By Jim Hendricks, boatingmag.com.
For harbor and marina operators, understanding boat upgrade cycles helps predict slip demand, power requirements, and service needs. As boaters consider transitioning to vessels with advanced technologies—from joystick controls to gyrostabilizers—marinas must adapt infrastructure to accommodate these evolving capabilities, including adequate electrical service, lift capacity, and technical support networks.
According to an article by Jim Hendricks in Boating Magazine:
A big reason to upgrade to a new boat—be it bigger or not—is to avail yourself of the latest in boating technology and power. “New developments in marine technology are absolutely changing how we boat,” Tubaugh says. “That trend is driving many boaters to upgrade to newer models.”
Some new technologies are retrofittable to older boats, but many advances, such as joysticks, gyrostabilizing systems and air conditioning, are generally installed at the factory when the boat is under construction. As such, you might need to buy a new boat to experience and enjoy such technology.
With new technology comes the need for new learning. “Make sure you have a dealer who can teach you how to use all of these new features of your boat, engine and electronics, and answer any questions when you go out on your boat,” says Tom Harris of Atlantic Marine, North Carolina. “It won’t do you any good to have it if you don’t know how to use it.” Once you learn how to use the technologies, you won’t want to boat without them, Harris says.
The article also covers life changes, adventure aspirations, storage considerations, repair costs, and resale value—all factors that influence boat upgrade decisions and, consequently, marina slip turnover and facility planning.
Read the full article here: When is it Time to Buy a New Boat?
Originally published on January 19, 2026.
