Whether you are considering a renovation or you are building a new marina from scratch, there is one thing we can all agree on: You can’t afford to not do it right the first time! That’s why we’ve made it our goal to equip owners with the tools they need to make the best decisions for their business and the operation of their marina.
Your marina is a big investment, it’s important to plan ahead for construction and make sure things are done right the first time.
Building on Water: The Ultimate Resource Guide is a fantastic and easy-to-use planning tool. The book will guide you through everything from the dock systems that are available to the best construction methods for getting your job done on time and on budget.
Here are 3 tips that every successful marina developer swears by…
Tip #1 – Know What Dock Fits Your Needs
Choosing a proper dock system for your site is one of the most crucial factors to a successful marina.
Are you on a lake or the coast?
What is your wave environment?
What types of boaters would you like to welcome into your facility?
These are all important questions to answer, and Building on Water will help you learn which kind of dock will work best for your situation.
Are you aware Bellingham offers more than just concrete docks? In fact, we can and have built just about every kind of dock out there. We even have a few varieties that are unique to the industry. For instance, we design a patented timber dock system created to be portable. The docks are popular with in-water boat shows. They are also great for marinas that require removal of their docks during the winter months. They look and feel like our permanent wood docks, but are designed for easy install, removal and storage.
We also have a model for those who love aluminum docks. Our Unideck Aluminum docks have the look and functionality of traditional aluminum docks but are stronger and sturdier.
Tip #2 – Learn How to Generate Extra Revenue
It is hard for a marina to survive on slip fees alone. That’s why we’ve rounded up some modern and innovative ways to up your service game. From portable event platforms you can rent for special events to the upland storage of boats and more, you will find plenty of inspiration in this guide.
Floating structure platform with stamped deck
Salpare Bay Marina in Oregon has their marina clubhouse situated on a match-cast, post-tensioned floating platform.
Floating platforms are a growing trend among recreational boating facilities, and Bellingham Marine is leading the pack. It’s easy to see why they are so popular. Their functionality is widespread and can be used to generate additional revenue.
Our match-cast, post-tensioned approach to platform construction gains extremely high marks in performance and stability. And best of all, they require near zero maintenance. Common applications include oversized, open dock areas, portable event platforms, floating buildings and passenger ferry landings.
Tip #3 – Understand Your Construction Needs
Our final tip is to make an informed decision on which construction process will fit your needs and budget. We have found that our clients tend to benefit from a fast tracked design/build approach. This process overlaps key phases of the process to ensure you save the most time and money.
Fully integrated services, a deep knowledge base and a strong network of the industry’s best professionals, are key to the success of Bellingham’s fast-track process.
Benefits of Bellingham’s design/build model:
Initial soft costs are lower due to streamlined processes.
Individual component optimization creates efficiency and economic value.
Reduce overall project completion time by overlapping key phases.
Reduce installation costs and schedule with the use of a cross-trained workforce.
Minimize overall risk to the owner when Bellingham manages the entire process.
Our handy guide features the many design possibilities, optional amenities and construction suggestions gained from building thousands of marinas in over a dozen countries.
