The recent delivery of a Marine Travelift TM80 (80,000kg/176,000lbs) Self-Propelled Hydraulic Transporter to Smith Boys Marine Sales, Inc, a family-owned group of marinas/full-service boat repair shops in the Western and Finger Lakes regions of New York State, is the latest addition to their lineup of Marine Travelift machines. This addition has been a crucial step in the development of their commercial business.
This TM80 Transporter joins a family of Marine Travelift Boat handling equipment at Smith Boys including several boat hoists ranging in lift capacity from 15-ton to 70-ton on-site at their North Tonawanda yard, conveniently located on the Niagara River north of Buffalo.
Smith Boys Marine Sales realized there was an opportunity to serve more commercial business but doing so would require the ability to store vessels inside their building for maintenance during the winter months. The TM80 transporter has allowed the yard to efficiently maneuver workboats through shop doors too narrow to accommodate the large boat hoists already on site. Now their service teams can perform important seasonal service and maintenance without costly downtime to the vessel owner.
“We started looking for a transporter as soon as we decided to get into the commercial side because the only time you want a (commercial) boat out of service is in winter when they can’t use it…the work needs to be done inside.” – Geoffrey Smith, Secretary, Smith Boys Marine Sales, Inc.
By expanding into more commercial services, Smith Boys was eligible to apply for funds through MARAD’s Small Shipyard Grant Program:
“The Maritime Administration’s Small Shipyard Grant Program is designed to support small shipyard projects that make capital and related improvements; or provide training for workers in shipbuilding, ship repair, and associated industries. Supporting these types of projects drives efficiency, competitive operations, and quality ship construction, repair, and reconfiguration across the industry.” -U.S. Department of Transportation – Maritime Administration
Smith Boys Marine Sales was one of 24 U.S. companies to receive a portion of the 19.6 million budgeted in 2020 and were able to use the funds towards the purchase of the new TM80 transporter as well as a new CNC plasma cutter.
Marine Travelift takes pride in offering customization options on every machine they build. The Smith Boys TM80 is equipped with variable width adjustment to easily accommodate a wide range of beam sizes and hull designs. Also included on this transporter are five sets of hydraulic inclinable pads which are controlled by the wireless remote. When asked what operators thought of the new addition, Smith replied “They love it.”
The TM80 and all models of the self-propelled transporters at Marine Travelift are designed with marina and shipyard efficiencies in mind. All models are equipped with standard remote control and crab steering for optimal maneuverability. With lifting capacities ranging from 20 -160 metric tons and greater, along with numerous options for complete customization, the self-propelled transporters can help support your yard whether it be on its own or used in tandem with Marine Travelift’s mobile boat hoists.
