A Tractor
Last season, one of the newer members asked if the Club had ever considered procuring a tractor to haul boats to and from the water. He was told that the problems of moving boats up the slipway had been looked into by a sub-committee set up following a discussion of the issues at the 2000 AGM. This sub-committee published its report in June 2001 (link to Slipway Committee Report) .
The sub-committee's main recommendation was that the club purchase a tractor fitted with a scoop for the purpose of removing shingle from the base of the slipway. Since the report was written, the amount of shingle that builds up has increased dramatically. When Fareham Borough Council clear the slipway, they now require a JCB and a dumper truck and they have to move the excess shingle along the beach, almost as far as the outfall pipes. The task can take a full day. It is not now viable for the Club to undertake this activity itself using a tractor with a small scoop.
A tractor could still help overcome the problem if used to tow boats rather than pull a scoop. The Commodore considered it worth looking into and, following an initial investigation, concluded :
-
cost - approximately £2,950 + VAT for a new Siromer tractor or similar (see www.siromer.co.uk ) (4WD, 5 mph maximum)
-
buying new - less maintenance - could easily be re-sold if trial unsuccessful
-
buying second hand - can be time consuming and risky - may be difficult to re-sell
-
insurance - under £100 for any number of named drivers
-
driver qualification - hold full car licence, passed test before 1997
-
storage - the tractor would fit into the boat house which was made large enough to house four safety boats
-
taxation - the police advise that no vehicle excise licence is required
-
fuel - marine diesel may be used
-
safety - the Club could impose specific restrictions on the use of the tractor beyond those required to comply with legal and insurance obligations
-
a scoop could be purchased for an additional cost - approximately £2,000
During discussion by the Management Committee, the following points were raised :
-
drivers would require training
-
providing a driver and someone to supervise moves would mean that the tasks carried out by the duty crew would change quite significantly
-
drivers will probably be legally responsible should anything go wrong during a move
-
tractor towing would be of greatest benefit for safety boat and larger dinghies
-
would a tractor be used by members returning from a cruise - or would it be too much bother?
-
man-handling boats may help develop team spirit amongst Club members
-
purchase of tractor involves a significant capital expenditure
-
marine diesel is cheap but can only be purchased from specific suppliers
-
someone will have to be responsible for routine servicing and minor repair/adjustment
The Committee concluded that the procurement of a tractor would only be pursued if the concept was understood and supported by the membership. The aim of this article is to promote discussion on this topic.
If you have a view, or would like more information, please contact the Secretary. You can email him via secretary@seafarers-sailing-club.org.uk. Alternatively, you could put your thoughts / questions on a piece of paper and hand it to any Committee member who will pass your note to the Secretary.
Also it would be necessary if we were to proceed to roster a driver for each duty crew. Would you please indicate if you would be prepared to volunteer for this task.