ANGRY Watchet boat-owners are calling on the proprietor of the town’s marina to cut the prices of berths in which boats no longer float at low tide.

At their meeting on Monday, members of Watchet Boat Owners’ Association (WBOA) overwhelmingly backed a decision to renegotiate fees with Watchet Harbour Marina owner Tim Taylor and, if necessary, seek legal redress from the company.

“As a client of the marina, my concern is the current ability of the marina company to resolve urgent problems and provide good service to its customers,” said Watchet yachtsman Jonathan Pearman.

He put forward three successful proposals:

* Fees should be negotiated on the current state of the pontoons and retained water.

* The marina provides a clear public statement on the timescale of remedial work.

* The association reserves the right to seek legal advice from the Royal Yachting Association and ask it to act for the WBOA – depending on the outcome of the first two proposals.

Mr Pearman, a Watchet boat-owner for ten years, said that members were now paying thousands of pounds a year for what were effectively mud-berths and that he was having to move and adapt his boat to avoid mud-damage.

“The depth of mud is worse than ever and is a very real hazard. I am told that the original contract stipulated that there should be two metres of retained water at all states of the tide.

“Now most of us are in mud berths and no discounts are available. At the same time, some visiting yachts are being offered 20 per cent off mooring fees.”

Association secretary Ray Ventura said after the meeting that, following the members’ decision, he would be writing to Mr Taylor asking for negotiations on a discount and for information on future plans.

Members were given an update on the current situation by marina manager Iain Lambert: “I am bitterly disappointed by the lack of progress in dealing with the mud problem and appreciate the patience and understanding of boat-owners and of the WBOA,” he said.

“We need a change of direction."

Full report in this week’s Free Press (August 18)