Has the tide turned for Hamble Marinas?

[rwoofer]

Just noticed Universal Marina is advertising berths in the banner ad on this site. Filling berths up at Hamble prices (Universal would cost me nearly £4.5k for a 29 footer) must be getting difficult.

I had previously heard that the marinas were struggling from someone in the industry, but this is the first real evidence I've seen. Unfortunately I don't think advertising is going to work until they do something about prices!

 

[Piers]

Birdham Pool up 22%, and some berths at Royal Clarence (Portsmouth) up 31%. Hmmm.

 

[christopherc]

Well if the rates stay high and grow I guess the silver lining might be strong boat market and hence the same for the second hand market, protecting value of ones pride and joy. Lets face it tho', we dont do it to save money.

 

[Troutbridge]

Perhaps the rates are being increased to make up for the loss in revenue from empty berths?

 

[Blueboatman]

Presumably if they cant make a good return from boat activities it strengthens the case for change of useage....more waterfront condos anyone (with their own ickle berths too ) ?

 

[maxwell edison]

That is a very reasonable rate for a 29 footer given that they would want £850 from me to tie my Avon Redcrest to a pontoon with about 2 metres of rope.

 

[christopherc]

Doesn't really work, charging more for something folk dont want, soon go out of business that way. And I dont think anyone in right mind would try to run a marina business into the ground so they could build apartments in this market. Anywhere I've enquired over the last couple of years has a fairly long waiting list, so I guess they are doing ok. I think the next couple of years could be a test though