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Infrastructure challenges
These regulatory and advocacy efforts collide with infrastructure hurdles too. Marinas face physical challenges tied to aging infrastructure and permitting requirements.
Maintenance dredging in the Florida Keys, for example, is especially complex. Groom has spent almost four years navigating approvals for dredging and a rebuild of Hawks Cay Marina after Hurricane Irma. Initial emergency funding was authorized, but it later lapsed and the team had to restart the process. Marinas across the country encounter similar challenges when working with state and federal entities.
While environmental regulatory pressures may ease at the federal level, these issues are often decided on a local level. Property owners and other stakeholders need to stay aware and involved over the long haul.
Electric power today
As industry wide regulations are pushing for environmentally friendly practices and products, some marinas are beginning to see electric boats at their docks, though not many.
Chapman said that marinas aren’ t prepared for fleets of electric boats, but they may not need to be.“ I think the idea of having an electric tender for your boat, I think that’ s plausible,” he said. But when it comes to larger boats, he said there isn’ t enough horsepower.
Most marinas already have the infrastructure to charge electric tenders, but not larger electric powered vessels.
“ At Sunnyside and most marinas, they have power pedestals at every slip,” he explained.“ If you were just trying to recharge a tender, that’ s really already there. It wouldn’ t be that big of an issue. You might have to add some electricity.”
In Groom’ s four years at Hawks Cay, he has seen only two electric PWCs recharge using the marina’ s pedestals. But he did note that the marina will use a fully electric Duffy 22 Suncruiser as an on-property water taxi at the beginning of 2026.
“ There are definitely initiatives through our management and ownership company to reduce our [ environmental ] footprint,” he explained.
Experience led growth
Despite uncertainty around electrification, leaders agree that the biggest opportunities include modernizing marina operations and improving the customer experience.
“ The largest opportunities lie in experience-led growth, expanded partnership ecosystems, technology-enabled guest service and the modernization of aging waterfront infrastructure,” said Redmond.“ Enhancing dockage accessibility beyond owned assets and building stronger customer communities will be key.”
Ultimately, marinas that focus on hospitality and technology integration will deliver the seamless, community-focused experiences today’ s boaters seek.
Hawks Cay Marina features 66 boat slips and the all new Ship Store, a retail space offering bait and tackle, fishing gear, clothing and snacks.
Hawks Cay Marina recently underwent a multiphase renovation following Hurricane Irma.
www. boatingindustry. com november / december 2025
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