Explore Key Marina Industry Updates
Current Compass is powered by in-depth insights gained by UK Marine industry experts, MDL Marinas.
By analysing industry trends, we can identify key shifts – where and how the sector is evolving. From social demographics to marina and boat types, our data pinpoints emerging changes, helping businesses stay ahead. Leveraging these insights to anticipate what’s next and develop products and services that drive growth.
OUR DATA SOURCE
As the UK’s largest marina operator, MDL is frequently asked about trends across its estate, its perspectives on the broader marine industry, and its views on how economic impacts are influencing these trends. Its team is composed of highly experienced and professionally qualified specialists in all aspects of marina development and operations. In addition to its UK base, MDL has an office in Spain staffed by an experienced representative. With over 50 years in the marina sector, it has cultivated a comprehensive in-house management and development resource, notable for its self-sufficiency and extensive experience and knowledge.
MDL tracks over 85,000 customer interactions across its UK operations, ranging from public visitors booking holidays or gym sessions, to annual berth holders from competitor marinas utilising MDL services or those offered by its 550 tenant services, as well as its 6,000+ contracted berth holders. Nationwide feedback from its tenants, customers, and suppliers provides a substantial body of anecdotal evidence suggesting a forthcoming slowdown, with potential challenges ahead. Its years of monitoring the industry have shown that critical insights often lie in the details.
MISSION
To empower UK businesses associated with the marine industry with actionable insights by delivering high-quality, data-driven commercial reports that unlock growth opportunities and drive informed decision-making.
VISION
To become a recognised and trusted innovative source of independent market intelligence for the marine industry in the UK, providing marine companies with the insights and intelligence to thrive in an evolving business landscape.
The MarinA Industry Report
This report presents the trend data derived from actual boat usage, customer interactions, and transactions. Historically, trend data has illustrated the marina industry’s significant impacts during recession periods such as 1980/81, 1990/91, and 2008/09. However, the global pandemic overshadowed any recession, and fortunately, the UK marine industry navigated this period successfully. The pandemic altered consumer habits and behaviours, influenced workforce aspirations and approaches, and spurred growth in occupancy and interest in marine leisure pursuits and UK holidays.
However, the impact of high inflation on customer demand for discretionary, recreational products has, of course, deflated this momentum. After reaching a post-pandemic high in late-summer 2021, the UK marine industry has begun to normalise. Given the past 24 months of a challenging economic landscape, there is a strong demand for reliable information on the changes that have occurred.
This report examines current customer behaviour trends and compares them to previous years. We have analysed the mix between sail and powerboats, the MDL current customer demographics by marina location, average berthing costs by location, boat sizes by location, and provided a breakdown of the top 20 boat brands across their network.
For a one-time fee of £225 you can download the current compass report to gain insights into these key trends.
ABOUT MDL MARINAS
Established in 1973, MDL Marinas is Europe’s leading marina group, operating 19 major marinas and boatyards and managing over 7,000 berths. Through Passeport Escales, MDL offers the largest marina network from any operator, with over 160 marinas across the UK, Spain, France, and Portugal for our customers to enjoy.