Sybarite
Well-Known Member
The thread about Southerly’s new problems as well as frequent posts about the cost of moorings especially on the South coast would probably mean that if I lived in the UK I wouldn’t be a boat owner.
There would seem to be distinct differences in circumstances between the UK and France. This is my perception with which of course you may or may not agree.
One of the problems with selling boats is that you need to be able to keep them somewhere at a reasonable cost. In France local authorities enter into what is virtually, but not legally, a joint venture with a commercial company to provide marina facilities. The legal form is a Société Publique Locale (SPL) which has evolved out of a Société d’Economie Mixte Locale (SEML). The new form provides essentially the same service but has simplified operations with respect to procedures which normally have to be respected by state-owned companies. It is understood by many local authorities that the local economy benefits by having a marina. Prices are set so that boating costs remain fairly reasonable.
The next significant difference is in relation to the conception of boats. Early on it was determined in France that the charter market would dominate boat design requirements. This meant that the supply was directed towards groups of sailors: works committee funded outings; students etc where the requirement was for short term, large number crews, few of which boats would head off on long passages.
Therefore while the UK market appeared to want to offer “proper” (lee-cloths, stowage space, etc) boats – read expensive – the French got on with building what people actually wanted. With increased demand, more efficient manufacturing facilities could be created which kept the price of boats competitive. The niche quality market exists in France for those who want it but the volume created by BénJean etc meant that better prices could be achieved even in the quality sector. It also gives them the economic strength to exploit foreign - counter-cyclical - markets.
As examples of all of the above, I pay (for up to 9m49) about €1750 pa for my marina mooring in a superb location. This includes free electricity, water, wifi, showers, as well as free access to about 50 other ports which participate in the Passe Morbihan (2 free nights per port). Additional features are free lift out, storage and lift in, provided it is for a minimum of 3 weeks in the period mid June to mid September (officially July or August); bicycle loan, secure free “valet” car parking.
In granting concessions to the large marina operators in the UK there should be some sort of restrictive covenant on pricing as once established they have a quasi monopoly position. If boaters were more organized they could perhaps put more collective pressure on the operators. In France motorcyclists created their own organization and insurance company to combat perceived inflated premiums.
As far as boat prices are concerned, some may have the means of paying £400k for a 11-12m boat. Good for them, it’s their money. However if you want to get on the water and go sailing much cheaper boats are available especially in the second hand market. A friend has asked me to go with him to visit a GibSea 114 (38’) which has been renovated and has new sails. The current asking price is €30k reducing by €1000 per month until it is sold.
In the case of Southerly I wonder how many boats they have to sell in order to break even? In a study done on the original Dufour company their break-even point was at 95% of their capacity which made a sustainable future impossible.
There would seem to be distinct differences in circumstances between the UK and France. This is my perception with which of course you may or may not agree.
One of the problems with selling boats is that you need to be able to keep them somewhere at a reasonable cost. In France local authorities enter into what is virtually, but not legally, a joint venture with a commercial company to provide marina facilities. The legal form is a Société Publique Locale (SPL) which has evolved out of a Société d’Economie Mixte Locale (SEML). The new form provides essentially the same service but has simplified operations with respect to procedures which normally have to be respected by state-owned companies. It is understood by many local authorities that the local economy benefits by having a marina. Prices are set so that boating costs remain fairly reasonable.
The next significant difference is in relation to the conception of boats. Early on it was determined in France that the charter market would dominate boat design requirements. This meant that the supply was directed towards groups of sailors: works committee funded outings; students etc where the requirement was for short term, large number crews, few of which boats would head off on long passages.
Therefore while the UK market appeared to want to offer “proper” (lee-cloths, stowage space, etc) boats – read expensive – the French got on with building what people actually wanted. With increased demand, more efficient manufacturing facilities could be created which kept the price of boats competitive. The niche quality market exists in France for those who want it but the volume created by BénJean etc meant that better prices could be achieved even in the quality sector. It also gives them the economic strength to exploit foreign - counter-cyclical - markets.
As examples of all of the above, I pay (for up to 9m49) about €1750 pa for my marina mooring in a superb location. This includes free electricity, water, wifi, showers, as well as free access to about 50 other ports which participate in the Passe Morbihan (2 free nights per port). Additional features are free lift out, storage and lift in, provided it is for a minimum of 3 weeks in the period mid June to mid September (officially July or August); bicycle loan, secure free “valet” car parking.
In granting concessions to the large marina operators in the UK there should be some sort of restrictive covenant on pricing as once established they have a quasi monopoly position. If boaters were more organized they could perhaps put more collective pressure on the operators. In France motorcyclists created their own organization and insurance company to combat perceived inflated premiums.
As far as boat prices are concerned, some may have the means of paying £400k for a 11-12m boat. Good for them, it’s their money. However if you want to get on the water and go sailing much cheaper boats are available especially in the second hand market. A friend has asked me to go with him to visit a GibSea 114 (38’) which has been renovated and has new sails. The current asking price is €30k reducing by €1000 per month until it is sold.
In the case of Southerly I wonder how many boats they have to sell in order to break even? In a study done on the original Dufour company their break-even point was at 95% of their capacity which made a sustainable future impossible.
