2 minute read
BOATYARD OPERATIONS
Mobile boat hoist transforms marine services
The recent delivery of a Marine Travelift 820CII (820 metric ton capacity) mobile boat hoist to the shipyard of Stevens Towing Company Inc located on Yonges Island in South Carolina will transform marine services by alleviating overwhelmed dry dock schedules in the region.
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Founded in the late 1800s as Stevens Brothers with a single boat, Joseph Stanyarne Stevens and William Yates Stevens transported produce and supplies from Edisto Island to Charleston and many points in between. The company has remained in the Stevens family and has continuously grown to meet market demands.
Today, third generation Susan (Groves) Stevens and fourth generation Robert and Johnson Stevens oversee several locations: the Yonges Island Shipyard; Pierside in North Charleston complete with crane support for topside repairs; and Riverbulk Terminal near Edenton, North Carolina. The company also boasts a fleet of 13 towboats, a US flag Jones Act ship, several 500 ton floating cranes, and more than 50 barges of various sizes. This new 820CII joins a 1980 150 ton Marine Travelift mobile boat hoist already on site at the company’s Yonges Island shipyard.
All-wheel electronic steering is a standard feature on the 820CII, allowing maximum manoeuvrability and making it incredibly nimble for such a large machine. This model is also customised with hydraulic sling adjustment for maximum versatility. The additional sling adjust option will allow crews at Stevens Towing to haul vessels with a wide range of hull designs and configurations, including the barges and tugs in their own fleet.
In addition, the engine compartment and operator’s station were relocated to the top of the lower side beam in order to allow crews to drive a forklift underneath for easier blocking and to protect the machine’s vital components from storm tidal surges.
An LED light package was installed for operator safety in low light conditions or inclement weather. A cold start package and automatic variable throttle fuel saver were also included on this machine for longevity and to provide cost savings on maintenance and fuel consumption.
Stevens Towing representatives expect that the addition of this 820CII to their shipyard facility will create better availability for customers in need of services and repairs on their vessels by utilising space on the hard standing.
Marine Travelift Inc sales@marinetravelift.com www.marinetravelift.com
Pneumatic obital sander from USA
The LD30 from Rupes USA is a powerful and compact mini air sander designed specifically for spot repairs and will denib and spot sand freshly painted panels in a boatyard’s repair shop.
The 1.5 mm orbit makes quick work of dirt nibs and the doublesilenced motor and die- cast construction provide stable, quiet operation.
The LD30 comes as standard with an extended inlet hose, air regulator, vinyl and Velcro backing pads.
