The Australian Financial Review
25-27 July 2008

Sales of top-end luxury yachts may have slumped but demand for marina berths is strong.

At Meridien Marinas at Horizon Shores on the Gold Coast, 12-metre berths on a 20-year lease which sold for $100,000 in December 2006 are now fetching $135,000.

"There is still strong demand for marina berths in Queensland, primarily because they are such a rare commodity and offer good value for money," says Meridien chief executive Warwick Bible.

"Boat registrations are still on the rise in Queensland and many boat owners still require one of these rare marina berths to moor their boats.

"All of our marinas are still experiencing above-average occupancy and sales rates.  Both investors and boat owners are purchasing marina berths across all demographics because it truly is an affordable investment with returns of over 6 per cent per annum.  Depending on the size, berths rent out for about $6,000 a year".