Managing marinas can be time-consuming and hectic. Between dealing with the upkeep of your docks, monitoring availability, and other operational business headaches, it’s impossible to do it all without the right tools.

Marina management software makes running multiple marinas — well — manageable, but not all marina software tools are the same. Some platforms offer unmatched features that make streamlining operations scalable. 

Here are our favorite features to look for in a marina management software solution for smooth sailing across all properties:

Internet Booking Engine

In today’s day and age, many people like to research their products or services online before making a purchase. Choosing a marina is no exception. Surely you have a website featuring pictures of your marina, maybe even a few reviews, but do you have the capability for boaters to book their slips right on your site? With an internet booking engine like ours at RMS, you can include a “Book Now” button within a webpage that takes boaters to your very own online booking tool. Customers can lock in their dates, slip location, spot size, and other extra features with an interactive map of your marina. 

By using marina management software with booking engine functionality, you can accept reservations in real-time from any device with an internet connection. Plus, you’ll save yourself the headaches of phone calls or emails back and forth that occurs when boaters are required to manually book. 

Contactless Guest Experience

With COVID-19 concerns still high, more and more boaters are looking for ways to get on the water without face-to-face interactions with staff members. Others just want an easier, hassle-free way to lock in their dock and go. 

By offering boaters mobile features, you give them the power to manage their marina right at their fingertips. Not only should your boaters be able to book online using a mobile-friendly booking engine, but your customers should also have their own personal space to manage their reservations. With a Guest Portal, your customers can make payments, communicate with staff about questions, and more from any of their devices. Boaters will sail in confidence knowing they have full autonomy over their experience. 

Dynamic Pricing

We know boating seasons vary throughout the country and that you don’t necessarily want to charge the same price for every week of the year. Offer your boaters the deals they want during the off-season all while automatically charging the appropriate amount during peak season with dynamic pricing features. 

With a marina management software like RMS, you can set up restrictions that dictate your renter's cost under your pre-defined parameters without troubleshooting a cost over the phone. The online booking functionality will automatically calculate your selected cost based on your boater’s minimum length of booking, the time of the year they rent, proximity to amenities, etc. as well as allow them to tack on additional services like parking or electric usage. No more manual quotes or reservations; maximize revenue by always having the most up-to-date pricing for your slips, without the hassle of having to manually update. 

Boater Marketing and SMS Tools

If you are maintaining your marina’s reputation online, you may be posting about special deals and activities on your social media outlets. That’s a smart way to engage, but you can also communicate with boaters beyond social channels when you choose a marina management software solution with built-in marketing tools. 

With guest marketing features like email templates and SMS integrations, you can send your boaters correspondence either individually or in bulk messages. For example, maybe there’s a boating event you have limited capacity due to an upcoming weekend event or there will be special promotions like food stands and games around the marina. Engage and delight your past, present, and prospective boaters by sharing the news and messages that mean the most to them. 

Marina Management Software To Do It All!

Are you ready to invest in marina management software that eliminates the need for dozens of other tools?

Here are some things to look for when shopping for the Right Property Management System. We’ll help you assess your current system and choose the best platform for your unique marina needs.