Gold Coast Marine Centre gets a lift

THE Gold Coast Marine Centre (GCMC) has boosted its service offering with the purchase of a new self-propelled submersible lift that can haul out boats up to 80 feet long and more than three metres draft.

The Sea-Lift machine, which will be commissioned by February, is the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

Manufactured by KMI Sea-Lift in the United States, the machine is a revolutionary lift system suitable for the safe and efficient haul out of boats with almost any hull design and construction.

Tim Sayer general manager at GCMC said: "A major benefit for our customers is its simple, economical operation. It requires only a single operator when lifting smaller vessels so we will be able to achieve haul-out rates comparable to fork-lift prices."

"The machine is ideal for the haul-out of catamarans, houseboats and other multi-hull vessels in which the Gold Coast Marine Centre specialises. The unique shape-conforming air-bunks 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. 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."

The Sea-Lift will operate alongside GCMC's existing 70-tonne travel lift and hydraulic trailers and will provide further lifting capacity to service the Centre's 25,000 square metres of hardstand and service area as well as re-fit bays (both open and lockable).