A stretch of Torquay Harbour currently unsuitable for traditional boat moorings could be transformed into a new home for personal watercraft under plans due to be considered by harbour committee members.
A report due before the Harbour Committee on Monday, June 15, proposes the installation of approximately five Maxi 2 Jet Ski Pods near the Town Dock access bridge. The area has been identified as unsuitable for conventional berthing because of manoeuvring constraints but suitable for dedicated jet ski storage facilities.
The proposal has been brought forward amid growing demand from personal watercraft users. According to the report, there are currently eight customers on the waiting list for jet ski storage within Torquay Harbour. Demand has been described as exceptionally high and the waiting list has now been closed.
Harbour officials say the Maxi Jet Ski Pods feature integrated wheels on the upper surface, which are designed to reduce hull wear and minimise the risk of damage during launching and recovery. The enhanced specification would support a higher annual tariff than existing standard jet ski pod facilities.
Committee members are being asked to approve an estimated capital expenditure of £13,132.81 for the installation of the pods, along with a proposed annual charge of £1,550 per pod.
A financial appraisal included with the report estimates annual income of £7,750 if all five pods are occupied. The document states the investment would have a payback period of approximately 20 months, or 1.69 years.
The proposed annual charge would be higher than the current standard jet ski pod tariff of £1,225, but lower than the £1,798.35 charged for an MDL jet ski berth, according to the market analysis contained within the report.
If approved, the new facilities would be installed in an area adjacent to the Town Dock access bridge and are intended to help ease pressure on demand for personal watercraft storage within the harbour.
