Despite the spring lock down causing a halt to leisure boating, this summer has been strong for The Trafalgar Group. With an increase in boat storage inside the 400+ berth Drystack, more members joining Trafalgar’s boat share club and a rush of sales of new and used RIBs and power boats.
“Things have been getting back to a new normal and staycationers have really boosted the business” comments group MD, Jonny Boys. “However, with the recent cancellation of the Boat Shows in Southampton, we really felt for everyone involved. The marine industry made a big effort and it was tough on both exhibitors and the visitors. It's going to cause a domino effect in Portsmouth, Poole, Brighton and beyond. So, it's no time to be complacent.”
As one of the South Coast’s most innovative marine entrepreneurs, Jonny Boys has his finger very much on the pulse of the industry and is always seeking new solutions. Without the boat shows, there is an under-lying concern amongst builders and brokers that boat buyers may delay decisions until the spring, to avoid paying for boat storage over the winter. However, by doing so buyers risk missing new build slots and end of season bargains.
The Trafalgar Group are removing that barrier with a new scheme to help boat buyers, builders and brokers sell more boats, especially to newcomers to boating.”
For buyers of a new or used RIB or motorboat, up to 9.5m between now and the end of March 2021, there’s a free space available inside Trafalgar Drystack. Boats must be less than 3 years old, and over £20k to qualify and is open to people new to the Drystack, who sign up for a 12 month contract, commencing at the beginning of April 2021. For a buyer in October, that’s six months free boat storage and a potential saving of £2210 on a 6 metre boat.
“During lock down I felt there was a lot of industry co-operation rather than competition. I think we've got to approach autumn and winter in the same way - being positive and proactive, taking action to keep boat sales going,” adds Jonny. “This means you can buy a boat now, enjoy it over the autumn and winter and go boating no matter what happens! We ran a similar offer just after lock down and hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of new boats got sold.
If it helps a new boat owner go boating or a broker sell a boat, then we're at least doing something positive for the industry. So, let's invoke the spirit of Trafalgar!”
