Owning a boat is an investment, one that needs smart add-ons, such as a boat lift. Yes, we know that you take adequate care of your boat with timely maintenance and repairs. But do you know that a lift is that singular piece of equipment that can extend the life expectancy and integrity of your boat by several notches?
Yes, a good lift keeps your boat safe when it is out of water and not in use, thereby minimizing hull damage, preventing algae buildup, and shielding it against waves, water-level fluctuations, and the vagaries of weather.
So, if you REALLY love your boat, then you must get a boat lift.
The Most Common Types of Boat Lifts To Choose From
1. Floating Lifts
Floating boat lifts leverage air chambers or pontoons that raise and lower your boat. When you drive the boat onto the platform, the chambers are filled with air for lifting action. These types of lifts are a great choice for erratic water levels, as they are adaptable to the rise and fall of water. Another major advantage of a floating lift is that it prevents the watercraft from exerting pressure on the structure, hence minimizing the prospects of damage.
Merits
- Easy to use
- Low maintenance
- Adaptable to fluctuating water levels
Demerits
- Not appropriate for very large boats
- Wave action can make loading a challenge
Best For: Floating docks, personal watercraft, and marinas.
2. Piling-Mounted Lifts
These types of boat lifts are mounted on piers using wooden beams called piles, and are attached beside a permanent dock. They are renowned for being supremely secure, durable, and resistant to tides and waves. A piling-mounted lift ought to be your go-to choice if your boat operates mostly in coastal conditions.
Merits
- Very stable
- Durable in harsh environments
- Enables high, safe storage above tidal changes
Demerits
- High installation costs
- Cannot be moved once installed
Best For: Large boats, heavy offshore boats, and areas with tides and waves
3. Shore-Mounted Lifts
The third type of boat lift worth talking about is a shore-mounted lift, also known as a boat ramp. It is fixed to the shore or dock and leverages a track installed on land that extends into the water. Then, motor-driven cables or hydraulic systems pull the boat up onto the land for storage.
Merits
- Very low maintenance
- Comparatively affordable
- Keeps the boat completely out of the water
Demerits
- Needs a suitable shoreline slope
- Not viable for heavy wave action
Best For: Seasonal boaters, small to medium-sized vessels, shallow, gradually-sloping shorelines, and locations with restrictions on dock installations.
4. Hydraulic Lifts
Renowned for their speed, quiet operation, and heavy-duty lifting strength, hydraulic lifts are a viable choice when you do not have enough space for a full-blown ramp or when precise levelling is needed due to the dock’s height.
Merits
- Super-fast lift operation
- Extremely quiet
- Stable
- Can handle heavy loads
Demerits
- Expensive
- Demands professional installation and maintenance
Best For: Luxury boats and high-performance vessels
5. Personal Watercraft Lifts (PWC Lifts)
As the name suggests, PWC lifts are smaller, lighter, and more budget-friendly than other types of boat lifts. These compact lifts are especially intended and designed for jet skis and other similar watercraft. You can find various types of PWCs, such as floating PWC docks, shore-mounted PWC ramps, and so forth.
Merits
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Compact
Demerits
- Only supports lightweight watercraft
- Not very suitable for rough waters
Best For: Small watercraft
So, now that the basics of boat lifts are clear, let’s check out some tips that can help you make the right choice.
Choose The Right Boat Lift: A Guide For Pros & Noobs
Step 1: Start With Your Boat’s Specs
Your boat and the lift must complement each other like two snug pieces of a puzzle. Hence, your lift must accommodate the boat’s weight, hull type, and dimensions. So, you must be very mindful and meticulous because under-specifying your lift is not a risk worth taking. Besides taking into account the manufacturer-listed dry weight, you must account for –
- Fuel (about 6 lbs per gallon)
- Gear and equipment
- Batteries
- Miscellaneous, like dual engines, T-tops, etc
As a thumb rule, it is ideal to choose a lift that’s rated for at least 20 to 30% more than your boat’s full load weight.
Step 2: Investigate Your Waterfront Conditions
Every lake, river, or shoreline is unique with special traits. Knowing them is the key to choosing the right boat lift. For starters, water depth dramatically affects which lifts will work for you and which won’t.
- Shallow Water Depth: Rail lifts, a few vertical freestanding lifts, and cantilever lifts
- Moderate Water Depth: Piling-mounted lifts and most freestanding vertical lifts
- Deep Water Depth: Hydraulic lifts and floating lifts
Apart from the water depth, you also have to consider other factors, such as wave and wind exposure. For example, if your dock witnesses strong winds, you would need sturdier anchoring and protective add-ons.
Step 3: Examine The Bottom Conditions
Ever wondered what the bottom of a lake or a river looks like? Well, you should do this while choosing a boat lift, as it is an aspect that can make a mile of a difference.
- Firm or Sandy Bottom: You should choose freestanding lifts or cantilever lifts
- Soft Bottom or Silky Mud: Go for floating lifts, piling-mounted lifts, or oversized-footplate freestanding lifts
- Rocky Bottom: Opt for piling lifts or rail systems
Step 4: The Dock Type Should Match The Lift Type
Last but not least, your dock setup plays a monumental role in the type of lift you’ll have to go for. To begin with, permanent wooden or concrete docks are compatible with elevator lifts and piling-mounted lifts. Floating lifts, as the name suggests, work best on floating docks. Lastly, if you have a seasonal or removal dock setup, then a freestanding lift or a shore-mounted lift is a viable option.
Key Takeaways
A boat lift is not just a basic add-on; it is a crucial step in safeguarding your watercraft by protecting its hull, shielding against water and water depreciation, and offering convenient access. Choosing the right boat lift requires thorough evaluation of an array of factors, so you should consider taking professional assistance.
