I’m sure many of you will have noticed the appearance of a Scissor Lift (or Cherry Picker) in the yard. This belongs to one of our members, who bought it to renew his standing rigging. With his kind assistance, several of us have taken advantage of this to do some work on our own masts and fittings.
This has considerable safety benefits over wobbling around on long ladders or climbing masts using a bosun’s chair – and it facilitates the regular inspection of standing rigging which is a good practice. Consequently, a number of members have asked if the club intends to acquire this machine for future use. The committee has considered this, and the view is that as this only benefits members who own sailing yachts, it would be appropriate that these members meet the cost of acquiring and maintaining the machine over time, through a usage fee, in the same way that the tractor and cradles are financed.
As club treasurer, I have worked up a model to meet the costs and my proposal has been accepted by the committee. The proposal is based on recovering the purchase cost (circa £4.5k) over a 5 year period, as well as meeting the ongoing operating costs. These include regular ‘LOLER’ inspections to ensure the safe condition of the machine, and training up to 5 members to operate the lift, via an ‘IPAF 3A/3B’ certification. To use the lift, a member would need to make a booking at a time that a trained operator is available.
The charge to use the lift would be as follows:
Up to one hour – £25
Up to four hours (half day) – £40
Up to eight hours (full day) – £80
These charges will be kept under review as the actual level of operating costs becomes clearer, and may be revised by the committee if deemed advisable.
The Committee has asked me to circulate this proposition to all members before we go ahead, so that all have been consulted and given an opportunity to give their view before the club’s funds are committed. Therefore, please respond ASAP to treasurer@lhyc.org.uk if you have any comment to make.
Chris Main (Hon Treasurer)
Seems a good idea and sound way of funding to me
This purchase would suit my personal requirements as other ways do not suit my abilities to do mast work. I am happy with the cost and usage charges.
good asset for club and safer than ladders
These usage charges look very fair to me. Presumably though we are paying for it in one go up front.
Yes – we would pay for it in one go, but we’ll take onto the books as an asset and depreciate over 5 years – CM
This has been a topic for many years. Some members have grouped together to hire a machine. It is a fact that faults on yacht masts normally incapacitate and need quick action to keep the boat in commission. Boats alongside the wall or on the slip can also be accessed as well as those ashore,
I see it as a great asset to the club and people who use will provide income to help cover costs.
As well as work on masts insitu there can be mast lowering, light engine exchange, tree pollarding, CCTV maintenance as well as security lights.
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Excellent development.
Great asset for the club – and good value
Great idea I think we should definitely do it
Yes good Idea,But it must be locked away like the tractor from PRYING EYES or the theiving bustards who would want to take it,sorry about the french