When To Put Your Boat On A Lift?

Boat lifts are a crucial investment for boat owners, as they protect boats from damage and deterioration when not in use. They are especially important if you store your boat in the water for long periods, as this can lead to corrosion, algae buildup, and scum and residue that is difficult to remove. Boat lifts are also necessary if you experience fluctuations in water levels, as they prevent potential damage caused by storms and season changes. They also make it easier to get in and out of the water, saving time and maintenance costs.

Boat lifts are easy to operate and work either with a hydraulic lifting system or a motorized system. When not in use, it is important to ensure that the lift is not submerged or touching the water's surface to prevent damage and unnecessary corrosion and algae growth.

How to drive your boat onto a lift

Boat lifts are a great way to protect your boat from sinking, scuffs, and corrosion. They are also convenient, as they save you time and make it easier to store your vessel. However, getting your boat onto a lift can be intimidating, especially if you are used to wet slips. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to drive your boat onto a lift:

• Prep Work: Before using the lift, ensure that the guides and bunks are sized and adjusted to fit your boat. This is a crucial step and is best left to professionals.
• Find the Ideal Orientation for Your Boat: You will want to centre your boat or position it slightly forward over the bunks, depending on the weight and location of your power plant. This will help evenly distribute the weight. To find the perfect spot, manually move the boat around over the submerged bunks.
• Create Visual Cues: Once your boat is centred, look for an immovable part of the boat (such as a cleat, fuel-fill, or flush-mounted fishing rod holder) and line it up with a piling, lift post, or another immovable object on the lift or pier. These will be your visual cues for lining up the boat.
• Mark the Minimum Submersion Level: If you boat in tidal waters or an area with fluctuating water levels, you will need to mark the lift's minimum submersion level for loading and unloading. Lower the bunks and position the boat over them at low water. Then, slowly raise the lift until the bunks support the boat's weight. Lower the lift in increments of an inch or two at a time until the boat floats freely. Mark the lift's waterline using a permanent marker, electrical tape, or by spotting an existing visual cue.
• Adjustments: You may need to make further adjustments to ensure the lift and boat are ideally situated. For example, the bow of the boat should be slightly higher than the stern to allow for rainwater drainage.
• Approach the Lift: If the water levels fluctuate, check the waterline mark to ensure the lift is at the proper height. If it is higher than expected, lower the lift. As you approach the lift, line up the boat along the centre.
• Move Forward and Shift to Neutral: Slowly move forward until the bow is nearing the bunks, then shift into neutral and let the momentum carry the boat forward. Don't worry if you bump a guidepost—they are designed to be cushioned or made from flexible material to avoid damaging the boat.
• Guide the Boat Forward: Grab the dock and guide the boat forward until it is in position. Pay close attention to not move the boat too far past your predetermined mark. Turn off the engine once the boat is properly positioned.
• Centre the Boat's Weight: Turning on the lift can be a bit tricky. As the lift runs up, ensure that the weight in the boat is centred, so the boat doesn't list or rest on the bunks at an angle. You may need to step onto the dock and use boat hooks and lines to position the boat.
• Remove Passengers: Before beginning the lifting procedure, remove all passengers and any significant loads from the boat. This is important for safety, as the lines supporting the boat can break, causing people to tumble into the water.
• Adjust for Engine Weight: The boat may need to be slightly forward of the centre on the bunks to account for engine weight. Ideally, it is the weight, not the hull length, that should be centred.

By following these steps, you will be able to safely and effectively drive your boat onto a lift, providing protection and convenience for your vessel.

Boat lift safety tips

Boat lifts are a great way to protect your investment and reduce the need for costly maintenance and repairs. However, it is important to follow certain safety tips to ensure the proper use and maintenance of your lift. Here are some essential boat lift safety tips to keep in mind:

Follow the weight limit:

Always abide by the recommended weight capacity of your boat lift, which includes the weight of the boat, passengers, and gear. Exceeding the weight limit can result in a broken lift as it is not designed to support excessive weight.

Perform routine maintenance checks:

Boat lifts are prone to wear and tear due to their constant exposure to water. Regular maintenance checks can help identify small issues before they become major problems. Pay close attention to the cables, winch system, and other components for any signs of damage or fraying.

Understand proper positioning:

Ensure that the boat is positioned correctly in the centre of the cradle to distribute weight evenly. Improper positioning can damage the cables if the boat is sitting too far forward or backward in the lift.

Don't lift your vessel too high:

Always monitor the lift level and raise your boat slowly. Listen and look for any signs of resistance or strain on the system. Some boat lifts have a limit switch to prevent over-raising and avoid potential damage.

Always operate the lift with care:

While a boat lift provides convenience, it is crucial to use it with caution. Improper operation can cause the lift rack and frame to jam together, leading to damaged cables and an increased risk of injury.

Monitor frame and rack jams:

In case of a jam between the rack and frame, act quickly and safely. Know the direction in which the motor will turn to relieve pressure. Starting the motor or winch in the wrong direction can cause the vessel to fall into the water, potentially resulting in instant damage.

Check state and community rules:

Before installing a boat lift, ensure you are compliant with your community's rules and state laws regarding their use. Some states, like South Dakota, have specific requirements for placing a boat lift over public water.

Keep people on the dock during operation:

For safety reasons, it is recommended to keep people on the dock and not in the boat when the lift is in operation. This helps prevent accidents and potential injuries.

Be cautious during high winds and storms:

During periods of high winds or storms, take extra precautions. Secure your boat to the lift and dock to combat flood tides and strong winds. In extreme weather conditions, consider removing the boat from the lift to prevent damage.

Regularly clean and maintain your boat:

Proper cleaning and maintenance of your boat are essential to prevent corrosion and algae buildup. Storing a clean boat on the lift can help extend its lifespan and maintain its appearance.

Check water levels:

Be mindful of water levels, especially in locations with fluctuating water depths. Ensure your boat lift is adjusted to the correct height to facilitate safe entry and exit of your boat.

How to put a boat lift in the water

Installing a boat lift is a great way to protect your boat from the elements and make maintenance easier. Here are the steps you can follow to put a boat lift in the water:

• Read the Boat Lift Manual: Before you begin, carefully read through the manufacturer's manual. This will provide you with important instructions and safety information. It will also help you understand the correct way to assemble and operate your specific boat lift model.
• Check for All the Parts: Ensure that you have received all the necessary parts and that they are in good condition. Compare the parts you have received with the list provided in the manual to make sure nothing is missing or damaged.
• Assemble the Boat Lift: Find a large, flat area with ample workspace and assemble the boat lift according to the instructions in the manual. Wear protective gear, including gloves, shoes, and eyewear, to prevent any injuries during the assembly process. It is recommended to have at least one other person assist you with the assembly.
• Do a Safety Check: Once the boat lift is assembled, perform a safety check to ensure that all components are secure and functioning properly. Check the crank, cable, and motor (if applicable) for any issues.
• Measure the Water Depth: Measure the water depth at the location where you plan to install the boat lift. Take measurements for both the shallow and deep ends of the installation site. This information will help you choose the right type of boat lift and ensure a proper installation.
• Choose the Right Boat Lift: Select a boat lift that is suitable for your boat's type, size, and weight. Consider the hull shape, length, width, and weight capacity of your boat when choosing a lift. The boat lift should be able to support your boat securely.
• Adjust the Boat Lift: Make any necessary adjustments to the boat lift based on the measurements of your boat. This may include adjusting the bunk width to accommodate the hull, pontoons, or keel of your boat.
• Move the Boat Lift into the Water: With the help of another person, carefully move the assembled boat lift into the water. Position it in line with your dock, seawall, or shoreline, ensuring that it is stable and level before securing it in place.

By following these steps, you can safely and effectively put a boat lift in the water, providing protection and convenience for your boat.

Benefits of a boat lift

A boat lift is a device that raises your boat out of the water and keeps it secure when it's not in use. It is an essential piece of equipment for boat owners, as it offers numerous benefits that can save them time and money and protect their investment.

One of the main advantages of a boat lift is that it helps prevent damage to your boat. By keeping your boat out of the water, a lift can reduce the build-up of scum, slime, algae and barnacles, which can be time-consuming and expensive to clean. A lift can also protect your boat from corrosion, which is a more serious issue that can lead to extensive repairs.

Additionally, a boat lift can provide enhanced security for your boat. Boats that are left in the water are more vulnerable to theft, as they are easier targets for potential thieves. A boat lift makes it more difficult for thieves to access your boat, giving you greater peace of mind.

Another benefit of a boat lift is the convenience it offers. With a lift, you can avoid the hassle of trailering your boat to and from the water, as well as the time-consuming process of tying and untying dock lines and boat bumpers. A lift also makes it easier to access your boat, as you don't have to wade into the water, and it allows for quicker boarding, making it safer and more comfortable for your passengers.

Furthermore, a boat lift can help extend the life of your boat. By keeping your boat out of the water when it's not in use, a lift can prevent hull damage from debris, waves and marine life. It can also protect your boat from storms and rough weather, ensuring it stays in good condition for longer.

In addition to the benefits for your boat, a boat lift can also increase the value of your waterfront property. The added convenience and protection that a boat lift provides can be a major selling point for potential buyers, especially those who are serious about boating.

Overall, investing in a boat lift is a wise decision for any boat owner. It can save you time and money, protect your boat, and enhance the value of your property, making it a worthwhile investment that will pay off in numerous ways.

Tips for maintaining your boat lift

Boat lifts are a great way to protect your boat from damage and corrosion. They are also a significant investment, so it's important to maintain your lift to ensure it has a long lifespan and can optimally protect your boat. Here are some tips to help you maintain your boat lift:

Observe the Weight Warning

Boat lifts are designed with specific weight and hull capacity specifications. Overloading your boat lift can cause extensive damage. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the lift can handle the weight of your boat, as well as any additional weight from gear or passengers. Distribute weight evenly and avoid exceeding the specified weight limit to prevent failure or collapse.

Regularly Clean and Rinse the Cables and Cradle Assembly

Saltwater, algae, and barnacles can cause abrasion and corrosion on the cables and cradle of your boat lift. To prevent this, thoroughly rinse the cables and cradle with fresh water after each use, especially in saltwater environments. Pay special attention to removing salt crystals, as they can cause damage and lead to breakage over time.

Apply Penetrating Oil Regularly

Boat lift cables are typically made of stainless steel and are susceptible to abrasion and corrosion. To protect them, apply penetrating oil regularly. Ensure that the oil does not contain grease, as this can trap moisture in the cable strands. Penetrating oil helps to reduce abrasion and prevents the cable strands from rubbing against each other, preserving the integrity of the cables.

Inspect Cables for Signs of Wear and Tear

Regularly inspect your boat lift cables for any signs of wear, such as severe abrasions, kinks, or other deformities. Worn cables can lead to catastrophic failure, resulting in damage to your boat, boat lift, or even causing injuries. If you notice any issues, repair or replace the cables immediately to ensure the safety and functionality of your boat lift.

Monitor the Winder and Check for Proper Sheave Alignment

Keep an eye on how the cable winds up onto the winder to avoid slack, which can cause tangling and other damage. Additionally, check for proper sheave alignment. Improper alignment can put undue pressure on the cable, shortening its lifespan and potentially damaging the sheave. If you are unsure about the alignment, it is best to consult a professional for guidance.

Proper Storage During Off-Season

When storing your boat lift during the off-season, ensure that it is thoroughly cleaned and covered to protect it from exposure to rain and snow. Store the lift with the cradle or platform raised out of the water. Remove the batteries and keep the motor covered and off the ground. Proper storage will help maintain the condition of your boat lift, ensuring it is ready for use when the season starts again.

Frequently asked questions