Choosing The Right Depth For Your Porta-Dock Boat Lift

Porta-Dock offers a range of boat lifts designed to work with different boats or pontoons. Their vertical lifts and shallow-water lifts are made from high-quality 6000 series aluminum, making them rustproof, corrosion-resistant, and durable in all weather conditions. The lifts have four adjustable legs, allowing for easy depth adjustments, and they come with a variety of bunk assembly options to provide maximum support for different boats.

Setting the proper depth

The proper depth for a Porta-Dock boat lift can be easily set thanks to the four adjustable legs. These legs have optional screw attachments. Before adjusting the legs, ensure that the boat, or any other weight, is off the lift. This is because it is unsafe to adjust the legs with weight on the lift.

To adjust the legs, first loosen the set screw. You can do this with a wrench. Then, pull or push the leg post to the desired position. If you need to jack up one end of the lift to do this, a lift jack will help make the task easier. Once the legs are in the correct position, you can tighten the set screw again.

The bunk assemblies, which provide maximum boat support, also adjust both vertically and horizontally. This means that you can fine-tune the depth and position of your boat when it is on the lift.

The lightweight aluminum frame of the Porta-Dock lift means that adjusting the legs to set the proper depth is a manageable task. The lift wheel, included on all models, also aids in setting the proper depth as it allows you to easily move the lift to the correct position.

Adjusting the legs

Before adjusting the legs of your Porta-Dock boat lift, ensure that the boat, or any other weight, is removed from the lift. It is unsafe to adjust the legs while the boat is on the lift and may damage the equipment.

To adjust the legs, first, loosen the set screw with a wrench. You can then pull or push the leg post to the desired position. If you need to jack up one end of the lift to reach the desired position, a lift jack can make this process easier. Once the legs are in the correct position, tighten the set screw again.

The bunk assemblies on the Porta-Dock boat lift can adjust both vertically and horizontally to provide maximum boat support. This is a useful feature when setting up the proper depth for your boat lift.

You can also adjust the height of your Porta-Dock boat lift with a lift jack. First, loosen the set screw and remove the rubber cap from the top of the panel. Then, use a cordless drill to adjust the height to your desired level.

Using a lift jack

To use a lift jack to level your Porta-Dock boat lift

Bunk assembly options

Bunks are an essential part of your boat lift as they are the component of the lift that your boat sits on when being loaded and lifted out of the water. There are many options available on the market, and it is important to select the right type for your boat.

One of the simplest bunking solutions is the sling. Slings are designed to form-fit around the hull of the boat as the lift raises the cables to pick the boat out of the water. Catamarans, for example, require flat bunks to support each hull. Sailboats, with their elongated keels, might need V-shaped bunks or keel pads. Custom bunks are also an option and are designed to perfectly match the specific shape and size of a boat. They are ideal for boat owners with unique vessel designs or those requiring specific support features.

When selecting bunks, it is important to consider the material. Vinyl-covered aluminum bunks, for instance, offer safe, non-damaging protection for your boat's hull or pontoons. The vinyl covering ensures the aluminum does not marry the bottom of your boat, and it also prevents sand and debris from adhering to the bunks, making them easy to clean.

Bunks will need to be adjusted to fit your boat. This can be done in a few minutes with a 9/16ths wrench and socket, and a friend. You will need to loosen two bolts for side-to-side adjustment and one bolt for vertical adjustment. Once the bolts are loose, the bunk will slide into the desired position. It is important to adjust both sides simultaneously to avoid any binding issues. You will know the vertical adjustment is correct if your boat is not resting on the keel.

Lift capacity

Porta-Dock offers a range of lift capacities to cater to different boat sizes and types. Their Shallow Water Lifts have a capacity ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 lbs, making them suitable for smaller boats and pontoons. These lifts are designed with a low-maintenance, lightweight aluminum frame that is rustproof and corrosion-resistant.

On the other hand, Porta-Dock's Vertical Lifts provide a more substantial 7,000 lbs lift capacity. This option is ideal for larger vessels such as wake boats and tri-tubes, ensuring they can be securely lifted with ease. Like the Shallow Water Lifts, the Vertical Lifts are also constructed from high-quality 6000 series aluminum, making them incredibly durable and resistant to rust and corrosion.

The lift capacity of the Vertical Lifts is further enhanced by the inclusion of stainless steel cables and a chain or gear drive winch with self-braking for safe operation. The bunk assemblies on these lifts can be adjusted both vertically and horizontally, providing maximum support for a variety of boat shapes and sizes. This adjustability ensures that the lift can accommodate and securely lift different types of boats, making it a versatile option for boat owners.

Additionally, Porta-Dock offers a range of bunk types to cater to different boat styles. These include Deluxe Pontoon Bunks (DPB), Full Length Bunks (FLB), Full Pontoon Bunks in standard and tri-tube options (FPB), and Economy V Bunks (EVB). Each type is designed to provide optimal support and stability for the boat during the lifting process, ensuring safe and efficient operation.

Frequently asked questions