Australia's Gold Coast Marine Centre (GCMC) has purchased a new Sea-Lift self-propelled submersible lift that can haul out boats up to 24m long with over 3m draft. The centre, which is situated on the Coomera River just 40 minutes from Brisbane, will commission the machine in February.
The lift, which is the first of its kind sold in the southern hemisphere, is manufactured by US based KMI Sea-Lift. It will operate alongside GCMC's 70-tonne boat hoist and hydraulic trailers and will provide further lifting capacity to service the centre's 25,000 sq m hardstand and service area.
Tim Sayer, GCMC general manager, is enthusiastic about the new machine. "A major benefit for our customers is its simple, economical operation," he said. "It requires only a single operator when lifting smaller vessels so we will be able to achieve haul-out rates comparable to forklift prices."
Ideal for the haul-out of catamarans, houseboats and other multihull vessels in which GCMC specialises, the Sea-Lift has special shape-conforming air-bunks, which distribute boat weight evenly to prevent damage to the hull and under-hull fittings.
"Sea-Lift also helps owners in positioning the boat for a lift, particularly where there are strong winds affecting the boat," Sayer continued. "The lift operator can help the boat skipper by using the up and down movement of individual cushioned arms to trap the boat in the correct lift position."
(Marina World January/February 2010 No.57 Vol 10 Issue 3)
KMI Sea-Lift is proud to announce new partnerships with multiple marinas worldwide.
Port Dubrovka, located on the Neva River near St. Petersburg, Russian Federation will soon complete commissioning of the first Sea-Lift to be utilized in Eastern Europe. A Model 45-Adjustable Sea-Lift will also be delivered in October to Lions Gate Marina, located in Vancouver, Canada.
Production is now underway of Model 45-Adjustable Sea-Lifts destined for the most progressive marinas in South East Asia and Australia. Located in the jewels of Perak, Malaysia, Marina Pangkor will begin utilization of a Sea-Lift in January, 2010. January will also see Gold Coast Marine Centre, located on Australia’s renowned Gold Coast vastly enhance their current operations with the multiple benefits a Sea-Lift provides.
KMI Sea-Lift is also extremely excited to announce a partnership with St. Maarten Shipyard in the Caribbean to produce what will be the world’s largest capacity Sea-Lift, a Model 75-Adjustable. This Sea-Lift will be capable of safely handling vessels up to 150,000 lbs and up to 85 feet in length. Delivery is slated for the 2nd quarter of 2010.
Bellingham, WA- Puerto del Rey, the biggest marina in the Caribbean, is the latest in a list of progressive marine-related businesses to add the innovative KMI Sea-Lift ™ boat hauler to their fleet of yard equipment. And while it is not the first facility in the islands to own a Sea-Lift™, it is the first to take delivery of the company’s newest model.
Dubbed the Model 45 Adjustable, the Sea-Lift’s new design could just as easily be called the Puerto del Rey 45, since it was developed at the specific request of the marina’s President Daniel Shelley. Shelley, who was impressed by the Sea-Lift’s unparalleled ability to lift and move boats quickly and safely, was particularly interested in its capacity to handle large catamarans. “Catamarans are the ideal sailboat for the Caribbean, and we are seeing more and more of them of all sizes here. They’ve become a huge part of our business, and we needed a machine to haul them without difficulty.”
But Puerto del Rey needed a piece of equipment that could apt to its smaller boats as well. “I asked Krause [the trailer’s designer and builder] if they would make me one that could be adjusted to haul all size catamarans. It only took them a couple of days to come back to me with a proposal and the new design.” The customized machine utilizes hydraulic cylinders to move the lift arms closer together as needed to fit between a catamaran’s two hulls. (A single-hulled boat is cradled between the arms, whereas a catamaran straddles them.) With the ability to reduce the carrying width from 14 feet to 10 feet, the adjustable arm feature gives Puerto del Rey the flexibility to accommodate the full range of catamarans.
“We are pleased we could respond to Mr. Shelley’s request,” Krause Manufacturing’s Wade Koning said. “We are always ready to customize for our clients, and in this instance, we were able to give Puerto del Rey what they needed, and at the same time develop a new version of our product that enhances its versatility even more.”
That versatility is one the key aspects of the KMI’s self propelled hydraulic boat transport. Wade Koning said that the Sea-Lift was designed with an all-in-one capability that is unique to the industry. “It can do everything from haul-out to set down,” he said. “It handles large boats of any hull shape and it’s as effective in shallow or deep water. Plus, it’s so easy to maneuver that you only need one operator to get the job done.”
Puerto del Rey, located on the eastern coast of Puerto Rico in Fajarado, took delivery of the self-propelled hydraulic boat transport in August 2008. With hurricane season bearing down, the machine’s arrival at the 1,000-slip marina was a welcome addition. “Hurricanes are a fact of life here,” Puerto del Rey president Daniel Shelley said. “One of the big reasons we acquired the Sea-Lift™ was for storm operations. It’s speedy an safe—a new generation of hydraulic lift that allows us to haul out and move boats inland at much faster rates than before, without the risk of damage to the hulls. “
How fast is fast? The Sea-Lift™ can bring virtually any size boat out of the water in under a minute, and moves boats overland at speeds of up to 5 mph (8 kph), as compared to the industry standard of 1-2 mph. According to KMI, the Sea-Lift™ can haul, set, and secure as many as four large boats per hour, a capability that puts it “easily in a league of its own.”
Of equal interest to profit-conscious boatyard managers is the Sea-Lift’s potential to add revenue by increasing yard capacity. The trailer’s narrow physical footprint and 108-degree turn capabilities allow an operator to maneuver vessels into position only inches apart in a boatyard. Thanks to its extreme agility and potential for precision placement, the Sea-Lift ™ is expected to increase capacity at Puerto del Rey’s boatyard by 25%. “We can store vessels closer to each other now.” Daniel Shelley said. “The number of boats we can get into our yard is no longer determined by the size and capability of the trailer, but the size of the vessel’s beams.”
The Sea-Lift™ incorporates patented technology and heavy-duty innovation to deliver the agility, quickness, and safety that set it apart. Sate-of-the-art hydraulics and unique center-hinge technology provide up to 10.5 feet of lift height, which allows for launches and hauls from any industrial boat ramp and makes quick work of lifting keeled boats for pressure washing and under-hull work. The machine’s unique lift arm configuration is free of the cross-beams that have made it difficult to load safely and quickly using the traditional trailers. Safety is further enhanced with the Sea-Lift’s proprietary Air-Bunk™ support system, which conforms to the boat’s shape, cushions the hull, and distributes weight evenly to prevent damage. And with the development of the new Model 45 Adjustable, both large and small multi-hull vessels can be handled with efficiency.
Daniel Shelley and his crew at Puerto del Rey are still getting to know their Sea-Lift ™, but so far they are pleased. “Turnaround was quick, and we got what we asked for with the Sea-Lift™. This is a very good piece of equipment. We purchased it specifically for our catamarans and it’s a great compliment to what we have.” While it’s still too early to run the numbers, Shelley is optimistic about his investment. “I believe we’re going to see a real positive impact on our bottom line in the months and years to come,” he said.
KMI Sea-Lift™ is a division of Krause Manufacturing, Inc., a leading manufacturer of heavy-duty commercial equipment, with a reputation build of rugged, quality construction, optimum durability and superior service. Krause is a division of CP Manufacturing. In addition to the KMI Sea-Lift™ Krause manufactures equipment for the recycling industry, including turnkey heavy-duty conveyor systems. More information about the Sea-Lift™ and Krause Manufacturing is available at www.Sea-Lift.com.
KMI Sea-Lift, a division of Krause Manufacturing, Inc. recently came to an agreement with Puerto del Rey Marina in Fajardo, Puerto Rico to produce a Model 45 Sea-Lift. The Sea-Lift is slated for a July 2008 delivery and will feature expandable width lift arms. The new feature will add to the versatility of the Sea-Lift by enabling it to handle a larger range of catamarans.
A 45 ton Sea-Lift recently arrived in Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Soper's Hole Wharf and Marina will be utilizing the new KMI Sea-Lift primarily to haul out and launch catamarans for Voyage Charters. The Sea-Lift will enable Soper's Hole to maximize yard space to it's fullest potential and perform maintenance on multiple vessels simultaneously.
Nestled on the west coast of Tortola, British Virgin Islands, is Soper's Hole Wharf & Marina, an island paradise of clear blue water, shopping and fine dining. The marina is home to a large number of sail and motor catamarans. Because cat owners need to perform yearly maintenance on the bottoms of their craft, Soper's Hole Yacht Services (SHYS) needed a lift system that could handle the size of these unique boats without damaging the hulls. After General Manager Ben Nissen did a lot of research, SHYS contracted with KMI Sea-Lift of Bellingham, Washington, for a 45-ton unit.
Nissen said he discovered Sea-Lift while browsing through a magazine. Intrigued, he went to the Sea-Lift website and was impressed with the amount of information and photos available. But what sold him on the Sea-Lift was the video that proves large craft can be hauled out of the water in 60 seconds. I looked at other companies, but Sea-Lift was the only company with video to back up their claims, he said. Plus, they have pictures of their machine safely lifting and transporting large catamarans, and that did it for me. Nissen said he expects to move approximately 200 boats per year.
The 45-ton Sea-Lift retains the narrow profile of the original 30-ton unit, but can lift boats 10 feet, double the lift height of the smaller, 30-ton unit. Because it uses a unique air-bunk system to support the catamarans from the bottom with the hulls straddling the machine, concern about damage to the gelcoat or to fittings on either keel is eliminated. The low-pressure air bunks conform to the shape of the craft, and pressure in the air tubes can be adjusted depending on the size and shape of the boat. Sea-Lift's patented air bunks are designed to carry most hull designs.
SHYS's Sea-Lift will be able to handle boats up to 65 feet long and 90,000 pounds. Self-propelled with remote control, the 45-ton Sea-Lift can turn 180 degrees for unparalleled maneuverability. A four-wheel drive option is also available on 45-ton units.
Boaters and the craft they choose are as varied as the individuals themselves. Too often though, marinas and boatyards rely on sling-type lifts to handle all customers' boats, no matter the size or shape. Owners of large catamarans, in particular, face the problem of how to launch, haul out and transport their vessel. Sea-Lift from Krause Manufacturing handles loads of up to 100 tons, can safely handle catamarans with unlimited beam width.
The Sea-Lift is a versatile machine good for both mono- and double-hulled craft. Its patented air bunk system supports the boat and redistributes its weight appropriately, with the goal of eliminating unnecessary stress to the hull and gunnels and preventing damage to under-hull fittings. Worry about potential damage to the gelcoat or to fittings on either keel is eliminated.
All Sea-Lift machines are self-propelled and powered by a turbocharged diesel engine coupled to a dual-range, hydrostatic drive. Based in Bellingham, Washington, Sea-Lifts are available in 30, 45, and 75 Ton models, all of which are available with standard wireless remote control pack to reduce labor costs and increase the efficiency of boat launch and recovery.
Boatyard owners along the Gulf Coast and the southern seaboard know all too well the damage hurricanes can wreak. Vessels left in the water are especially vulnerable to total loss. Yards that use Sea-Lift hydraulic boat transportation units can quickly remove boats from the water and secure them on land before catastrophic storms come ashore.
Howard Bean, owner of North Harbor Diesel & Yacht Services in Anacortes, Washington, has seen his share of rough weather. As a youth growing up in Florida, he knows well the force of hurricanes and the destruction they leave behind. Bean uses Sea-Lift as part of his day-to-day operations. He recommends that marina and boatyard owners and operators along the Gulf Coast and seaboard invest in a Sea-Lift to quickly and safely remove boats from the water when high-impact storms are approaching.
"Boats are safer secured on land than left in the water," Bean said. "I can't believe owners and operators along the coast haven't already invested in this machine."
There are times during the busy boating season when Bean and his crew have to launch and haul out craft almost non-stop. With one person to drive the boat, another to drive the Sea-Lift and a two-man team to position the blocks, they are able to move one boat every 20 minutes. Since most storms come with a two- or three-day warning, this is plenty of time to secure vessels on land before a hurricane makes landfall.
Another benefit of owning a Sea-Lift is the increase in storage capacity. Marinas and boatyards along the coast can store up to 50% more boats than with traditional sling-type lifts. This is because all lifting equipment is under the boat, with narrow fenders on each side. Vessels can be stored with only 18" to 24" between them.
"Spotting boats closer together before a major storm hits also increases the boat's chance of making it through the storm with minimal damage," Bean said.
The Sea-Lift is powered by a turbocharged diesel engine coupled to a dual-range, hydrostatic drive. It can also be operated using a remote control. Unlike sling-type units, the Sea-Lift can be used at any typical boat launch. There is no need for special rails that extend over the water. The unit's patented center hinge permits the launch and recovery of boats at low tide or low lake levels, even on ramps with minimum slope.
Based in Bellingham, Washington, Sea-Lifts are available in 30, 45, and 75 Ton models.
Launching and hauling out boats can be a complicated and time-consuming process. Most machines designed specifically for vessel movement and transportation are expensive to operate and take up valuable space at marinas and boatyards. Howard Bean, owner of North Harbor Diesel & Yacht Service Inc. in Anacortes, Washington, relies on the Sea-Lift self-propelled hydraulic lift trailer from Krause Manufacturing to minimize time, space and money concerns.
"It’s pretty obvious that it’s working around here," said Bean, who has a Sea-Lift permanently on-site at his facility. At his yard, the Sea-Lift is capable of moving vessels from Point A to B in a matter of minutes. In just 60 seconds, Bean said, the Sea-Lift allows North Harbor Diesel to lift power or sailboats up to 100' long and 200,000 pounds, without the use of straps or slings, at speeds up to 5 mph.
The Sea-Lift is powered by a turbocharged diesel engine coupled to a dual-range, hydrostatic drive. Its patented air bunk system supports the boat and redistributes its weight appropriately, with the goal of eliminating unnecessary stress to the hull and gunnels and preventing damage to under-hull fittings.
The whole start-to-finish relocation process of a vessel from dry storage to the waterline—first from the yard or marina, then to the boat ramp and finally into the water—is faster than hauling a trailer boat, says Bean. “We can move a 54’ Meridian quite easily,” he said, with no risk of damage to the vessel and without wasting hours better spent out on the water.
In addition to saving time, Bean said the Sea-Lift helped his yacht yard improve profitability and overall efficiency by maximizing its storage space. Unlike traditional equipment, which can measure upwards of 25' wide, Bean said the Sea-Lift requires a much smaller area of operation. Because the machine is roughly the width of the boat itself, it frees up room to store additional vessels at his yard.
After purchasing a Sea-Lift, Bean maintains that he gained one-third of his yard space back. "The day I got the Sea-Lift here, it was basically paid for," he said.
KMI manufactures four versions of the Sea-Lift—30, 45, and 75 ton models, all of which are currently available. These models are now being produced with wireless remote control packs standard, to reduce labor costs and increase the efficiency of boat launch and recovery.
Saving time, money, and space are crucial to the success of any business—especially marinas and boatyards. Using the Sea-Lift from Krause Manufacturing is one way boat professionals can make the most of their busiest times—fall lay-up, spring re-commissioning, and summer operation.
The Sea-Lift is a self-propelled hydraulic boat trailer that moves yachts quickly and efficiently. Available with a turbo charged diesel engine, it can launch, lift, transport or haul out power and sailboats up to 200,000 pounds and 100' in length. The Sea-Lift can lift vessels 10' in the air and transport them via the roadway at 5 miles per hour.
Unlike sling-type units, the Sea-Lift can be used at any typical boat launch—there is no need for special rails that extend over the water. The unit's patented center hinge permits the launch and recovery of boats at low tide or low lake levels, even on ramps with minimum slope.
The Sea-Lift's narrow footprint and small area of operation allow boats to be blocked and stored closely together—often gunnel-to-gunnel. This means more boats can be kept on the premises, which increases storage revenue.
With time always at a premium during the summer, the Sea-Lift is relatively easy to maintain. Simply rinse it in fresh water daily, grease the fittings weekly if used in salt water, and follow the maintenance guidelines for the care of the diesel engine.
Employing marinized components from the heavy, earth moving and industrial mining equipment industries, the Sea-Lift is an investment that will last for years to come. Based in Bellingham, Washington, KMI builds Sea-Lifts in 30, 45, and 75 ton models.
