MDL Marinas, Europe’s largest marina group, has purchased two Neptune Series marina lift trucks from Bedford Park, Illinois-based Hoist Liftruck Mfg., LLC. The two Neptune M220s will operate at Cobb’s Quay Marina in Poole, Dorset UK and Hamble Point Marina in Hamble, Southampton UK. A third Neptune is currently being specified for Saxon Wharf in Northam, Southampton Hampshire.
This deal signifies a successful entrance into the international marina market for Hoist and its marina lift truck. Since its debut at the Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail in February 2006, more than 20 Neptune lift trucks have been sold in the United States.
“We are thrilled that MDL has chosen the Neptune for Cobb’s Quay and Hamble Point,” says Marty Flaska, president of Hoist Liftruck. “MDL is a significant contributor of the modern-day marina, providing top-notch facilities, amenities and services. It’s a pleasure working with Phil [Armstrong] and his staff, and I believe the Neptune is a great fit for MDL.”
MDL Marinas (www.mdlmarinas.co.uk) is the owner and operator of 18 major marinas and boatyards, and more than 6,000 berths across Europe including: Queen Anne’s Battery, Dartside Quay, Brixham Marina, Torquay Marina, Cobb’s Quay Marina, Hythe Marina Village, Ocean Village Marina, Shamrock Quay, Saxon Wharf, Hamble Point Marina, Port Hamble Marina, Mercury Yacht Harbour, Northney Marina, Bray Marina, Windsor Marina, Penton Hook Marina, Woolverstone Marina and Chatham Maritime.
Phil Armstrong, the project manager for MDL Drystack comments, “The new dry stack facilities we’re building will provide around 300 additional berths catering for motorboats up to 32 feet and with Saxon Wharf Marine Service Centre in Southampton, we will become the largest capacity dry stack system in the UK, catering for 80 boats up to 42 feet. Our customers have really taken to our dry stack operations because of the high quality service we provide and the Neptune lift trucks will become part of that service. We’re looking forward to providing many more years of great service with this equipment.”
All the Neptune lift trucks for MDL will have a different color scheme from the blue and yellow on standard units. These lift trucks will have a distinct navy blue appearance, and standard black mast and carriage. The new appearance will continue to adhere to Hoist’s extensive corrosion protection process, which includes galvanization of forks, carriage and operator platform, full-frame and lower mast undercoating, stainless steel components and three-step paint process.
The Neptune Series has been praised for its low-profile design, excellent 360-degree visibility and modern technology. Standard features include precise inching control, intuitive electronic joystick controls, air-ride seat, Cummins 5.9L QSB diesel engine, Dana 32,000 automatic transmission, easy-access flip-open hoods/steps and advanced corrosion protection. Supporters of the Neptune Series who include well-known marina developers Ed and Patrick Ruff of Boat Clubs America (www.boatclubsamerica.com) also praise Hoist Liftruck’s fast delivery and service support. The Neptune Series can be delivered in eight weeks and can be shipped with the mast attached. Parts and service are available 24 hours a day through www.hoistlift.com or through one of Hoist’s many reputable dealerships.