Rupert Bremner and the team at Southsea Marina have recently taken delivery of their new pride and joy – a very impressive new 25t Travel Hoist, delivered and assembled in a single day just before Christmas.

With increased capacity and some really rather special features, it has dramatically increased the speed and efficiency with which the crew can lift and launch a variety of vessels. They no longer have to remove the backstay from sailing boats, saving time and wear and tear on rigging, and even ketch rigged yachts can be handled without having the mizzen unstepped, saving time, and of course reducing the cost to the customer! The new hoist is operated by remote control, so the operator can now see all round the load, making the whole process faster and safer. The added bonus is that fewer staff are required in the event of an emergency call out, again saving the customers money.

Rupert says that the new hoist is “The biggest leap forward we have made since the introduction of the boat mover and tractor, and the lads love it!”

For me as a broker, the whole process of sea trials and surveys becomes a great deal easier, knowing that the team can whip the vessels in and out safely and quickly, with no need to mess about with the rig. Boatshed Port Solent, owned and run by Ian Dawes, has been fortunate enough to facilitate the sale of several vessels based at Southsea. “I have to say,” says Ian “that the team here at Southsea are really second to none. Nothing is too much trouble, and talking to the satisfied customers on the pontoons, you can understand why Rupert and Mark (Rupert’s right hand man) preside over a full marina!”

An added plus point is that the hoist was sourced and built in Britain, by Wise Handling Ltd of Bradford. They delivered the hoist in large pieces at 0800 hrs and by 16.00 hrs in was up running!

For more information about Southsea Marina's boatyard services or to make a booking, call Southsea Marina now on 023 9282 2719, alternatively you can email southsea@premiermarinas.com