A local nonprofit’s request to install a lift for wheelchair-bound boat passengers at the town’s public marina is reasonable on its merits.

Like offering transient slips, a pumpout station and a fuel dock to the public, the town could provide equipment to help disabled boaters get on and off their craft. That accommodation would add nicely to the array of public resources along the waterfront.

However, that same nonprofit’s request for a permanent slip at the town marina is dubious.

The request comes from the 2nd Wind Foundation, a new entity that offers boating trips to passengers with physical disabilities or neurological differences. The foundation held its maiden voyages in 2024 and now has a fleet of three boats — all owned privately by members of the nonprofit’s board.

The group has asked the Bristol Harbor Commission to award it a slip at the marina, which currently has a waiting list of more than 160. Appealing to the sympathies invoked by its mission, its has argued that their service should have a permanent home at the marina.

The harbor commission responded by suggesting they use transient slips, as needed for their trips, but the foundation objected (see story on page 1). The disagreement now moves to the Bristol Town Council.

While the council should consider making the lift equipment available in a sensible location along the current transient slips, it should not allow one entity to have exclusive use of that resource. If installed along the transient slips in a way that does not disrupt their primary use, the lift equipment could be a great resource for many different users.

When they have passengers, the foundation could pull up to the temporary slips for loading and unloading — just like any other boater. That seems like a reasonable solution.