When it comes to running a boating or marine businesses whether it’s a boat dealership, boat club, repair shop, or charter service, having a website is no longer optional. Your website is the first point of contact for many customers and plays a vital role in attracting potential clients and generating leads. But understanding the cost of building a website for your marine businesses can be confusing. The truth is there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The cost of building a website can vary based on several factors, such as the size of your business, the features you need, and the amount of marketing support required after the site is launched.

At Boat Marketing Pros, we have over 10 years of experience working with marine businesses to build websites that deliver results. We offer a comprehensive approach that includes services such as lead generation, CRM integration, local SEO, PPC, content writing, and social media management. A website is an essential part of a broader marketing strategy that can help your business grow.

The Real Cost of Building a Website for Your Marine Business

The cost of your website depends on the type of site you need and the features you choose to include. Below is a breakdown of the different types of websites and their associated costs:

Basic Website Cost | $2,000-$7,500

Best suited for: Small Boat Detailing and Charter Services
A basic website is ideal for small marine businesses that need a simple online presence. It provides essential information about your services, team, and location and may include a link to payment systems like PayPal. This type of website typically includes up to 10 pages and is designed to be mobile-friendly and optimized for local SEO, helping your business generate leads.
Features of a basic website:

  • Up to 10 pages
  • Simple navigation
  • Basic SEO setup
  • Contact forms and Google Maps integration
  • Mobile-friendly design

Custom Website Cost | $10,000+

Best suited for marine businesses like: Boat Dealers, Manufacturers, and Yacht Charter Services
A custom website is tailored to your business and offers more control over design and functionality. This type of website can include advanced features such as inventory management, e-commerce, and CRM integration.
Custom website features may include:

  • Design options with revisions
  • Advanced design and branding elements
  • Inventory management system integration
  • E-commerce functionality
  • Custom-built booking systems
  • SEO-optimized content
  • ADA compliance

E-Commerce Website Cost | $25,000+

Best suited for: Marine Retailers and Boat Dealers Selling Parts and Accessories Online
Marine businesses that need to sell products or services online require e-commerce functionality. Costs can vary based on the platform and features needed. We help clients choose between platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, and Magento.
E-commerce website features include:

  • Product catalog
  • Payment processing
  • Shipping and tax calculations
  • Inventory management integration
  • Booking systems for charters and rentals
  • CRM integration

ADA Compliance: Ensuring Accessibility

ADA compliance ensures that your website is accessible to users with disabilities. This includes considerations like text alternatives for images, accessible navigation, and proper color contrast. Non-compliance could result in legal issues, so it’s important to build a website that meets accessibility standards.
ADA compliance costs can range from $2,000 to $50,000, depending on the complexity of the site.

Inventory Management Systems (DMS/IMS) for Boat Dealers

For boat dealers, an integrated inventory management system (DMS/IMS) is essential. This system allows customers to browse available boats and parts in real-time. At Boat Marketing Pros, we offer a WordPress plugin that connects to popular systems like Lightspeed, Team Marine 1, and Salesforce. We also provide custom solutions based on your needs.
The cost of DMS/IMS integration ranges from $2,000 to $20,000, depending on the system and the level of customization required.

Client vs. Agency Responsibilities

Building a website is a collaborative effort between the client and the agency. Here’s a breakdown of who handles what:

Client Responsibilities:

  • Provide content (text, images)
  • Approve design concepts
  • Supply product and service information
  • Engage with the development team

Agency Responsibilities:

  • Custom web development
  • Content creation and SEO adjustments
  • System integrations (DMS/IMS, CRM)
  • ADA compliance and post-launch marketing support

CRM Integration: Managing Leads Effectively

CRM systems are valuable for tracking leads, bookings, and customer interactions. Integrating a CRM with your website automates the process of capturing and organizing leads. The cost of CRM integration can vary, ranging from $1,500 to $15,000, depending on the complexity.

Example: Boat Dealer Website Cost Breakdown
Let’s look at an example for a boat dealer website with the following features:

  • Domain Name: $15 – $150/year
  • Custom Design & Development: $7,500 – $20,000
  • Events Module: $2,000 – $4,000
  • Inventory Management System: $2,000 – $15,000
  • CRM Integration: $3,000 – $10,000
  • ADA Compliance: $2,000 – $50,000

Initial Website Cost: $15,000 – $50,000
Ongoing Monthly Costs:

  • Hosting: $100 – $1,200/year
  • Website Maintenance & Support: $500 – $3,000/month
  • Marketing Services (SEO, PPC, Social Media): $1,500 – $10,000/month

Ready to Grow Your Marine Business?

If you need a website that goes beyond the basics, we can help. With over 10 years of experience in the marine and boating industry, Boat Marketing Pros specializes in custom websites, SEO, PPC, and social media management. Whether you need ADA compliance, CRM integration, or an advanced inventory management system, we’re here to support your business growth.
Schedule a call with us today and see how we can help you succeed online.