Kilmelford Yacht Haven - Crowd Funding Request

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BlowingOldBoots

Kilmelford Yacht Haven - Crowd Funding Request

Post by BlowingOldBoots »

I came across this message from Kilmelford Yacht Haven requesting crowdfunding support: -
There has been a yacht haven at Kilmelford for decades but it is now looking tired and needs a lift. We have a number of projects that we would like to do to improve the site and in doing so, we hope to be able to take on at least one further member of staff. Being in a rural location, everything we do benefits the immediate community and new employees generally come from within 5 miles of our site.

Kilmelford Yacht Haven is owned and run by David McColl who has lived on site for nearly 30 years with his family.

We need to improve the shower block initially but there are many other projects including ridding the site of asbestos, upgrading the jetty, slip and renovating or purchasing a new (to us) hoist for lifting the boats. Further developments could include resurfacing the yard for boats and for the campervans that visit us throughout the year.

We also want to invest in the site with a SUP hire facility with wet suits and buoyancy aids. This will give the locals, as well as visitors a place to go where they can enjoy the outdoor life around the loch head.

From 2023 we have an on-site take-away from where we will be serving freshly made food and hot/cold drinks.

The money raised in this campaign will go initially to updating the shower block, which we have a quotation of £15,000 to do. After that, we would keep investors updated with the projects we need to do and how we spend any further money. The removal of asbestos and resurfacing the yard will both cost upwards of £30,000 so any stretch targets will help towards these essential works. The jetty will cost another £20,000. The slip and the hoist will both cost in excess of £150,000 so outside the realms of this campaign but certainly something we are looking for help with. If you are interested in helping us to fund some of the more major capital investments we would love to talk to you.
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/future- ... HUCN7HnKVg
https://www.facebook.com/KilmelfordYachtHaven

It is easy to think that businesses should stand and fail on their own feet. However, I have a good friend who went to crowd funding and secured more than what is being asked for here and expanded his business successfully. I was initially sceptical of his efforts to ask people for money, but at the end of the day, what people choose to do with their money is their business, and if they wish to support a crowd funding business, good for them.

Anyway, I thought I would bring this to your attention. You may choose to do nothing, just share onwards in FB, report elsewhere, or even donate.

I have no association with Kilmelford Yachthaven, not even as a customer, but wish them good luck going forward.

Alastair
Gardenshed
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Re: Kilmelford Yacht Haven - Crowd Funding Request

Post by Gardenshed »

saw this a few weeks ago
£40 for a mug and a T-shirt
they might be better just setting up a small merchandising operation!

£5000 Reward: We will store your yacht ashore for the winter - maximum length 30'/9.75m and weight 15 tonnes
not sure why anyone would do this!

Crowdfunding can be good or bad, all depends on what you get for your investment. This one looks a bit sad/desperate

I wonder if they are trading profitably?
Perhaps if they offered equity and brought in new shareholders, they'd have more success
Hope they get what they need to improve the site/business, its a great location with tons of potential
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claymore
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Re: Kilmelford Yacht Haven - Crowd Funding Request

Post by claymore »

We kept Claymore there for 10 years and its a great place. That said - it's a 10 ft bargepole to this suggestion. :shake:
it is now way too late to save without a massive cash and skills injection. The backdrop for the whole industry is fairly grim at present and should it recover to something like former levels, that will take some time methinks.
Regards
Claymore
:goatd
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