=”20px||25px||false|false” custom_css_main_element=”font-family: ‘JosefinSans-Regular’;||margin-top: 80px;” custom_css_links=”font-family: ‘JosefinSans-Regular’;” custom_css_prev_link=”color: #383838 !important;” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_post_nav][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_sidebar orientation=”right” area=”sidebar-1″ show_border=”off” _builder_version=”4.16.0″ header_font=”|||on|||||” header_text_color=”#000000″ header_font_size=”23px” header_letter_spacing=”1px” header_line_height=”1.1em” body_font_size=”17px” body_line_height=”1.5em” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_sidebar][et_pb_post_nav _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”Abel||||||||” title_font_size=”16px” title_letter_spacing=”0.5px” title_line_height=”1.3em” custom_margin=”||30px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_post_nav][et_pb_text admin_label=”Social” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ text_font=”|||on|||||” text_font_size=”20″ global_colors_info=”{}”]Social[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_social_media_follow _builder_version=”4.16″ background_layout=”dark” border_radii=”on|100%|100%|100%|100%” link_shape=”circle” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”instagram” url=”https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/hammerandnailmarketing\/” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#517fa4″ bg_color=”#517fa4″ global_colors_info=”{}”] Instagram [\/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”facebook” url=”https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/pg\/hammerandnailmarketing\/about\/” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#3b5998″ bg_color=”#3b5998″ global_colors_info=”{}”] Facebook [\/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][\/et_pb_social_media_follow][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1280px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_comments _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” form_field_background_color=”#FFFFFF” form_field_text_color=”#000000″ form_field_focus_background_color=”#f2f2f2″ header_level=”h2″ header_font=”|||on|||||” header_font_size=”25px” title_font=”|||on|||||” form_field_font=”Open Sans||||||||” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#000000″ button_border_width=”2px” border_radii_fields=”on|8px|8px|8px|8px” border_width_all_fields=”1px” border_color_all_fields=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_comments][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As we move deeper into fall, a helpful exercise can be to assess where your marina has weak points in the little things and take action to strengthen them. Here are a few of the \u201cfine points\u201d a marina manager can address in the fall down-season to self-assess and strengthen their marina\u2019s brand credibility.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":25511,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" fullwidth=\"on\" _builder_version=\"4.17.0\" width=\"100%\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=\"THE BOARD\" subhead=\"A Blog To Help The Marina Owner Understand Online Marketing\" text_orientation=\"center\" header_scroll_down=\"on\" scroll_down_icon=\"%%0%%\" background_overlay_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0.37)\" logo_image_url=\"https:\/\/marketingmarinas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/amp-3.png\" content_max_width=\"none\" _builder_version=\"4.19.5\" title_level=\"h2\" subhead_font_size=\"20px\" background_enable_color=\"off\" background_image=\"https:\/\/marketingmarinas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/wood-02.jpg\" parallax=\"on\" custom_button_one=\"on\" button_one_border_color=\"#ffffff\" button_one_icon=\"#||divi||400\" button_one_icon_placement=\"left\" custom_padding=\"0px||90px||false|false\" custom_padding_tablet=\"||80px||false|false\" custom_padding_phone=\"||70px||false|false\" custom_padding_last_edited=\"on|desktop\" custom_css_main_element=\"padding-top:100px;\" custom_css_subtitle=\"margin-bottom: 20px\" background_url=\"https:\/\/marketingmarinas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/6.jpg\" saved_tabs=\"all\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=\"off\" button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=\"off\" button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=\"off\" button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=\"off\" button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=\"off\" button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=\"off\" button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=\"off\" button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=\"off\" button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=\"off\" button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=\"off\" button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=\"off\" button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=\"off\" button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=\"off\" button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=\"off\"][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.16.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_margin=\"0px||0px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"0px||0px||true|false\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.16.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_padding=\"15px||15px||true|false\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.16.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_button button_url=\"http:\/\/marketingmarinas.com\/blog\" button_text=\"Back to the Blog\" button_alignment=\"center\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_button=\"on\" button_text_size=\"16px\" button_border_width=\"0px\" button_font=\"|||on|||||\" button_icon=\"#||divi||400\" button_icon_placement=\"left\" button_on_hover=\"off\" animation_style=\"fade\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" custom_padding=\"50.5156px|0px|50.5156px|0px\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_row column_structure=\"2_3,1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.16.0\" background_size=\"initial\" background_position=\"top_left\" background_repeat=\"repeat\" max_width=\"1280px\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_column type=\"2_3\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" custom_padding=\"|||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" custom_padding__hover=\"|||\"][et_pb_post_title author=\"off\" comments=\"off\" featured_image=\"off\" _builder_version=\"4.18.0\" title_font=\"|700|||||||\" title_font_size=\"35px\" title_line_height=\"1.2em\" meta_font=\"Abel||||||||\" meta_text_color=\"#0f0f0f\" meta_font_size=\"15px\" background_color=\"rgba(255,255,255,0)\" title_font_size_tablet=\"33px\" title_font_size_phone=\"28px\" title_font_size_last_edited=\"on|phone\" custom_css_post_meta=\"font-family: 'JosefinSans-Regular';||display:block;\" module_bg_color=\"rgba(255,255,255,0)\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_post_title][et_pb_image src=\"@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9mZWF0dXJlZF9pbWFnZSIsInNldHRpbmdzIjp7fX0=@\" alt=\"stormy sea\" title_text=\"stormy sea\" _builder_version=\"4.22.1\" _dynamic_attributes=\"src\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.22.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]<\/p>

Back in May of 2023, NOAA predicted<\/a> that this fall\u2019s hurricane season would see between 12 and 17 named storms, meaning the storm included wind gusts of 39 MPH or higher. Within that prediction, they concluded that the Atlantic Basin could see five to nine hurricanes, with a 70% confidence in their forecasts. Even those marinas that don\u2019t encounter the wrath of the coasts still experience storms that threaten the property or even the lives of boaters each year.\u00a0<\/p>

Now, a skeptical marina manager might say, \u201cWell, it\u2019s halfway through hurricane season - what\u2019s the point of doing something now?\u201d The contrary perspective: \u201cIt\u2019s off-peak season and I have a window - maybe now is the time for improvements.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>

It could be a Category 3 hurricane or a light mist moving through your marina. Either way, it\u2019s your marina\u2019s responsibility to have emergency structures in place for the customers who entrust you to safeguard their boats. Here are a few preparations that can make an impactful difference before the arrival of a storm.<\/p>

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Recommend a boater float plan and affirm boater safety.<\/h2>

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In the event of a hurricane, your boaters probably won\u2019t be out floating on paddle boards. But they also may not have full knowledge of exactly how important it is to enact safety preparations. The U.S. Coast Guard\u2019s 2022 Recreational Boating Statistics<\/a> reported that 74% of the boater fatalities in 2022 occurred on a boat where \u201cthe operator did not receive boating safety instruction.\u201d Of the percentage that drowned, 85% weren\u2019t wearing a life jacket.<\/p>

Before a boater makes port at your marina, an assertive marina manager can communicate their role as a safe place to leave a float plan - meaning that the operator provides knowledge of vessel description, how many people are aboard, contact information, where they\u2019re going, and for how long. Marina managers can also imprint boater safety via their social media channels and the occasional friendly \u201cboater safety\u201d reminder sent to the email list.<\/p>

In a storm, even experienced boaters may encounter heightened stress and need to make decisions about how to quickly get to safety. Helping your boaters prepare for these scenarios shows a knowledgeable and caring marina manager.<\/p>

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Prepare your storm team with an annual staff meeting.<\/h2>

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Your marina might utilize high school or college students who are home for the summer. You\u2019ve got year-to-year staff turnover. Everybody\u2019s learning. It\u2019s imperative that when that storm season comes, your staff knows exactly what to do with calm efficiency. What to cover in an annual storm safety meeting:<\/p>

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