(0:58) ActiveCaptain works because it is real. It provides the kind of honest, accurate information that today's consumers have come to expect. Gloss and hype and superlatives no longer work. I've talked about this in my ZMOT series and in advice about presenting your marina in the best light. The most common reason a marina loses stars in a review is when the boater's expectations don't match reality. So it is important that you ensure the boaters experience is positive and that they do not meet with the unexpected, unless of course it's an unexpected positive.(0:44) Based on boater feedback the ActiveCaptain hazard markers are one of the most appreciated aspects of what we do. Why? Because they help remove uncertainty. They make the inevitable issues boaters encounter along the way more manageable.
(0:37) When we first introduced the hazard markers we had marinas that contacted us wanting the ones near them removed. It didn't happen. They didn't realize that it was the best thing for boaters as well as an incredible benefit to the marina.
(0:29) You see, the hazard, whether it is shoaling, an underwater obstruction, or a missing marker, exists whether there is a yellow marker on it or not. If a boater encounters that hazard on their way to your marina they will be having a bad experience. However, if they can be warned and even offered information about how to avoid the hazard, there is no bad experience.
(0:21) So now there are marinas that have taken on the task of keeping hazard markers near them up-to-date and accurate. Some contact local towing services or the Coast Guard, and some even periodically take a skiff out to measure depths and check on current conditions.
(0:14) If you have areas that boaters will encounter on their way to your marina that can cause problems, don't try to hide them, shine a light on them, and help the boater arrive safely at your facility. Adopt a hazard near you and make it your goal to keep the information current. Put a comment on the hazard with your marina's name to let them know the information is real local knowledge. The boating community will benefit and so will you.
(0:02) And that's the marina minute.
