Lilly Miller, Author at CanalsOnline Magazine https://canalsonline.uk The online magazine for the inland waterways Wed, 09 Mar 2022 12:43:38 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.5 https://canalsonline.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/logo-150x150.png Lilly Miller, Author at CanalsOnline Magazine https://canalsonline.uk 32 32 secrets of running a successful boating business https://canalsonline.uk/secrets-of-running-a-successful-boating-business?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=secrets-of-running-a-successful-boating-business Wed, 09 Mar 2022 12:43:38 +0000 https://canalsonline.uk/?p=16516 Lilly Miller tells us what steps we should take to set up and run a successful boating business. She includes details such as licensing, training, recruiting suitable staff etc.

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secrets of running a successful boating business

boats on the river Thames

Are you tired of the office jobs and boring life? If the inland waterways have always been your passion, consider opening up a boating business. Sadly, things aren't as simple as seen in movies. There are numerous challenges you’ll face along the way, but that shouldn’t discourage you from pursuing your dreams!

Be the captain of your career, start your boating business and make it successful with these 5 tips. That's how you'll be able to spend every day on the water and get paid for it! So, if you want to make office employees envious of you, here's how to start a boating business.

Business plan and finances

No matter how experienced you are in business, having a plan you’ll follow throughout your journey is essential. Take regular planning on another level. Outline some of the main objectives which will help you achieve the wanted success. This business plan differs from regular plans as it includes expenses you need to cover.

Even though each business comes with investments, boating business requires a list of expenses, such as maintenance, boat payment, insurance, gas, and equipment. According to that, you need to calculate how much you need to charge to make a profit. However, be careful as you can't predict how many customers you'll have!

river boat

Legal issues and licenses

Just like any other organization, you need to get your boating business registered. However, what makes the boating business different is the sole type of business you're starting. You'll need to obtain numerous licences and take care of any legal issues before you head with your passengers to the open waters. So, what kinds of licences do you need?

Firstly, you need to be a licenced captain to sail a boat. Also, your vessel needs to be registered for commercial use. Be careful about the water jurisdictions you plan on travelling to. Depending on the type of boating activities you opt for, you’ll need various licenses as well. For instance, you’ll need a fishing license in case you want to take your customers fishing in the open waters.

Target market and customers

The previous two steps aren't enough if you plan on running a boating business. Customers don't just appear out of nowhere, you need to attract them and spark their interest in your services. So, is there a better way to do so than by researching the target market and your customers?

This part may seem boring, too entrepreneurial, or unnecessary, however, if you want to succeed, you'll need to know your target market and audience extremely well. What moves them? What makes them stop and say wow? Your business needs to induce all kinds of feelings to gain profit. So, promote your business, research the market, your competition, and your customers to create a marketing strategy that will make your business a true success!

narrowboat on canal

Suitable employees and organization

One of the main differences between a successful business and a miserable failure is the quality crew. Finding employees who have the same passion for boats, inland waterways, and wind as you do is quite rare. Therefore, once you find the perfect crew for your boat, treat them well as they are a hidden treasure berried deep beneath the sea.

Even though you may have experienced crew, they still need to keep your businesses organized. So, assign them clear tasks and provide them with distinct guidelines to follow. You can use various apps and platforms that will keep them informed and in touch. Find out more here about such tools to help your business succeed.

Location and docking

Location can be crucial when it comes to boating business success. Who would want to go far away to a boat ride, when there’s a perfectly fine boat right here? When it comes to docking, don’t try to be original. Pick a place where tourists flock. That’s the best way to become profitable and keep your business running!

Think about the finances here as well. Most docks will offer a discount for long-term leasing contacts. So, instead of renting month by month, choose a long-term plan. Also, don't change your location too often. Once tourists and customers get used to your location, finding you in another dock may become a burden!

Wrapping up

As a boat lover, opening up your business is a dream come true. Even though you'll face certain challenges along the way, you'll easily overcome them by following these steps and tips. Now you can merrily enjoy your boat while sailing into the sunset!

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five interesting boating trends

for boat aficionados and business leaders in 2021

boating trends - model boatMaking boats and owning boats is a thing of passion. Boating aficionados around the world are always looking for the new and interesting trends that are reshaping their industry, as well as opportunities to get better gear, take better care of their boats, and even find new makes and models to invest in. From the business side, though, there is no denying that the boating industry is a highly competitive field.

Not only are more manufacturers entering the playing field every year, but leaders also need to be mindful of the environmental trends, new upkeep methods and solutions like ceramic coating, what’s in demand and what the customers want, and other industry shifts. After all, it’s the only way to get ahead in a competitive industry.

That’s why today we are taking a look at the five boating trends that are important for aficionados and business leaders alike. Here’s what you should know.

fishing is always on the rise

One of the biggest reasons people rent or buy boats nowadays is to fish, either recreationally or for commercial purposes. Recreational fishing in particular has been booming over the years around the world, and especially during the COVID-19 pandemic as one of the safest recreational activities. This should come as no surprise, because fishing allows you to adhere to social distancing and gets you away from the crowds.

The sales of fishing boats are going up around the US and abroad, but it’s worth noting that fishing accessories are also being sold in larger quantities. People who are looking to upgrade their fishing boats are searching for depth finders and better motors, but also for fully equipped fishing boats that come as a complete package.

technology is transforming boat manufacturing

Technology is transforming boat manufacturingTechnology is reshaping every industry in the world, and that includes boat manufacturing and design.

Not only are manufacturers increasingly using smart systems for planning and design purposes, but they are also using hardware and robotics to streamline the manufacturing process while ensuring safety and quality.

Technology is also a big part of the interior design of modern boats, as it appeals to the modern, tech-savvy buyer. The modern boat aficionado wants to buy or rent a model that boasts integrated IoT devices and smart features, as well as better audio and video systems.

Connectivity is also a big deal, because people want to stay connected to the world through portable Wi-Fi, GPS, and signal boosters wherever they are.

efficient inflatable boats are in demand

When it comes to the popularity of certain makes and models, there is no denying that model inflatable boats are leading the pack. Currently, the Ribco inflatable boats are among the most popular in the industry because of their versatility and durability, but also the advanced features that elevate the overall boating experience.

Inflatable boats are easy to maintain and store in the off-season, and they are powerful to boot, allowing owners to traverse the waters at high speeds without compromising on safety. These boats combine luxury and functionality, and are highly sought-after among adventurers who love to go diving and snorkelling, but also yacht owners who need a smaller vessel to accompany them on their escapades.

safety is becoming a top priority

safety is becoming a priorityFor manufacturers and buyers, safety is becoming the most important factor. Manufacturers know that having a safety certificate is paramount to selling a boat to the cautious modern buyer, while the buyers are increasingly scrutinizing boats for their safety as well as aesthetics.

Safety devices and systems are becoming integral parts of boat design and assembly. Systems like kill switches that turn off engines in case of emergencies, man-overboard alarms and sensors, as well as sensors that track the state of individual systems in real time, all add to the quality, safety, and longevity of the boat.

boat renting is also on the rise

Lastly, keep in mind that the boat rental market is also rising steadily. We can expect this sector of the boating industry to keep rising in the next decade as boat rental becomes more affordable and accessible around the world.

Currently, the most popular boats range from 28 to 45 feet in length while smaller boats are in second place. It’s also worth noting that direct-to-consumer boat rentals are extremely popular, and that people are renting both crewed and unmanned vessels depending on the type and length of their trips.

wrapping up

The boating industry is on the rise around the world, so it’s important to stay on top of the latest trends. In 2021, these trends will dominate the sector, but we can expect them to continue driving the industry forward in the years to come, as well.

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ceramic coating for your boat

choosing the right coat and applying it

boat with shiny varnish and coatingKeeping that beautiful boat of yours in tip-top shape throughout the year can be a difficult task if you don’t know how to protect the paint job properly. When you’re staying at those luxury properties with on-water parking spaces, for example, you want to make sure that your yacht is safe from environmental damage, or an accidental scuff against the pier. The same goes when you want to prevent damage when your boat is moored in the off season, or when you’re navigating unfamiliar marinas.

While the good old waxing was a fine choice back in the day, nowadays one of the best paint protection methods is adding a ceramic coating to the exterior of your boat. Let’s take a closer look at ceramic coating and how you can choose the best type for your vessel. Plus, we’ll tell you how to best apply it for that long-lasting shine.

reasons why you need ceramic coating :

First things first, let’s cover the basics of what makes a ceramic coating so great, and why you should bother applying it to your boat. Simply put, ceramic coating brings a higher level of protection to the exterior of your vessel than traditional waxing, and it safeguards the finish against various potential environmental dangers. For one, ceramic coating is the best tool against UV radiation and damage, as it reflects the harmful UV rays and keeps the paintjob looking vivacious and new.

While sun damage can be a big issue over the long term, you mustn’t forget that salt is also highly detrimental to the paintjob and the hull of the ship. A layer of ceramic coating will safeguard your boat from salt damage, preventing oxidation and keeping the hull in top shape throughout the year. It’s also important to note that ceramic coating can protect the paint job from light environmental damage caused by strong winds, debris, and hail.

what makes a great ceramic coating?

aerial shot of cruiser on the waterWhen it comes to choosing durable ceramic coating for boats , there are several factors you need to consider. Typically, though, this will require some research on your part, but you can start with a few key pointers. Firstly, make sure that the brand of ceramic coating is trustworthy. Do your research and look for honest reviews online where you will find out what other customers think of the product. It’s also a good idea to search for some expert opinions from industry professionals, marine mechanics, and the like.

Next, you’ll want to choose ceramic coating that is marine grade, meaning that it is made for boats specifically as opposed to just cars or appliances. You can also find excellent ceramic coating that experts in the car industry use for boats as well due to its reliability and durability.

Choosing products and brands that are good to the environment is also an important step. Make sure that the coating lasts up to two years at least with proper care and maintenance.

consider hiring a professional

Applying ceramic coating can be a time-consuming and highly delicate task. This means that you should not do it on your own if you don't have skills for that type of work, especially if you’re not experienced in ceramic coatings, priming and preparation, and other parts of the process. To apply ceramic coating for boats properly and safely, you hire an experienced team of professionals, so make sure to delegate this task to trusted mechanics in the car or marine industries.

These professionals should use only top-quality coating and possess the know-how that ensures a smooth finish and a durable coat. Ideally, the mechanics will guide you through the entire process and instruct you on how to care for your boat’s exterior to maximize the lifespan and durability of your paint job.

correct the paint job and fix any damage beforehand

birds eye view of bow of cruiserOf course, you can’t apply ceramic coating or any type of external protection before fixing and priming the paint job. Your mechanics should prime the exterior first by buffing and sanding out any irregularities, fixing any damage, and correcting the paintjob to create a seamless finish. Once that is done, they can start adding the ceramic coating to seal the surface and give it the level of protection it deserves to keep your boat looking pretty.

be patient but consider adding a second coat

To maximize the potential of ceramic coating, you have to wait for it to settle and cure. Typically,  top-quality ceramic coating takes at least eight hours to cure, and you should wait at least 24 hours before exposing your boat to water. Be sure to wait additional seven days before using any abrasive cleaning products as well.

Finally, you should consider adding a second coat. Your mechanic should suggest this addition, but if they didn’t, then be sure to ask for it as it will help smooth out the surface, eliminate any irregularities in the coating, and improve protection.

wrapping up

Caring for your vessel is imperative if you want to safeguard your investment. Make sure you take good care of the exterior by choosing the right ceramic coating and having professionals handle the process, and your boat will be in top shape all year round.

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