Lifting, Moving, & Storing Boats

Factors to consider when choosing equipment

Northwest Marina Conference October 31st 2007

Presented by: Wade Koning, Darryl Krause, and Howard Bean

Finances

• What percentage of your yard’s Gross Profits are realized from boat lifting and storage fees?

• Does updating equipment with a substantial capital expenditure justify the cost?

• Which system will best enable Gross Profits to be increased and ROI time reduced?

Storage

How can existing yard space be maximized?

Storage

• “Footprint” of the transportation unit affects space usability.

Storage - Blocking

• Is your operation adhering to industry standards?

• ABYC Standards: TY – 28 Boat Lifting and Storage has published guidelines.

• Transportation equipment should allow blocking to adequately support the weight of the boat.

Moving

• Maneuverability

• Speed

• Distance

• Safety

Moving Boats

• Is speed a concern? For example, will reducing haul out times result in increased profits?

• Will transferring between transportation methods (sling lift to transporter trailer) reduce efficiency and increase safety concerns?

• Are storm considerations a factor? Opportunity for additional revenues.

Moving - Safety

• New technologies such as “Air Bunks” provide continuous support while contouring the shape of the boat’s hull.

Air Bunks

Lifting

• Which type of lift system best fits your needs?– Finger pier and sling lift– Ramp and trailer– Crane or forklift (with negative lift)

• Costs and environmental concerns associated with construction or retrofit

Available Systems on the Market

• Self Propelled Trailer– KMI Sea-Lift, Con-o-Lift, Brownell, Hostar

• Fork Lift– Wiggins, Hoist, Taylor

• Sling Lift – Marine Travelift, Wise, Ascom

Which solutions leave gaps, which is best overall choice?