Winter boat storage prices - cartel or co-incidence

[npf1]

Over the last couple of weeks I've called seven places to enquire about pricing of a lift, storage ashore for the winter and launch in the spring. With one exception, all the prices, although calculated slightly differently were within 0.2% of each other. The exception was higher to deter long stays because the yard needs the space.

OK, I'm not surprised cos it's the marine industry but is this really merely a co-incidence?

 

[Dyflin]

What was the geographical spread like?

 

[npf1]

all within about 12 miles of each other, some a little easier to get to and better facilities or security.

 

[Dyflin]

Sounds like competition is not high on their priority...

 

[Poignard]

My God! Is it that time already? Seems no time since she went in.

 

[fireball]

I've done a ring round too - all are ~£1k for a lift, mast down and store for 5 months ... one was over £1.2k !! Now I know these buoys need to make a killing ... I mean living ... but £200 each way for the hoist, extra for the mast down still leaves 1/2 going to the yard to sit a bit of boat on the ground for 5 months .... !

 

[Dyflin]

And will you pay it?

 

[Talbot]

Go to wilson's yard on Hayling - booked there yesterday for less than £700 for lift + 4 months + lift, but you need shallow draft.

 

[SoulFireMage]

Use her in winter instead . That's what we are doing.

 

[fireball]

Yer - great ... I'll chop off 4 foot then shall I ? /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[Talbot]

I did last winter, and havent bothered to anti-foul this year. Its her year for a winter break. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Talbot]

Thats the trouble with having one of these half boats that fall over sideways!

 

[bendyone]

Calais -- 3o Euros a lift and 35 euros a month on the hard.

 

[Tomkat17]

There is no need for a cartel as the prices being charged by everyone is public knowledge as you yourself discovered by picking up the phone. If anyone wants additional business they can offer lower than their competitors prices. If they have all the business they can handle, they will charge the same as everyone else. Normal supply and demand market forces.

 

[fireball]

Or put their prices up slightly - then everyone else does .... and so the price increases .... Normal supply and demand market forces - doesn't make it right though does it!