What Marina Operators Are Telling Us About 2026: Insights on Demand, Costs, and Technology
Marina operators are heading into 2026 with a familiar mix of confidence and caution.
According to our latest ebook at Storable Marine, Navigating the Numbers: 2026 Marina Operator Insights & Technology Automation, demand across inland and coastal marinas remains strong but rising costs are tightening margins and forcing operators to think twice and make smarter decisions.
Reason to Celebrate:
Operators reported a +14% median year-over-year revenue increase in 2025
Reason to be Cautious:
80% of operators expect expenses to increase, while only 20% expect them to stay the same.
“What we’re seeing is resilience paired with realism,” said Chrissy Werner, Vice President of Marketing at Storable Marine. “Operators are still growing revenue, but they’re having to be much more intentional about where they invest, how they price, and how they support their teams.”
Occupancy remains solid as well. Dry storage occupancy rose from 51% in 2024 to 58% in 2025, reinforcing that boaters are still showing up and willing to pay for access and convenience.
Still, that strength comes with pressure.
When we look deeper at those 80% of operators that expect expenses to rise again, we see that labor is the single largest cost driver. But we know that slimming your workforce is never the answer. So what’s the solution? Many operators are investing in the retention, training, and technology that helps teams work like a well oiled machine.
“Technology isn’t about replacing people,” Werner added. “It’s about giving teams better tools so they can deliver great experiences without burning out.”
Infrastructure also remains a defining challenge. With most marinas operating decades old facilities, operators must think strategically about making upgrades. Digital tools can extend asset life, improve planning, and support better service delivery.
What’s inside Navigating the Numbers in 2026
- How inland and coastal marinas report revenue growth and cost pressures
- Where operators are investing—and where they’re holding back
- Why dry storage continues to be one of the industry’s biggest growth opportunities
- How technology is helping teams do more without doing it all themselves
Get the data and operator insights shaping marina operations in the year ahead.
Download the Ebook: Navigating the Numbers: 2026 Marina Operator Insights & Technology Automation
And stay tuned for Part 2 of the ebook, where we shift the focus to creating guest experiences that nurture loyalty from seamless digital touchpoints to on-site experiences that keep boaters coming back season after season.
