Silic One is The ONE.

The marina sector is recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic with profits from berthing soaring by nearly a third in 2021/22.

Berthing income is up, as is the sector’s contribution to the UK’s GDP with marina businesses optimistic about future prospects, according to the latest UK Marina and Mooring Market Report 2021-22 from British Marine.

“It is encouraging to see that despite increasing challenges from inflation and declining UK economic growth, marina businesses are optimistic about their market and that demand for berths remains above pre-pandemic levels, with a number of marinas also looking to expand in the coming months,” commented Lesley Robinson, British Marine’s chief executive.

British Marine surveyed 173 marinas around the UK. Key findings include:

4 Revenues from marina berthing income grew 13% to £283m in 2021/22

4 Total gross profits related to marina berthing increased 32% to £55m

4 The sector’s direct contribution to UK GDP through marina berthing income increased 16% to £127m with its indirect contribution totalling £253 million.

Despite a gloomy economic outlook, marina businesses report being optimistic about their market, with 54% of members still positive about their company’s prospects and 56% of respondents reporting that demand for berths was above pre-pandemic levels.

With supply increasingly strained, 19% of marinas responding to the survey are looking to expand over the next 12 months, focusing on expansion of pontoon berths with only a small amount of dry storage planned.

42% INCREASE FOR MARINE PRODUCTS

Marine Products Corporation has seen a 42% increase in quarterly net sales.

For the quarter ended December 31 2022, net sales of $108.5 million were recorded, compared to $76.5 million in the same quarter of 2021.

The increase was due to a 29% increase in the number of boats sold during the quarter and a 12% increase in the average boat selling price.

The rise in sales has been put down to finishing and shipping substantially completed boats from inventory, as supply chain issues continued to improve.

“During the fourth quarter our supply chain and transportation issues continued to improve, allowing us to increase boat shipments to satisfy dealer demand for new 2023 models,” said Ben Palmer, Marine Products’ president and CEO. “In fact, our fourth quarter 2022 shipments were the highest of any quarter in 2022.

Average selling prices increased primarily due to a favourable model mix and price increases to cover increased costs including primarily materials and components.

Unit sales increased within the group’s

Chaparral’s models as well as many Robalo models.

Gross profit for the fourth quarter of 2022 was $27.3 million compared to $19.2 million in the same period in 2021.

Gross margin as a percentage of net sales was 25%.

Operating profit for the fourth quarter of 2022 was $14.8 million, an increase of 39% compared to operating profit of $10.7 million in the fourth quarter of last year.

Net sales for the 12 months ended December 31 2022, were a record $381.0 million, an increase of 28% compared to 2021.

BRIEFS Partnership

Yachting Ventures and GALAXIA Electric Boat Show have formed a partnership to discover and support startups working on CleanTech solutions that protect the BlueEconomy. The Portuguese show takes place in May and encompasses lifestyle and community alongside the latest electric boats and technology. Yachting Ventures will organise and provide a space for up to five startups to show their CleanTech solutions to a panel of investors and industry leaders, judged by national and international investors.

Dredging

The Marine and Property Group is being urged to change its dredging method to prevent a Welsh harbour and marina from completely silting up. Boats are regularly stuck in Burry Port Harbour in Carmarthenshire because the current approach known as water injection is inadequate, argues campaign group, Friends of Burry Port Harbour.

Circular

Beneteau is taking a circular economy approach to reduce the environmental impact of sailing by choosing greener alternatives for both build and propulsion. The First 44e and the Oceanis 30.1e sailing yachts are built with recyclable resin, electric or hybrid power and teak alternatives, a big step forward in the aim of achieving sustainable boatbuilding.

Logistics company Peters & May is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023.

Following one of its most successful years to date in 2022, Peters & May enters the landmark year by reporting strong optimism for continued growth.

Highlights of 2022 include the shipment of more than one billion US dollars of cargo value, with an increase in shipments across all of the lines of business Peters & May manages - racing, leisure and commercial marine business, general freight forwarding and courier services.

This resulted in the year seeing a sales increase of 47% year on year.

“We are incredibly proud of our heritage and delighted to celebrate this milestone by highlighting the story behind the company’s transformation into the trusted, reliable and experienced set up of today,” said CEO Simon Judson. “Our staff and teams have faced many challenges in these years, but, with commitment, passion for what we do, team spirit, and friendship and trust amongst colleagues, we have overcome some difficult past years.”

Following a three-year hiatus, marine manufacturer’s representative firm SailForce is taking to the road again in March to host four regional trade events around the UK.

The events provide an opportunity for customers to meet marine equipment manufacturers and distributors in a trade only environment to discuss plans for 2023, find out about pre-season launches and product updates, and receive event exclusive offers.

Teams from distributors and manufacturers, including Barrus, Ocean Safety, Typhoon, Dometic, Seasure, Orca Bay, Shoreside International (Holebrook, Pelle P, Searanch, Barz optics) will