Putting Your Boat On A Lift: How High Is Too High?

Boat lifts are a great way to protect your boat from damage and make care and maintenance easier. They are especially useful if you boat in tidal waters or a body of water with fluctuating water levels. When it comes to the ideal water depth for a boat lift, it is recommended to have at least three feet of water, but this can vary depending on the type of boat lift you have. Shallow shorelines can use sling-style options or pontoon boat lifts. Before using a boat lift, it is important to ensure that the boat is properly positioned and centred to ensure equal weight distribution. Additionally, the boat should be empty and no one should be on board when operating the lift. By following these guidelines, you can safely and effectively use a boat lift to protect your boat and make maintenance more convenient.

Boat lift types: free-standing, boathouse, floating, piling mount

The height of a boat lift depends on the local water conditions. On calm waters, the lift can be lower than in areas where rough waters are common. The manufacturer's specifications should also be taken into account.

Boat Lift Types

Free-standing

Free-standing boat lifts are ideal for locations with freezing water or no dock. They are also a good option if you don't want to deal with the maintenance of a hoist, motor, or cable.

Boathouse

Boathouse lifts are designed for boats with a boathouse. They are mounted directly to properly spaced pilings that have been driven into the lake or ocean floor. These lifts require an installer or contractor who is well-versed in boathouse installations.

Floating

Floating boat lifts are suitable for deep water without pilings or a dock. They are also a good option if you don't have access to electricity.

Piling mount

Piling mount lifts are available in both AC and DC power options, with capacities ranging from 4000 to 20,000 lbs. Similar to boathouse lifts, they are mounted to pilings that have been driven into the lake or ocean floor.

Boat lift safety precautions

Boat lifts are heavy pieces of machinery with many moving parts. Improper usage can cause injury or damage to the lift or boat. Here are some safety precautions to follow when using a boat lift:

Ensure Proper Installation

Before using a boat lift, ensure that it has been properly installed and is suitable for the weight and style of your boat. The lift should have the appropriate capacity and be designed to accommodate your type of boat, whether it's a V-hull, pontoon boat, or another style. The manufacturer's specifications should outline the height at which the lift system should hoist your vessel.

Position the Boat Properly

The boat should be centred front to back and side to side to ensure equal weight distribution. Utilise accessories such as bow stops and motor stops to ensure proper positioning. Guide-ons can help you centre the boat over the lift.

Do Not Lift the Boat Too High

Only raise the boat high enough to be out of the water. Do not attempt to raise it any higher than necessary. Raise the lift slowly, paying attention to any resistance that may indicate strain.

Comply with Weight Capacity Guidelines

Ensure your boat lift can handle the weight of your boat, including fuel, gear, water, and passengers. Different boat lifts have different weight capacities, and overloading the lift can cause damage or injury.

Be Mindful of Water Depth

The ideal water depth for a boat lift is typically three feet or more, though some lifts can operate in as little as nine inches of water. The depth of your water will influence the type of lift you should use: floating, bottom-standing, or suspended.

Follow Proper Procedures for Loading and Unloading

When loading the boat onto the lift, ensure it is properly positioned and centred. Once the boat is secure, raise the lift until it is above any potential wave action. When unloading, lower the lift slowly and ensure the boat is fully lowered before carefully driving off the lift and away from the dock.

Keep People Off the Boat During Operation

Do not allow anyone to remain on the boat while it is being lifted or lowered. Boat lift cables can wear out over time and snap with little to no warning, potentially causing injury.

Regular Maintenance

Inspect your boat lift regularly and keep it maintained to ensure optimal performance and safety. Check for wear and tear on cables, pulleys, and other components, and replace them as necessary.

Take Precautions in Inclement Weather

In the event of a hurricane or strong winds, do not leave your boat on the lift. Secure your boat to the lift and dock to combat flood tides, as strong winds and storm surges can cause damage or even blow the boat off the lift.

Take Safety Courses

Familiarise yourself with safety procedures and best practices by taking a boating safety course. This can help you identify and mitigate potential hazards when using a boat lift.

How to dock a boat on a lift

Docking a boat on a lift is a simple process, but it requires careful coordination and clear communication. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Preparation:

Before docking your boat on a lift, there are a few things you need to do to ensure a smooth and safe process:

• Clean the floating dock: Remove any debris, such as leaves, twigs, and dirt, from the floating dock. You can use a broom, rake, or pressure washer for this step.
• Secure loose items: Make sure that any chairs, tables, and equipment on the dock are securely fastened to prevent damage during the lifting process.
• Disconnect utility lines: Identify and shut off any utility lines connected to the floating dock, such as water, electricity, or gas. Then, disconnect and secure the lines properly.
• Assign roles: Assign specific roles and responsibilities to each team member involved in the lifting process, ensuring everyone knows what they need to do.
• Establish a communication system: Use radios or walkie-talkies to maintain constant communication between team members.
• Develop a lifting plan: Create a detailed plan that outlines the steps, procedures, safety protocols, equipment requirements, and timeline for the lifting process.
• Conduct safety briefings: Hold safety briefings before starting the lifting operation to ensure everyone is aware of potential hazards, emergency procedures, and safety guidelines.

Docking the boat:

Once the preparation is complete, you can begin the process of docking the boat on the lift:

• Approach the lift: As you approach the lift, ensure that the waterline mark is at the proper height. If it is higher than expected, you may need to lower the lift.
• Slow down and shift to neutral: As the bow of the boat nears the bunks, slow down and shift into neutral, allowing momentum to carry the boat forward. Don't worry if you bump the guideposts, as they are designed to be cushioned or made from flexible material to prevent damage to the boat.
• Guide the boat: Grab the dock and guide the boat forward until it is positioned correctly. Pay close attention to your predetermined mark to ensure you don't move the boat too far past it.
• Turn off the engine: Once the boat is properly positioned, turn off the engine.
• Operate the lift: Turn on the lift and begin to raise it. Ensure that the weight in the boat is evenly distributed to prevent the boat from listing or sitting at an angle on the bunks.
• Step onto the dock: For added safety, it is recommended to step onto the dock and position the boat from there using boat hooks and lines. Remove passengers and any significant loads from the boat before beginning the lifting procedure.
• Adjust and secure the boat: If the boat is not level as it rises out of the water, lower the lift, redistribute the weight, and try again. Make sure the boat is slightly forward of center on the bunks to account for engine weight.

Post-docking:

After you have successfully docked the boat on the lift, there are a few additional steps to take:

• Remove the drain plugs: Before lowering the boat into the water, make sure to insert the drain plugs.
• Lower the boat: When you are ready to take the boat off the lift, lower the lift until the boat is floating freely. Secure the boat's lines, climb aboard, start the engine, and back straight out of the slip.
• Turn off the lift: Always remember to turn off the lift after removing the boat to prevent significant damage.

Boat lift maintenance tips

Boat lifts require occasional maintenance to ensure they are in good working condition and to extend their lifespans, which can be up to 25 years with proper care. Here are some tips to help you maintain your boat lift:

Check Weight Capacity and Avoid Overloading

Boat lifts are designed to support a specific weight and hull shape. Always check the weight capacity of your lift and avoid overloading it, even by a single pound, to prevent extensive damage. Remember to take into account not just the dry weight of the boat but also the weight of fuel, food, passengers, and other items on board.

Regular Cleaning and Inspection

Keep your boat lift clean by periodically rinsing and inspecting its components. Remove any algae, dirt, or debris that may have collected on the cables, pulleys, and other parts. Pay close attention to signs of rust or corrosion, especially on metal parts, as this can significantly shorten the lift's lifespan. Minor rust can be ground off to limit damage, so catching it early is important.

Proper Off-Season Storage

If you are storing your boat lift during the off-season, ensure it is properly cleaned and covered to protect it from snow and rain. Store the lift with the cradle or platform raised, especially if you have a hydraulic hoist system. Remove the batteries and store them inside, along with any older-style motors.

Lubrication and Grease

Apply penetrating oil or cable fluid to steel cables regularly to prevent rust and reduce abrasion. Do not grease the cables as this can trap moisture and cause water damage. For motor components and pulleys, grease can be used.

Cable and Pulley Alignment

Check the cables and pulleys for any fraying or uneven wear. The cables should ride smoothly on all the pulleys, which should turn freely when there is no weight on the lift. Keep an eye on the winder, drum, and spool, and make any necessary adjustments to maintain proper alignment.

Safety Precautions

Always follow safety precautions when operating a boat lift. Ensure the boat is properly centred and secured before raising it out of the water. Do not try to raise the lift higher than necessary to get the boat out of the water, and pay attention to any resistance that may indicate strain. Comply with the manufacturer's guidelines for maximum weight capacity and safety practices.

How to unload a boat from a lift

To unload a boat from a lift, follow these steps:

Firstly, ensure that the lift is at the proper height. If the water level is lower than ideal, this is not a problem, but if it is higher than expected, you will need to lower the lift. When the lift is at the correct height, with the bunks lowered enough, position the boat over the bunks.

Next, you will need to centre the boat. Slowly move forward until the bow is nearing the bunks, then shift into neutral and let the momentum carry the boat forward. If your angle is wrong, simply back out and try again. Grab the dock and guide the boat forward until it is in position. Once the boat is properly positioned, turn off the engine.

Now, you can turn on the lift. As the lift runs up, ensure that the weight in the boat is centred, so that the boat doesn't list or rest on the bunks at an angle. It may be easier to step onto the dock and position the boat from there with boat hooks and lines.

Finally, lower the lift until the boat is floating freely, turn off the lift, and climb aboard. Start the engine, centre the steering, and back straight out of the slip. Remember to always turn the lift off to avoid significant damage.

It is also important to note that, for safety, people should be kept on the dock, not in the boat, while the lift is in operation.

Frequently asked questions