Onchan Commissioners not closing bumper boats attraction

The local authority confirmed some boats need maintenance work

The bumper boats at Onchan Park will be remaining open and the commissioners have confirmed it isn't closing the attraction any time soon.

However, the board members were told at its latest public meeting that there are issues with the brackets and mounts which keep the engine attached to the boat.

These were reported during the summer, and some of these are now classed by the staff as ‘beyond economical repair’.

The commissioners added the boats and hulls are about 30 years old, but the engines were replaced in 2021.

Officers also said that some of the boats have had to be taken out of action due to damage on the hulls and brackets.

A number of options were presented to the commissioners which included purchasing brand new boats to replace the old stock, try and find someone on Island to create custom hulls for the boats or deal with any maintenance issues with the boats and engines as they arise.

There’s also a need for an ‘engine lift’ at the bumper boat lake to prevent injuries to staff when these need to be removed.

The cost of the project hasn’t been revealed, but the commissioners agreed that there is an issue that needs solving and has given officers permission to investigate the matter further.

It was also confirmed there will be ‘significant expenditure’ on the facility at the park.

The final costings and designs are due to go back to the board before the start of the summer season in 2026.