|

BOATING INDUSTRY CANADA READERS REPORT MAINLY POSITIVE ACTION ON COVID-19

Boating Industry Canada

May 12, 2020

In the past five weeks, Boating Industry Canada News Week Digest surveyed our marine industry readers to learn what they were doing in their businesses to manage the mandated business closures and social distancing required by the government in response to COVID-19.

We reported the key data last week and promised that this week we would report on the Comments volunteered by some of the respondents.

While the First Wave of surveys were completed by over 450 readers, the Second Wave attracted 200 respondents; not 201, not 199 – exactly 200. After reading all 75 of the Voluntary Comments, we divided them into “Uncertain”, “Negative” and “Positive Action”.

Admittedly, this is all negative and COVID-19 has brought extreme levels of uncertainty to businesses around the globe, yet we would count 46 of the Comments as being what we viewed as “Positive Action”.

Examples of the Positive Action comments include;
Reaching out to customers to reassure them that we’re open and ready to serve them as they need us
…new wireless credit card terminal that can go outside; frequent cleaning of fuel nozzles; frequent hand washing for all staff
Implemented an extra weekend shift to spread our employees out more
Making contact with all customers that we have done transactions with in the past
Following all government guidelines and developing new operational plans in accordance with those guidelines.
Educating our members as to how those guidelines will need to be followed

We especially liked the positive steps this reader has taken, “We’ve made our monthly payment plan available to all clients, and made some accommodations to allow for other payment
arrangements in some cases. We’re monitoring the situation, in the event that marinas don’t open, and boats aren’t launched, we’re offering a storage policy that some owners may be eligible for.”

Here is another progressive and positive comment, “Just like everyone else, we are having to find a new way to operate in what may become our new normal! Some of these changes may lead us to be better operators”.

Several praised the valuable leadership from their marine trades associations and several noted that they were following the guidelines closely.

Another respondent wrote, “…made and donated face masks and face shields”. In fact, a number of marine businesses were able to pivot to making PPE and other needed products which is certainly positive.

On the Negative side, we heard;
Just staying afloat
We have been closed for 5 weeks now
Looking for any and all opportunities to reduce expenses
Praying
Waiting for the phone to ring

The overall uncertainty that COVID-19 has brought was reflected in several Comments related to not having clear government direction, or a date for probable re-opening of businesses and the economy.

At present, we are hearing about staggering unemployment numbers throughout the global economies and that will surely have a terrible effect unless people can get back to work soon. But, going back too soon could be worse, and that is a source of further uncertainty.

Here is a last Comment to share and this seems to sum up the positive, negative and the uncertainty, “There is nothing we can do other than wait this out…It is extremely painful and nerve racking as we have a lot of our customers that have requested to delay payments, and a lot of them at this point are prepping to discard this year. Scary times, that is for sure. If this continues, will we be able to last the summer?”

Related Posts





Vote for Dorothy, BC’s Iconic Sailing Yacht, in the Classic Boat Awards 2024

CMRA

You are invited to support an historic, recently restored and refitted BC sailboat, Dorothy, by voting for her in a contest, the Classic Boat Awards 2024, run by the UK’s prestigious Classic Boat Magazine. The Maritime Museum of BC (MMBC), owner of this sleek, wooden vessel built in 1897, believes she’s the oldest sailboat in Canada. As she isn’t the only classic yacht in the running, you’re urged to go online and vote for her in the category of Restored Sailing Vessel under 40ft.

Read More




Need to Catch up on News This Week?

Every Tuesday we publish a fresh Digest with informative articles pertaining to the Canadian boating and marine industry. Stay up to date with the latest products, research and industry developments.

Missed an Issue of Boating Industry Canada News Week? If you’re looking for a specific issue, or simply want to catch up on previous issues, check out our Boating Industry Canada News Week Archives.

Not signed up for News Week? Subscribe here.



Even more BALIs at BALI

CATANA GROUP launches its 14th BALI CATAMARANS model, the BALI 5.8, for the brand’s 10th anniversary! Always bigger, always more powerful, always more… BALI!

This time, the new BALI 5.8 is completing the range from the top down.

Read More


Water heater offers dynamic heat source choices

Hubbell-Marine Stainless steel outlet covers
Hubbell-Marine Stainless steel outlet covers

After a long day on the water, having ample supplies of hot water for multiple showers and meal preparation is a welcome luxury. The 1700 Series Marine Water Heater from Raritan Engineering was created specifically for marine use. With a proven long-life design, it’s available with a 115V AC or 240V AC heating element, and the option to include an innovative heat exchanger that uses the vessel’s hot engine coolant.

Read More