New pontoon to ease boat ramp angst
‘‘This will make a massive difference to launching, and with everything else that’s planned for the area, it’s only going to get better.’’
Troy Dando, Nelson Marina Advisory Group member and fishing identity
Nelson boaties can expect less time waiting to cast off, with a newly installed floating pontoon at Nelson Marina now ready for use.
Located at the Akersten St boat ramp, the pontoon represents the first phase of developments identified in the Nelson City Council’s 2017 Nelson Marina Strategy.
The pontoon cost $375,000 to install and is expected to help make launching vessels safer and quicker.
It was designed and built by Bellingham Marine from Auckland, which specialises in pontoon and wharf construction.
A council spokesperson said the concrete pontoon was chosen over PVC or timber because it provided more stability for users and longterm durability.
The pontoon is 90 metres long, with a 1.8m-wide walkway, specifically designed for Nelson Marina, which has the challenges of a large three-metre-plus tidal zone.
Safety and congestion issues at the Akersten St ramp prompted Nelson boaties to plead their case for improved boating facilities in the city.
The ramp’s popularity, particularly in the summer months, had seen users arriving as early as 4am to avoid a queue before getting on the water. A lack of parking space for trailer-towing vehicles had forced some boaties to park up to 1km away.
Nelson Mayor Rachel Reese said the project was the first success of the Nelson Marina Advisory Group, which was established in 2016 to address the issues of marine users.
‘‘The process had really worked . . . this is about getting people involved who really know about the marina and how it works, designing things that work for them and bringing them on time and on budget.’’
NCC sport and recreation committee chair Tim Skinner said the project had broken down the barriers between the users of the marina and those governing it.
‘‘We got a combined result, and everyone was supportive, whereas in the past we might have seen a bit of stone throwing.’’
As part of the long-term plan to upgrade the marina facilities, a redesign of the trailer parking area will be next, along with a long-term boat parking move. Planned improvements to the hard stand area nearby and the proposed sea sports hub are also scheduled to occur.
Advisory group member and Nelson fishing identity Troy Dando said he welcomed the pontoon’s completion, having first lobbied for improvements back in 2011.
With snapper season likely to get under way in the next fortnight, he said the timing couldn’t be better.
‘‘The money put aside has been used well,’’ Dando said. ‘‘This will make a massive difference to launching, and with everything else that’s planned for the area, it’s only going to get better.’’
Returning from a morning’s fishing in Tasman Bay with his family, Marty Bagnall said the new infrastructure had made launching and retrieving his boat a much easier process.
‘‘Compared to the old way of doing things, it’s certainly an upgrade.’’