Decision details

The existing boat hoist at Ramsgate Royal Harbour is 30 years old and is showing signs of wear. Due to the age of the vehicle keeping it in a suitable operational condition will incur large costs, which are not currently accounted for in the Ramsgate Royal Harbour budget. The existing boat hoist still holds some residual resale value offering a saving on the new vehicle purchase. The boat hoist is a key asset to Ramsgate Royal Harbour, generating a large amount of income through its use and the boat hardstanding area.

Cabinet agreed the following:

1.  To approve the key decision to award a contract with a value in excess of £250,000 to supply the new boat hoist at the Ramsgate Royal Harbour, following a procurement exercise;

2.  To delegate authority to the Director of Environment to agree the final terms and sign the contract with the successful bidder.

To ensure officers have permission to undertake the procurement and purchase of a replacement boat hoist for Ramsgate Royal Harbour, as part of the £674,000 2024/25 budget in the Maritime Vehicle & Equipment Replacement Programme. The estimated value of the contract will be £300,000.

The alternative option is to continue repairing the existing hoist at an increasing cost until it eventually ceases working all together. At this point we would remove the option of boat lift outs at Ramsgate Royal Harbour. The Council’s customers would then use alternative locations such as Sandwich (30 tonne boat hoist) and Dover (50 tonne boat hoist). This option is considered not viable as it does not provide the Council with best value.