PORT TOWNSEND — Starting next month, it will become substantially cheaper to work on a boat in the Port of Port Townsend boat yard.
The port has made substantial cuts to its prices for haul-outs and yard stays to stimulate the number of boat yard projects and the town’s maritime economy.
Commissioners unanimously approved the temporary reduction of prices Wednesday night. The lower prices will begin Wednesday and continue through Dec. 31.
The new rates cut the cost of pulling a boat from the water by 50 percent. Starting Wednesday, the cost of using the 70-ton lift will drop to $90, and the cost of the 300-ton lift will drop to $325.
Also, users of the boat yard will receive a 20 percent discount off their total bills if a project on land takes more than 30 days.
With the discount, the cost of keeping a boat in the yard will be calculated at 34 cents per foot per day, about 10 cents cheaper than normal.
“We’re going to give this a try for six months, and I hope it’s going to work,” said Commissioner Dave Thompson, a shipwright in the boat yard.
“This plan will hopefully increase traffic of boats coming into the yard and get people to work.
“In the past two years, we have seen a substantial drop in boats coming in.”
Thompson said in 2007 the yard was seeing 55,000 feet of boats coming in. This year, the numbers are projected to be around 35,000 feet.
“It’s noticeable,” Thompson said.
Port Executive Director Larry Crockett said he was unsure if the reduction in prices would work, but he was happy to give it a try.
“The whole intent is to get people into that yard,” he said. “If there are projects to be done, that means the more jobs to be had.
“If we get the boats in there, then that means the marine tradesmen can get in and offer their services.”
Crockett said it would likely take until fall to see any impact.
“Summer is typically the slow time as people are out using the boats,” he said.
“But I defy anyone to find a public yard that allows private work to be done that is cheaper than us now.”
The port also plans a marketing campaign to advertise the new rates, with information mailed to previous customers and advertisements taken out in marine magazine and trade journals.
Permanent residents of Boat Haven are allowed to take advantage of the reduced pricing, but they must waive their free days in the yard.
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Reporter Erik Hidle can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at erik.hidle@peninsuladailynews.com.
