Boat Lift Mechanics: Freshwater Vs Saltwater

Boat lifts are devices designed to secure a boat above the water, protecting it from the elements, rough water damage, and marine growth. They are available in a range of configurations to suit different vessels and environments, from freshwater to saltwater, and can be customised to fit specific boats, docks, and slip sizes.

Boat lifts operate by using tanks or air/water chambers that can be filled with air or water to raise or lower the lift. The amount of air or water in the tanks or chambers depends on the weight of the boat. When lowering the boat, air is released from the tanks, and when lifting the boat, air is pumped into the tanks to raise the platform and the vessel out of the water.

Boat lifts offer several benefits over traditional docking methods, including increased security, protection from corrosion and damage, and convenience. They are also designed to withstand brackish and saltwater environments, making them ideal for tidal situations.

Boat lift mechanisms: pneumatic, hydraulic, electric screw drives, and winch systems

Boat lift mechanisms can be pneumatic, hydraulic, electric screw drives, or winch systems. Each has its advantages and suits different boat sizes and budgets.

Pneumatic boat lifts use air and buoyancy to raise and lower vessels. Air or water is released from or fills tanks to lower or lift the boat, respectively. The amount of air or water in the tanks depends on the weight of the boat. Pneumatic lifts are adaptable to various environments and can be used in all types of water levels.

Hydraulic lifts, on the other hand, employ cylinders or pistons powered by pressurized hydraulic fluid to raise or lower the boat. They are known for their exceptional lifting capabilities and reliability, making them suitable for heavier watercraft. Hydraulic remote vertical lifts are ideal for areas with fluctuating water levels or limited space, while hydraulic remote cantilever lifts offer horizontal lifting capabilities and are more adaptable to different tasks.

Electric screw drives feature an electric motor connected to a screw-like mechanism. The motor rotates the screw, thereby raising or lowering the lift. This mechanism ensures consistent and controlled lifting and can easily cater to specific height requirements.

Winch systems are a traditional approach, using a cable wrapped around a winch to lift the platform. Winches can be manual or motorized, with modern applications using motorized mechanisms consisting of drums, cables, or belts. These lifts are typically used for smaller-scale applications and are a practical, budget-friendly solution.

Boat lift types: bottom standing, piling mount, floating, and shore mounted

Boat lifts are available in a variety of types, including bottom-standing (or freestanding), piling mount, floating, and shore-mounted options. Each type has unique features and is suited to different boats and conditions.

Bottom-standing boat lifts are not attached to any structure but do require a solid or semi-solid lake bottom for support. They are available in manual, electric, or hydraulic operation and come in various weight capacities and inside width openings. When selecting a bottom-standing boat lift, it is important to know the \"wet weight\" and \"beam\" measurement of your boat.

Piling mount boat lifts, on the other hand, are attached to pilings that have been driven into the lake or ocean floor. They are available in both AC and DC power options and have weight capacities ranging from 4000 to 20,000 lbs. Piling mount lifts require an installer or contractor with experience in boat house installations.

Floating boat lifts are self-contained platforms that rise and fall with the tide, cradling vessels above the water's surface. They are ideal for fluctuating water levels and unpredictable shorelines. Floating boat lifts work on the principle of air and buoyancy, with tanks that can be filled with air or water to raise or lower the lift. The control system allows boat owners to fill or release air or water from the tanks to achieve the desired height.

Shore-mounted boat lifts are also available, but specific information about this type of lift was not readily available. However, it is important to note that when shopping for any type of boat lift, it is crucial to know your boat's loaded weight and beam, as well as the water depth, soil firmness, wave/wake conditions, and slip spacing at the installation area.

Boat lift benefits: protection, convenience, and cost savings

A boat lift is a device designed to secure a boat above the water, either at a private dock or at a marina. Using a boat lift offers several advantages over keeping a boat tied at a dock and in the water. Here are some of the key benefits of using a boat lift, which can be categorised into protection, convenience, and cost savings.

Protection

Boat lifts offer protection to your boat in several ways. Firstly, they help to maintain the quality of your boat by preventing scum and slime build-up, which can occur on the hull of a boat stored in water. This build-up can cause staining and reflect water damage, especially on boats with aluminium or fibreglass hulls. By keeping your boat out of the water when not in use, a boat lift can also protect it from exterior and interior damage caused by different water levels, high winds, and rainstorms. This reduces the risk of damage to the bottom and sides of your boat, and minimises the reliance on the bilge pump to remove water that enters the boat.

Additionally, boat lifts protect your boat from corrosion and algae build-up, which can occur when a boat is stored in water, especially in saltwater. Keeping your boat above the waterline prevents the growth of algae and reduces the risk of corrosion, which can lead to leaks if not addressed.

Convenience

Boat lifts offer several convenience benefits. They make it easier and quicker to board and disembark your boat, especially when water levels are fluctuating. A boat lift provides a stable platform that adjusts to the water level, making it safer to get on and off your boat. Boat lifts also save you time when launching your boat, as you don't need to perform maintenance checks for debris, leaks, and cracks on the hull before launch.

Cost Savings

Boat lifts can help you save money in the long run by reducing the need for repairs and routine maintenance. By keeping your boat out of the water and protected from damage, you can minimise the costs associated with fixing and maintaining your boat. Additionally, a boat lift can increase the resale value of your boat by keeping it in good condition. A boat that is stored on a lift is less likely to have hull staining, dings, and scratches, making it more attractive to potential buyers.

Boat damage from water: corrosion, undergrowth, osmotic blisters, and discoloration

Boat Damage from Water

Corrosion

Water exposure can shorten a boat's lifespan, even though boats are engineered for use in the water. Saltwater is particularly harsh on boat materials, but even freshwater can damage a boat over time. Nearly all metals, wiring, and electrical hardware can rust with prolonged water exposure. Corrosion occurs when metal molecules on the surface combine with oxygen to create a more stable metal oxide. Over time, almost all metals will corrode to some degree with exposure to oxygen in the presence of moisture.

Undergrowth

Undergrowth is another issue that can affect boats stored in water for long periods. Mold, algae, and even barnacles can grow on stationary boats. Boat owners often have to pay divers to clean these organisms from the hull, which can be costly and sometimes damaging.

Osmotic Blisters

Osmotic blisters are a type of scarring that forms when water permeates the surface material of a boat. These blisters can be a serious problem, affecting the structural integrity of the hull. However, they can be repaired by grinding them out, repairing the underlying fiberglass, and then applying several coats of epoxy barrier coating and bottom paint.

Discoloration

Water can also cause aesthetic damage to boats, leaving unsightly colour lines or marks and stains on the vessel.

Saltwater boat lift features: protection from deep water, fluctuating water levels, and salt corrosion

Saltwater boat lifts are an innovative solution to protect your vessel from the challenges posed by deep water, fluctuating water levels, and saltwater corrosion.

Deep water installations of traditional stationary docks are technically demanding and expensive due to the need for direct access to the seafloor. Saltwater boat lifts, on the other hand, are designed to perform in diverse settings, accommodating significant depth variations and ensuring stability even in challenging conditions. Their modular design allows for easy expansion or reconfiguration, making them adaptable to different boat sizes and types.

Saltwater boat lifts also protect your vessel from marine growth, reducing the maintenance required to keep your boat in prime condition. By keeping your boat elevated above the waterline, these lifts minimize the risk of damage from saltwater corrosion and the buildup of marine organisms like barnacles.

The lifts work on the principle of buoyancy, with tanks that can be filled with air or water to raise or lower the platform. The amount of air or water in the tanks depends on the weight of the boat. The tanks support a frame with bunks or pontoons where boats sit, and the platform moves up and down with the tanks.

To protect your boat from saltwater corrosion, it is important to wash it regularly with a salt-neutralizing detergent and apply a ceramic sealant or wax to prevent salt particles from coming into direct contact with the boat's surfaces. Additionally, using corrosion-resistant materials and accessories, flushing your engines regularly, and storing your boat properly can help prevent corrosion and extend the life of your vessel.

Frequently asked questions