Artificial Intelligence Delivers Real Solutions for Marinas

Many things associated with the boating lifestyle — both good and not so good — can stem from boaters’ marina experience. On the good side of the ledger, things like convenience, fun activities, a sense of community, easy access to water and availability of necessary services top the list. On the not-so-good side, increasing slip fees, facilities issues and the hassles of dealing with less-than-dependable mechanics, cleaners and other service providers are some of the common pain points.

One way or the other, marinas can magnify feelings about the boating life experience. Smart marina operators are increasingly aware of this power and are turning to technology and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver a seamless, stress-free environment for their customers. In doing so, these marinas are not only improving their business operations and enhancing their customer experience, but they are also serving as goodwill ambassadors for boating. How? Because happy customers who use and enjoy their boats often tend to spread the word, sharing their passion with friends and family. Happy boaters help lead to more boaters, and more boaters make for more successful and profitable marinas.

Nothing “Artificial” About AI
AI has become one of the world’s most popular buzzwords, but many may be wondering what it truly is and why boaters should care. Simply put, AI refers to computer systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving and decision-making.

The power of AI to instantly put information at people’s fingertips — information that gets more refined over time as the specific platform “learns” and adapts to situations — will be a game-changer for boaters and the boating industry. Whether it’s ordering a part simply by taking a picture of what’s broken or asking for troubleshooting tips or learning how to respond in an onboard emergency, AI will provide answers to many questions that before, people wouldn’t have even known whom to ask. And good information — in the right hands and at the right time — is a powerful thing.

For many years, successful tech entrepreneurs David and Maryann Johndrow weathered the peaks and valleys of the boat ownership experience for themselves. While the joy they experienced aboard their yacht Happy Place was undeniable, it was often overshadowed by the strains of ever-increasing slip fees and the frustration of arriving at the boat to discover some new problem or mechanical issue. Always inconvenient and often expensive, these unpleasant surprises made the name they chose for their floating escape almost ironic.

These personal experiences were at the core of the couple founding AI-powered technology platform BoatBot (www.boatbot.ai) in 2023. With a history of using AI and technology to solve daunting and difficult problems, they envisioned the benefits of a boater-centric technology solution and how it could help break the unpleasant cycle that often begins with unbridled freedom and fun but sometimes ends with disillusioned owners leaving the boating lifestyle.

Keeping boaters happy and keeping their focus on the freedom and fun of boating are key goals shared by forward-thinking marina operators nationwide. Discussions with several leading marina developers uncovered common threads, including the drive to create a positive environment for tenants that brings tangible value, a sense of community and delivers on the promise of the “boating lifestyle.” Strategies for achieving this include activities such as regattas, dock parties, polo events, customer appreciation events and other gatherings that bring people together while reflecting the individual “personality” of the marina.

Creating a fun environment and camaraderie among fellow boaters, however, is just part of what successful marinas deliver. Equally important is serving as a resource for trusted service providers while helping boaters manage the myriad “chores” required to ensure that boats are constantly ship-shape and ready for fun when owners arrive. These tasks can range from routine cleaning/polishing to scheduled engine/systems maintenance to critical inspections. When these tasks are completed on time and done properly by qualified professionals, boats are kept in a “happy” state — and so are their owners.

This is where evolving AI technology plays an important role. Mobile apps and marina management software offerings are nothing new, but BoatBot is taking a different, boater-centric course that addresses both the marina and customer side of the equation. The company’s goal is to develop custom marina apps for forward-thinking companies based on its proven AI business solutions, and it is currently in discussions with some of America’s leading marina operators to adapt this technology to their needs.

“Marinas of the future need to be more than a great place to keep your boat. They must become boater advocates,” said BoatBot co-founder David Johndrow. “Most of today’s available technology focuses on streamlining marina operations. While this is certainly important, the real challenge is creating a one-stop, portable technology solution that makes things easier for the boater, while simultaneously streamlining business operations for the marina and the marina’s service providers,” Johndrow added.

By level loading their services, technology has the power to help marinas manage dockside service/maintenance “chaos” from a workflow perspective, while advocating for the customer at the same time. “It’s more than the ability to set up and manage service calls or dock walk checks through your mobile device. It’s also keeping the owner informed about what’s going on through every step of the process,” Johndrow said.

Making service more efficient — and therefore more profitable — is another primary driver of this technology. Even the most proficient technicians may not necessarily be the best businessmen, but seamlessly connecting the boater, provider and marina through mobile technology puts the power to make more money in the technician’s hands.

For example, when the marina can help coordinate a trusted provider to perform maintenance, polish the brightwork or clean the bottoms of multiple boats on a single dock — rather than race from one side of the marina to another — everybody wins. “Service providers are operating at peak efficiency,” Johndrow said. “The customer is happy because his boat is ready when he wants to enjoy it, and the marina is the source of all possible goodness.”

This is the fun, carefree boating life that the best marinas work so hard to deliver — and it’s increasingly apparent the important role AI and mobile technology will play, particularly as a new generation of tech-savvy men and women become the boaters of tomorrow.