Premier acquires Boatfolk

[Lucky Duck]

Indeed but I took the reference to “only marina in the UK” to mean just that rather than Premier or Boat Folk ones of which I suspect it is.

Portland’s facilities seem to suffer as they are often in more general use than just berth holders and they are quite some distance from the visitors pontoons.

Will be interesting to see what they do with reciprocal berthing and if they extend the discounted fuel rates next year.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

Ah I see, of course!

 

[Seastoke]

The advantage at Haslar is that the blocks are on pontoons or on the lightship Mary Mouse and fairly new at least for G pontoon At the Premier marinas I have seen it’s a trek up the bridge link to land. Those at Torquay are also subject to drug dealers exchanging their wares. Those at Brixham sometimes get rather dirty being across the pathway which is public walkway .I cannot comment on those at Eastbourne (rather soulless location) Chi used to be excellent marina provided you can cope with the lock and pigeons which seem to be a problem. Swanwick were always good. None are probably up to those at Berthon or Lym Yacht Haven .

I never herd such crap describing Torquay , the facilities are accessed via card which brings you you into reception where the toilets door is opposite the main office which is all glass ,. Then you need to present your card again to get in the loos. I have to agree there are drugs every where , if you have children between 18 and 35 , it’s a very good chance they have tried recreational drugs . This is why pubs are failing . Torquay is hay place here we like to enjoy ourselves where e mobo land raggies share company. Maybe you should try some.

 

[ashtead]

I can only comment based on what I saw in Torquay -a drug dealers in the marina facilities -based on lack of surprise from staff it seemed a common occurrence . Clearly some might not be surprised in today’s world but not something seen normally at marina even if encountered in the nightspots of Torquay.

 

[Seastoke]

I can only comment based on what I saw in Torquay -a drug dealers in the marina facilities -based on lack of surprise from staff it seemed a common occurrence . Clearly some might not be surprised in today’s world but not something seen normally at marina even if encountered in the nightspots of Torquay.

Once again you say drug dealers as if it’s like Shirley high st , you also say it as the staff were in the toilets with you and the drug dealers and buyers , they are bigger toilets than I use.

 

[wonkywinch]

 

[Daydream believer]

If I was a Boatfolk berth holder I am not sure I would be pleased to hear that they are squandering my berthing fees giving away alcholic drinks at a boat show. Seems like pouring money away.
And most people probably drive to the boat show these days, so won’t be drinking alchohol?

Hard to argue with someone contradicting themselves in the same post

 

[Seastoke]

I can only comment based on what I saw in Torquay -a drug dealers in the marina facilities -based on lack of surprise from staff it seemed a common occurrence . Clearly some might not be surprised in today’s world but not something seen normally at marina even if encountered in the nightspots of Torquay.

I finally like to say , if you look on Google ratings , Torquay has 4.6 and in Gosport one has 4.6 and the other two less . So that tells me you have issues , but let’s stay friends .

 

[Seastoke]

Wonky I hope you realise the crime rate in Hampshire is 10% higher than Devon and have you never asked in to Southampton .

 

[Fire99]

Lets not turn my thread into a handbag waving opportunity, though that is always tempting.. Any slightly more constructive observations on Boatfolk / Premier's facilities? I'm not too familiar with Premier but as I said previously there seems to be some praise from South Coast Boatfolk customers..

 

[rafiki_]

I can only comment based on what I saw in Torquay -a drug dealers in the marina facilities -based on lack of surprise from staff it seemed a common occurrence . Clearly some might not be surprised in today’s world but not something seen normally at marina even if encountered in the nightspots of Torquay.

I visited Torquay marina 4 times to view the boat I bought. I never witnessed any drug dealing. Actually the bogs were out of action whenever I visited. Maybe this is an arrangement for the dealers?
Not my favourite marina, and would prefer Brixham in that location.

 

[ashtead]

Totally agree Brixham is preferable on many levels even with the grubby toilet block prone to sand and somewhat tatty interior but the staff are super unlike those at Torquay who seem indifferent at best.

 

[Chris CJ]

Getting a bit off pitch discussing MDL marinas . Hearing encouraging news for Portland Marina regarding potential new investment to the loos . We understand the Premier Boss has visited, viewed and asked the Boatfolk team at Portland to put forward their wish list of improvements they regard as important to maintain a high standard expected by annual berth holders and visitors. As I say all encouraging stuff after a few years of minimal investment by Boatfolk. Our expectations have taken an upward turn and now full of anticipation of great things to come.
This is from an annual berth holder of more than six years and renewed for next year as well

Premier being owned by Welcome Trust will take a long term view regarding investment and retention of existing berth holders, seeking to attract new berth holders as well as using and developing facilities to generate income to provide a reasonable return for future investment and medical research.

 

[Fire99]

Getting a bit off pitch discussing MDL marinas . Hearing encouraging news for Portland Marina regarding potential new investment to the loos . We understand the Premier Boss has visited, viewed and asked the Boatfolk team at Portland to put forward their wish list of improvements they regard as important to maintain a high standard expected by annual berth holders and visitors. As I say all encouraging stuff after a few years of minimal investment by Boatfolk. Our expectations have taken an upward turn and now full of anticipation of great things to come.
This is from an annual berth holder of more than six years and renewed for next year as well

Premier being owned by Welcome Trust will take a long term view regarding investment and retention of existing berth holders, seeking to attract new berth holders as well as using and developing facilities to generate income to provide a reasonable return for future investment and medical research.

Interesting Chris.. I guess that old adage, 'time will tell' springs to mind. Good that Premier have pretty quickly into the deal, looked for feedback on what needs doing etc. Obviously, how that relates to the berthing rates they will charge will need to be considered too, but from a customer's point of view, having an operator taking a longer term view is to be heralded in my opinion. The trouble It seems to me with some Private Equity schemes is that they have a relatively short term view and the results can end up being a business run very 'lean' indeed with minimal outlay, to the longer term detriment to the business and customer relations. (That's not an absolute model but it certainly does appear to be a risk). If Premier look with a broader set of eyes then I'm all for it.

 

[ashtead]

The problem with Portland is poor eateries on site which make Lidl seem attractive -they solved issue at Haslar with return of Maria Inc but have they addressed at Portland or is it still a taxi ride to Weymouth?

 

[Chris CJ]

Portland eateries near the marina …. I agree are a poor offering , a lot of investment has been put in trying to make them upmarket , not sure for whom. At least 3 operators have failed and gone bust. Nearby the Cove Inn and Quiddles are good , as is Billy Winters or if you have deep pockets the Crab Shack . Lidl’s is very handy , if you want to eat on board . The Chesil Chippy is nearby as well. The sailing academy offers hot food at reasonable prices as well.

 

[dunedin]

I am intrigued that people should think that for their permanent berth things like showers and on site eateries are key criteria for choosing.
For me they are largely irrelevant (particularly eateries if home berth as car will be nearby).
Other than affordability, key things to me are:
- Location - time / ease of getting to boat from home
- Location - time / ease of getting sails up and to best cruising grounds
- Location - shelter in severe storms
Anything else is secondary.

 

[Chris CJ]

Like any marina the numbers of boats that actually venture out for any length of time appears smaller than those who don’t, so local amenities play there part.
However, I don’t want to big up Portland too much , the demand would grow outstripping supply leading to an increase in marina fees. Location is a very key aspect of marina choice , probably the first consideration above all else and of course the fees

 

[Fire99]

Like any marina the numbers of boats that actually venture out for any length of time appears smaller than those who don’t, so local amenities play there part.

Yup.. And even coming from someone who thinks boats should do boat things and not just be floating caravans, I don't want to go on a trip every time I'm on the boat. The reality rather than the theory is that a LOT of boat owners who pay thousands of pounds a year for a marina berth, want more than a parking space..
I know plenty of people who enjoy the marina experience but don't like being at sea and others who will go boating on the 3 days a year that the weather is absolutely still but that's it. Then you have visitors, particularly sailors who even today often don't have Hilton-esque shower facilities onboard, and with the sport attracting more equality in the sexes, women generally want non-smelly non-scummy showers etc.

The development of the marina as opposed to a stone harbour wall to tie your boat to, came because it opened the industry far wider to attract far more people who perhaps didn't envy the exploits of Robin Knox-Johnston or Ellen MacArthur but did fancy a glass of wine on the boat, a meal overlooking the marina, and maybe a hot shower and spa treatment.

But I do get the feeling in some circles there is the idea, rather than actually providing quality services, see how far they can be squeezed whilst people still pay the fees. But general industrial costs in the UK will no doubt play a part too.

 

[ashtead]

Partly the existence of dining facilities depends not just on crew structure (family/lads/retirees etc) but also what’s around by way of culinary completion . Hence you could probably berth at Lym YH say and not be overly concerned at whether there is space at onsite dining facility . With the lovely views etc always pleasant there and plenty of reasonable choices in town or pubs. If at Portland however the local choices more limited (yes I know there are some ) but given size of site it cannot be impossible to offer basic fare along lines of Cote or Prezzo,giggling squid etc - . In Weymouth there are at least a few decent places in town. Likewise in places like Yarmouth or cowes. Even Ocean village has a reasonable selection of places to venture. Haslar was dire but as said Maria’s return has at least led to someone running the eateries in a customer centric manner which are on site. I recall those at Clarence are not too bad either and of course Gosport has Gunwharf to offer more variety if the town choices dot attract but Pebbles on beach isn’t bad . At Bembridge if Pizza doesn’t attract it’s a short journey to the Old Fort at Seaview although the Birdham hotel has improved recently under the new owners.