UK marina market outlook: Stable but softening
Exmouth Marina in Devon
British Marine has published the UK Marina & Moorings Market Report 2025, outlining market conditions, business sentiment and structural issues affecting the UK marina sector as it enters 2026.
The report is based on survey responses from The Yacht Harbour Association member marinas, representing around 60 per cent of UK berth provision. It describes a sector that remains broadly stable but is showing greater caution as operators respond to easing demand following the post-pandemic peak.
The news comes after the British government made a U-turn on marinas being excluded from lower rate multipliers in the forthcoming business rates revaluation.
Berth occupancy remains high across much of the sector, particularly at coastal sites, with many marinas operating close to capacity. Waiting lists have reduced slightly since 2022 but continue to be present in high-demand areas, reflecting ongoing pressure on infrastructure and limited opportunities for physical expansion.
Lesley Robinson, outgoing CEO of British Marine, says: “This report shows a marina sector that is still performing well operationally, with high occupancy levels across much of the UK, but which is increasingly cautious about the future. Operators are having to adapt to softer demand, changing customer demographics and limited opportunities to expand capacity, all against a challenging economic backdrop.”
According to the findings, future growth in the marina sector is more likely to come from operational optimisation, targeted investment and consolidation rather than the development of new capacity. Planning constraints continue to restrict expansion, with few new marina developments progressing. Investment activity is instead focused on upgrades and modernisation of existing sites. Consolidation, supported by private equity interest, is playing a growing role as operators seek to maintain performance within a capacity-constrained market.
‘Half of respondents expect local market to weaken in 2026’
The report also notes a decline in business confidence. Almost half of respondents say they expect their local market to weaken over the next 12 months. Key concerns include falling enquiry levels, affordability pressures among an ageing customer base and increased competition within a constrained market. Residential berths and boatyard services continue to show relative resilience, while leisure berths and boat sales have recorded softer performance.
The research highlights several emerging and longer-term challenges. Despite ongoing industry discussion around decarbonisation, member feedback suggests demand for electric charging infrastructure and alternative fuels remains low. The report also highlights the growing financial and operational impact of abandoned and end-of-life vessels. Marina operators report growing calls for a coordinated, government-led approach to disposal and recycling.
Jon White, General Manager for TYHA, says: “Our members are operating close to capacity in many locations, yet confidence has clearly shifted since the last survey. The data highlights the pressure points marinas are facing from affordability and customer retention to infrastructure constraints and underlines the importance of evidence-based insight to support decision-making and engagement with policymakers.”
The UK Marina & Moorings Market Report 2025 is available to British Marine members at no cost. Members can access the full report through the British Marine website.
