Understanding The Working Of A Floating Boat Lift

Boat lifts are devices designed to secure a boat above the water, either at a private dock or a marina. They are used to lower a boat in and out of the water and to keep it out of the water when not in use. There are several types of boat lifts, including bottom-standing lifts, piling mount lifts, floating lifts, and shore-mounted lifts. This article will focus on floating boat lifts and how they work.

The mechanics of a floating boat lift

A floating boat lift is a self-contained platform that rises and falls with the tide, keeping a vessel above the water's surface. It works in a similar way to a floating boat dock, with the added ability to raise and lower a boat.

A floating boat lift is equipped with airtight, buoyant pontoons that displace water, allowing the lift to float. These pontoons are usually made from polyethylene or another stable material. They are either hollow or filled with expanded polystyrene or polyethylene, which keeps them buoyant even if they are punctured. The lift is anchored in place or connected to a floating boat dock.

The lift mechanism is user-friendly and works on the principle of buoyancy and air displacement. Tanks or air/water chambers can be filled with air or water to raise or lower the lift. The amount of air or water in the tanks depends on the weight of the boat. When the boat is on the lift, air is vented from the tanks to lower the boat into the water. When it is time to lift the boat, air is pumped back into the tanks to raise the boat.

The lift platform supports a frame with bunks or pontoons where the boat sits. As the tanks are filled or emptied, the platform moves up and down. The control system depends on the manufacturer, but usually, a user-friendly control panel allows the boat owner to fill or release water or air from the tanks.

How to dock a boat with a pneumatic lift

A pneumatic boat lift, also known as a floating boat lift, is a device used to quickly and easily dry dock and launch boats. It can be attached to either a stationary or floating dock. The entire system bolts itself to the dock, and a pneumatic air tank is used to control the lift.

Step 1: Prepare the Boat Lift

Ensure that the boat lift is in the correct position and is ready to be used. Check that the lift is securely bolted to the dock and that all components are functioning properly.

Step 2: Position the Boat

Back your boat into the slip so that it is positioned over the lift. Take your time and manoeuvre carefully to ensure accurate positioning.

Step 3: Drive onto the Lift

Slowly drive the boat onto the lift until it is fully supported by the bunks or pontoons. These are the runners that span the full length of the boat, providing a secure resting place.

Step 4: Raise the Boat Lift

Once the boat is securely resting on the bunks, activate the pneumatic lift to raise the boat out of the water. This is typically done by pumping air into the tanks, which will raise the platform and your vessel out of the water.

Step 5: Secure and Store Your Boat

Once the boat is raised to the desired height, secure it in place and store it for safekeeping. Enjoy the convenience and peace of mind of having a dry-docked boat!

Pneumatic boat lifts are a popular choice due to their ease of use, safety, and ability to adapt to fluctuating water levels. Remember to always follow safety protocols and guidelines when operating any boat lift equipment.

The science behind a floating boat lift

A floating boat lift is a self-contained platform that rises and lowers with the tide while holding vessels above the water's surface. It is a relatively simple piece of boating technology that helps move a boat to and from the water. It is a top choice for many boaters who want to conveniently lift and store their boats out of the water.

A floating boat lift works on the principle of buoyancy and air displacement. It is equipped with airtight, buoyant pontoons or tanks that can be filled with air or water to raise or lower the lift. These tanks are made of durable and stable materials such as polyethylene, ensuring that the lift remains afloat even if punctured. The tanks support a frame with bunks or pontoons where boats sit.

The control system of a floating boat lift is user-friendly, allowing boat owners to fill or release water or air from the tanks. When air is released from the tanks, the platform lowers, allowing the boat to float on the water. To lift the boat, the boat is driven onto the submerged platform, and air is pumped back into the tanks, raising the platform and the vessel out of the water.

The science behind the floating boat lift's operation includes:

• Archimedes' principle: The fundamental law of buoyancy states that the buoyant force acting on an object submerged in a fluid equals the weight of the fluid displaced by the object. This explains how the tanks provide enough lift to counteract the boat's weight.
• Water displacement: As the boat sits on the platform, it displaces a volume of water equal to its submerged hull, altering the system's overall buoyancy and triggering the boat lift mechanism.
• Center of gravity: The placement of the boat on the platform and the design of the bunks ensure a stable center of gravity for the system, even as the water level changes.
• Material science: Modern boat lifts use corrosion-resistant materials like aluminium, galvanised steel, and polyethylene to withstand saltwater and extreme weather conditions, ensuring durability and reliability.

By combining engineering innovations with scientific principles, floating boat lifts offer a reliable and efficient solution for boat storage and protection.

The benefits of a floating boat lift

A floating boat lift is a self-contained platform that rises and lowers with the tide, keeping your boat above the water's surface. It is a convenient, safe, and easy-to-operate system that offers several advantages over traditional fixed boat lifts.

Easy Installation and Removal

Floating boat lifts are easily installed and removed, making them ideal for seasonal boaters who need to consider changing weather conditions or water levels. They are also perfect for year-round boaters who need to be mindful of bad weather.

Adaptability to Water Levels

Floating boat lifts are excellent for deep or fluctuating water levels. Since they float, they automatically adjust to the water level without the need for manual adjustments. This makes them suitable for shorelines with delicate bottoms as the anchors have a minimal impact on the sediment.

Protection from Damage and Corrosion

By keeping your boat out of the water, floating boat lifts protect it from hull damage caused by rough water, marine growth, and traffic. They also prevent corrosion by minimising saltwater exposure to critical engine components and metal parts. As a result, floating boat lifts can prolong the lifespan of your vessel.

Convenience and Peace of Mind

The ability of floating boat lifts to adjust to the water level makes it more convenient to access the vessel, even for older passengers and children. Floating boat lifts provide peace of mind, ensuring your boat is safe and secure, even during extreme weather conditions.

The different types of boat lifts

There are several types of boat lifts available, each with its own advantages and considerations. The most common types of boat lifts are bottom standing lifts, floating lifts, suspended lifts, and pile mount lifts.

Bottom standing lifts are installed adjacent to the dock and are supported by their own legs, which rest on the bottom of the body of water. They are ideal for shallow depths of between 2 and 9 feet and are a popular choice when the bottom is firm and even. They can be raised and lowered manually by turning a large wheel or by an electric motor.

Floating lifts, also called pneumatic lifts, are perfect for dealing with fluctuating water levels. They support the boat on metal or plastic chambers filled with air. The chambers are flooded and sink below the surface to release the boat, remaining submerged while the boat is in use. When the boat returns, it is positioned over the chambers, and electric pumps displace the water with air, causing the chambers to float and the boat to be lifted above the water surface.

Suspended lifts are one of the most hard-wearing options and are often used to transport larger ships. They are resistant and can be integrated into an existing structure or installed on a new dock. They often include stainless steel cables, aluminium or galvanised brackets, cable reels, and high-capacity motors.

Pile mount lifts are sturdy and stable. They are mounted on a pier, with large wooden beams that sink into the ground around stationary piers and are mounted in concrete. They are very resistant and offer quality solutions for boat storage.

Other types of boat lifts include freestanding lifts, drive-on lifts, and dock-mounted lifts.

Frequently asked questions