Do you wish you had a boat lift, but you’re unsure which type of boat lift is best for you? With so many different types of boat lifts available–each with varying structural and mechanical features–finding the perfect boat lift can be a daunting task. Making the wrong decision can result in damage or loss of your boat.
So, “elevate” your knowledge of the types of boat lifts and get a “higher” resale price on your boat by reading on. From freestanding boat lifts to custom solutions, we’re “lifting” your boating IQ.
Boat Lifts Classification
During your evaluation, be aware of two major features. The first is the hoisting mechanism. The other is the support structure The support structure defines the framework within which the hoisting method operates.
Note that more than one type of hoisting method can be used with a particular support structure
Each model of boat lift should be used only for a boat of the size and weight specified.
Additional site-dependent requirements to be considered are:
- Water depth
- Bottom contour
- Weather, current, and tidal variations
- Attachment or support mechanisms
Getting a lift with the size and weight limit ratings needed to support your boat is clearly of utmost importance when choosing a boat lift.
Let’s discuss the hoisting method and then the support structure characteristics of boat lifts.
Hoisting Method
There are three common types of hoisting methods:
- Cables, pulleys, and cranks (or motors)
- The cable-based hoisting method is popular because of its relative simplicity and low cost. After positioning the boat in the lift, the boat owner either turns a large wheel or activates a motor that retracts stainless steel cables at the four corners of the lift to move the boat up or down.
- Hydraulic lifts
- Electrically operated hydraulic pumps move hydraulic fluid into or from a hydraulic lift cylinder in order to extend or shorten the cylinder’s effective length. The cylinder change in length produced by the hydraulic system either raises or lowers parts of the boat’s support structure.
- Floating boat lifts
- Large cylindrical flotation tanks are installed side-by-side, with brackets to cradle the boat mounted on top. When the boat is positioned onto the berth, air is pumped into the tanks, which begin to float and the boat rises. The tank and berth brackets of a floating lift move as one unit, guided by tabs that ride in vertical slots the entire height of vertical travel.
Support Structure
There are several different support structure designs. These differences in structure help address variations in boat size and weight, as well as unique conditions at the installation site.
- Free-standing boat lifts
- A freestanding boat lift or bottom-standing lift is a popular choice. It’s versatile and cost-effective. Constructed of a rectangular metallic frame with four vertical support poles at each corner, these lifts are ideal for shallow waters. To address uneven bottom contours, they feature adjustable-height “feet”. Hydraulic or cables/pulley/cranks hoisting methods are available.
- Pile-mounted lifts
- Pile mount lifts are attached to sturdy pilings, either stand-alone or supporting an existing dock. These lifts are usually suitable for various water depths.
- These lifts require electricity. Many come with a choice of 12-, 24- or 120V motors.
- Elevator lifts
- Elevator lifts are similar to freestanding lifts except that they are missing the four corner poles. Instead, they have one or (typically) two vertical poles that are fastened securely to a fixed structure. A platform, similar to the floor of an elevator car, is attached to the two support poles while hull-support bunks run the length of the platform.
- The typical hoisting mechanism is usually a system of electrically operated cables and pulleys.
- Elevator lifts are usually used as the structure for floating hoisting mechanisms.
- These lifts are advantageous for sites with limited waterfront space.
- A vertical boat lift is similar to an elevator lift.
Personal Watercraft (PWC) Lifts
Personal Watercraft (PWCs), which use pump jets and directional nozzles rather than propellers and rudders, can use floating “drive-on lifts” for out-of-water storage. They consist of rectangular plastic pads, which are strong and large enough to hold a PWC.
These “lifts” are typically hinged to floating docks. The watercraft is driven onto and pushed off the berth. The PWC remains out of the water, but the water is only inches away when you’re ready for a ride.
Traditional lift designs, only smaller, can also be used for PWCs. The drive-on design costs less.
Custom Boat Lifts
Custom boat lifts provide out-of-water storage solutions to address unique requirements, such as the boat’s weight, dimensions, or peculiarities of the site. A custom lift will cost more than other lifts that are ready-made when used in comparable circumstances.
Boat Lift Accessories
There is a wide range of accessories for boat lifts. These include:
- Canopies and curtains to help maintain the boat’s cleanliness and reduce its exposure to the elements
- Electric motors, some with remote controls, to operate the lift mechanism
- 12-, 24-, or 120-volt power options for the motors.
- Solar panels to trickle charge the 12- or 24-volt batteries
- Steps mounted to the boat lift to ease entry and exit
- Various designs of “side guides” (think guardrails) to assist docking in challenging conditions
- A wheel and tire kit for temporary installation to reposition the (empty) lift.
- Bunks to support pontoon boats
- Add-ons that improve handicapped accessibility
Choosing the Right Boat Lift
Selecting a new boat lift requires consideration of boat weight and size, water depth, and local weather conditions.
Of equal or greater importance is the quality and strength of the lift, the manufacturer’s warranties and reputation, plus the total purchase, installation, and maintenance costs.
Due to the sheer number of boat lift types, making a purchase decision can be difficult. Get recommendations and quotes, not just estimates, from several vendors before choosing.
Maintenance Tips for Boat Lifts
A poorly-maintained boat lift eventually can result in dismaying outcomes. Ranging from inconvenient to disastrous, you may run into obstacles like an inoperable lift mechanism or a “sudden, unplanned, and uncontrolled” return of the boat to the water.
Always follow the lift manufacturer’s installation and maintenance instructions. Regular lubrication and visual checks for unusual wear patterns of each sub-assembly (cables, pulleys, support posts, fasteners, motors, etc.) are tremendously important
Summary
Boat lifts are a superior storage solution, but many constraints must be addressed. The Shoremaster and Boat Lift Warehouse websites are informative references from noteworthy vendors
Remember that you can find plenty of boat storage solutions at Neighbor, a self-storage marketplace, for storage that’s secure, and close to where you need it. Check out Boat Storage near me.
