Putting On A Boat Lift Canopy: Easy Steps To Follow

A boat lift canopy is an essential piece of equipment for anyone who owns a boat, as it protects your watercraft from the elements when it's docked. While the assembly process can vary slightly depending on the brand and type of canopy, the general steps for installing a boat lift canopy are quite similar across the board. This guide will take you through the process step-by-step, ensuring your boat stays safe and secure.

Unpack and unroll the canopy

Unpacking and unrolling your boat lift canopy is the first step in the installation process. This step may seem straightforward, but it is important to be careful and deliberate to ensure the rest of the installation goes smoothly.

First, remove the canopy from its box. You should see a bundle of fabric. Place this fabric bundle on top of your canopy frame. The canopy should be unrolled down the centre of the frame, lengthwise. Take your time with this step, ensuring the fabric is straight on the frame and there is an equal amount of overhang on each side. This will make it easier to attach the canopy securely.

Once the canopy is unrolled, unfold the cover across the top of the canopy bows or ribs. Pull the cover down snugly over the frame. Check again that the canopy is centred, with equal overhang on each side and end. If your canopy has a QuickLash or EasyLash mounting system, the black webbing should be on the inside, right behind or slightly above the aluminium canopy frame.

Now that your canopy is unrolled and in position, you can begin the process of attaching it to the frame.

Position the canopy on the frame

Positioning the canopy on the frame is a crucial step in ensuring your boat is protected from the elements. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, unroll the canopy over the hoops or ribs of the frame. Make sure the fabric is straight and centred on the frame, with equal amounts of overhang on each side and end. This step ensures the canopy is evenly distributed and will provide maximum coverage for your boat. Check that the canopy is also square on the frame, with the black QuikLash or EasyLash webbing on the inside, right behind or slightly above the aluminium canopy frame. This webbing system makes attaching the canopy to the frame much easier.

Now it's time to attach the canopy to the frame. Depending on the style of your canopy frame, there are several methods you can use. If your canopy has D-rings, insert the bungee loop through the D-ring on the canopy attachment. Then, loop the hook back through the bungee loop, pull it up and hook it on the cross member, or washer, of the canopy frame. For canopies with two bungee attachment methods, on the sides, run the looped end of the bungee through the D-ring, around the back of the hoop, and hook it around the ball on the end of the bungee. On the ends, insert the bungee loop through the D-ring, loop the hook back through, pull it up and attach it to the welded washer on the canopy frame.

If your canopy has buckles, wrap the male buckle around the bottom of the canopy frame and the female buckle around the top, then fasten them together. For canopies with grommets, use customer-supplied straps or zip ties. Slip the zip ties through the grommets, wrap them around the canopy frame and fasten. If your canopy has stretch cords, create a loop with a knot at each end of the cord. Slip one of these loops over a hook or round puck, then feed the cord through the side and/or end straps. Terminate by slipping the other looped end over a hook or puck.

Remember, safety is crucial when installing a boat lift canopy. Do not attempt to install it alone, as it is a two-person job. Always wear protective clothing and eyewear to shield yourself from potential eye injuries or other bodily harm. Additionally, be mindful of the wind speed when installing, as high winds can turn a canopy into a hazard. Do not attach the canopy to the frame if winds are strong enough to affect your ability to safely fasten it.

Secure the canopy to the frame

Once the canopy is unrolled and positioned over the canopy frame, it's time to secure it in place. This is typically done using bungee cords, but there are a few different methods depending on the style of the canopy frame.

Bungee Cords

Bungee cords are a common method for securing a boat lift canopy to its frame. To do this, first ensure that the canopy is centred and there is an equal amount of canvas overhang on all sides. Then, attach one width end of the canopy to the frame using bungee cords. Move to the opposite end and attach the other short side. Continue attaching a bungee every 2 feet around the perimeter of the frame until you complete the final two corners simultaneously. It is recommended to use multiple toggle balls for attaching the canopy instead of one long attachment cord, as this provides more attachment points should a strong wind break one of the toggle straps.

QuickLash Mounting System

If your canopy frame has the QuickLash mounting system, you will attach the bungee loops through the QuikLash webbing directly in line with each aluminium rib of the canopy frame. Stretch the bungee loop under the round aluminium frame and up around the white puck on each rib, alternating from side to side. You can also use bungee hooks in the same fashion by lacing them through the QuikLash webbing and stretching them up to either the holes or hooks on each corresponding rib on each end of the canopy.

D-Rings

If your canopy has D-rings, you can use these to secure the canopy to the frame. Take the bungee loop and insert it through the D-ring on the canopy attachment. Then, loop the hook back through the bungee loop, pull it up and hook it on the cross member of the canopy frame.

Velcro

For canopies that have two bungee attachment methods, you can use Velcro to secure the canopy to the end of the frame. Wrap the Velcro around the end frame member.

Buckles

If your canopy has buckles, the male buckle wraps around the bottom of the canopy frame while the female buckle wraps around the top. Then, simply fasten them together.

Zip Ties

Canopies that have grommets can be secured using customer-supplied straps or zip ties. Slip the zip ties through the grommets and wrap them around the canopy frame before fastening.

Stretch Cords

To use stretch cords, first create a loop with a knot on each end of the stretch cord. Slip one of the looped ends over a hook or round puck and feed the stretch cord through the side and/or end straps. Terminate by slipping the looped end over a hook or round puck. To tighten the stretch cord on the sides and ends, pull the cord through pockets on the side and/or end straps, and stretch it over the hook or round puck.

Rope

If rope slips or PVC pockets are provided with your canopy cover, they must be used or the warranty for wind whip will be void. Attach the rope to the frame, frame upright, dock, or whatever is convenient.

Use bungee cords to fasten the canopy

Once you have the canopy cover in position, it's time to secure it to the frame with bungee cords. This process requires strength and proper balance, so it's important to exercise caution and always wear safety glasses and proper protective clothing. Do not let go of bungee cords when they are under tension, as this could lead to eye injury or other types of bodily injury.

To fasten the canopy using bungee cords, you can follow these steps:

Option 1:

• Take a bungee loop and insert it through the D-ring on the canopy attachment.
• Loop the hook back through the bungee loop.
• Pull the hook up and secure it to the cross member of the canopy frame.

Option 2:

• On the sides, take the looped end of the bungee and run it through the D-ring on the canopy attachment.
• Loop it around the back of the hoop.
• Hook it around the ball at the end of the bungee.
• On the ends, take the bungee loop and insert it through the D-ring again.
• Loop the hook back through the bungee loop.
• Pull it up and secure it to the washer welded to the canopy frame.

Option 3:

• Attach the canopy in the same manner as Option 2a.
• Attach the canopy to the end of the frame by wrapping the Velcro around the end frame member.

It is important to note that different canopy brands may have specific attachment methods. For example, ShoreMaster, Pier Pleasure, Daka, Dock Rite, Newman, Porta Dock, Feighner, Triton, Vibo, and Harbor Master boat lift brands use individual bungees with a hook on the end. In this case, you would attach each bungee through a perforated hole in the QuikLash webbing directly in line with each canopy rib. Stretch the bungee underneath the canopy frame and up into the hole in the corresponding frame rib, alternating from side to side and end to end to maintain balance.

Safety considerations when installing

Safety should be a top priority when installing a boat lift canopy. Here are some detailed safety considerations to keep in mind throughout the installation process:

Read the Manual: Before beginning any installation work, carefully read the complete instructions included in your boat lift canopy manual. This will help you understand the specific safety precautions and procedures relevant to your particular canopy model.

Protective Gear: It is important to wear protective clothing and eyewear when assembling, installing, removing, or servicing your boat lift canopy. This will shield your body and eyes from potential hazards, such as debris or falling objects.

Work with a Partner: Installing a boat lift canopy is not a task you should undertake alone. Enlist the help of at least one or two other trusted adults to assist you with the process. This not only makes the job easier but also safer, as you'll have extra hands and eyes to spot potential hazards.

Check the Canopy Cover: Before installing the canopy cover, ensure it is completely dry, carefully folded, and stored in a dry area to prevent mould or mildew growth. If the cover was not cleaned at the end of the previous season, clean it before installation.

Measurements and Compatibility: Double-check that your canopy cover is the correct size and compatible with your boat lift frame. Measure the overall frame length, inside width, length of side rails, and outside width of the frame to ensure a proper fit. This will prevent any mishaps during installation and ensure optimal protection for your boat.

Secure and Level Setup: Ensure that your boat lift and canopy are securely anchored and level before use. Check that all bolts, nuts, and attachments are tightened correctly and follow the specific instructions for your canopy model. Never raise your lift beyond the recommended height, and always make sure everything is firmly in place.

Electricity-Related Precautions: If you have an electric lift, ensure that it is allowed in your community and that you have a safe power source. Regular maintenance by a certified electrician is also crucial to keep electrical components working smoothly and safely.

Test Before Use: Before committing to installation in the water, do a couple of test runs on land. This will make it easier to identify and address any issues or adjustments needed, reducing potential risks during water installation.

By following these safety considerations and seeking further advice from experts or authorised dealers, you can ensure a safe and successful installation of your boat lift canopy.

Frequently asked questions