Hoping to bring in service work for the growing large catamaran market, Jolly Harbour Marina & Boatyard in Antigua and Barbuda has added a new haul-out facility and a new 85FFMII mobile hoist from Marine Travelift. The vehicle has a capacity of approximately 187,392 pounds.
The facility was built in 1992 and has grown over the years with ownership changing hands twice. Current management says it is maintaining its dedication to investing in up-to-date equipment and having well-trained personnel, many of whom have been with the marina for more than a decade.
“The recently purchased boat hoist was also part of the plan and Marine Travelift was chosen due to an already ‘established relationship with great results,” said Jolly Harbour general manager Jo Lucas.” The expansion was set in motion in 2023 and the new 85BFMII joins a 75-ton Travelift already on site that has been in use since 2015.
To accommodate the larger beam of modern catamarans, the 85BFMII was custom-built to haul boats up to 34 feet wide and has a sailboat top-beam extension to handle boats without removing the mast.
Other custom elements on the new hoist include LED lights, wireless remote control and a jib crane. The 12 lights improve operator visibility when hauling a boat in low-light or at night. The wireless remote lets the operator move around the machine while hauling, eliminating the need for multiple spotters. The jib crane has a 2,500-pound capacity and can be used for maintenance like removing masts or pulling engines.
In addition to the new hoist, the marina is anticipating the delivery of a Marine Travelift TM40 transporter with catamaran hull pads that is on order. “We are looking forward to taking delivery of our hydraulic, self-propelled transporter in September,” Lucas said. “This will further enhance our operation and the service we can provide.”