Best way to set up docks and facilities for boat rentals

The need for commercial docking facilities vary from city to city and from port to port. It is always an unpredictable process with numerous variables in the final formula. Depending on the existing mooring possibilities in your area, you may have to install your own dock at the location. We collected the most essential steps of setting up a proper docking facility in order to serve your guests and run your business without unnecessary circumstances. We do so based on our experience in running private boat rental businesses all over the world, including the UK, Australia, Denmark and many more to come.

What to think about during the planning phase?

The exact configuration of the lakes or canal bottoms and the shoreline and layout type

Take into consideration these factors and decide whether your docking facility can be on land or is it better to have a floating solution as well. During our years we were experimenting with the best docking possibilities. Based on this, we can recommend Marinetek for docks on land and Bluet for floating facilities.

How many boats do you operate with?

It sounds like an obvious factor while planning your docking solutions, but you would be surprised how many boat rentals forget to think about the optimal space. Do not think only about the first period of running your rental business. Make estimations regarding the future growth of your boat rental and take into consideration the number of boats that you expect to own in the future.

How many guests do you expect to use your services?

Your sailers have to feel comfortable while they are waiting for on-boarding, thus think about the optimal space that they require.

What are the needs of your customers?

Depending on your customer segment, your visitors can have different expectations while they are using your services. Do they need your dock to on-board and off-board your boats or do they want to have other facilities as well? Do they wait for docking on your facility or outside of it?

How to prepare the construction?

Find good, trustworthy and reliable suppliers

Nothing is more frustrating than having the proper plan and financial resources for the construction and wasting time with an unreliable supplier. Check for references and to check that supply contracts were fulfilled and at the agreed cost. As an advice, you can think about the usage of sustainable materials and solutions. It can reduce costs, save your environment and give a positive brand image in the eyes of your customers.

Choose a professional architect and contractor

It is essential in order to ensure that the blueprints are accepted by the city council and that the dock is properly executed. Use your business network to find the right people for this job as mistakes here can lead to unnecessary and long paperwork.