The Ultimate Guide To Installing A Boat Lift

Boat lifts are a great way to protect your boat from damage and make maintenance easier. They can be installed on lakes of all sizes and are a good way to prevent algae and other harmful growths from depositing on your boat's hull. There are several types of boat lifts available, including boathouse lifts, free-standing lifts, floating lifts, and piling mount lifts, each with its own advantages and considerations. While it is possible to install a boat lift yourself, it is recommended to seek professional help to ensure proper installation and avoid damage to your boat or boat lift.

Boat Lift Installation Characteristics

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

Boat lifts are essential for protecting your boat from damage and harmful growth when it's not in use. Different types of boat lifts include boathouse, free-standing, floating, and piling mount. Each type has its own advantages and is suitable for different boat types and locations.

Boathouse lifts, also known as piling mount lifts, are ideal for larger boats. They are mounted on pilings driven into the lake or ocean floor and can support weights ranging from 4000 to 20,000 pounds. These lifts are more complex to install and require a professional installer or contractor. The pilings also provide a structure to mount a roof, offering additional protection for your boat.

Free-standing lifts are suitable for lakes with solid bottoms and offer the advantage of flexibility. They can be easily moved if the water level fluctuates and are available with electric or manual lifting mechanisms. This type of lift is a good choice if you need to adjust to changing water levels.

Floating lifts are ideal for covered marinas as they provide good protection from boats bumping against the slip. They are also suitable for lakes without pilings or a dock, offering a convenient and fast solution for raising and lowering boats.

Piling mount lifts, as mentioned earlier, are perfect for larger boats. They are more substantial and provide a sturdy support system for heavier vessels.

When choosing a boat lift, it's important to consider factors such as the weight and beam of your boat, water depth, soil firmness, wave conditions, and slip spacing. Additionally, seeking input from neighbours with similar boats can provide valuable insights and help you make an informed decision.

Boat lift installation: consider waterway type, depth, and weather

Boat lift installation is a complex process that requires careful consideration of several factors, including the type and depth of the waterway, weather conditions, and the specifications of your boat. Here are some essential things to keep in mind:

Waterway Type and Depth:

The type and depth of the waterway are crucial factors in choosing the right boat lift system. For lakes with a solid bottom, free-standing lifts are an excellent option as they can be easily moved if the water level fluctuates. These lifts can be manual, electric, solar-powered, or hydraulic, offering flexibility in operation. If your lake has a steep shoreline, you may need to hire a barge to lift the boat in and out of the water. Alternatively, you can opt for wheel kits that allow you to roll the boat in and out.

Weather Conditions:

Consider the weather patterns in your area when selecting a boat lift. If you experience harsh weather conditions, such as gale-force winds or hurricanes, you'll need a sturdy lift that can withstand these elements. Additionally, ensure that the lift can be secured to prevent damage during storms. Keeping your boat on a lift during a hurricane is not recommended, as it can be blown off or overwhelmed with rainwater.

Boat Specifications:

The type, length, width, and weight (both dry and loaded) of your boat are critical factors in choosing the right boat lift. Ensure you have accurate specifications for your boat to guide your selection. It is also essential to consider any future upgrades or plans to purchase a different boat, as you may want to keep your lift for the new vessel.

Additional Considerations:

When installing a boat lift, it is essential to follow safety guidelines. Boat lifts have weight capacities, and attempting to lift a boat with a full ballast can exceed this capacity, leading to damage. Always ensure the boat is empty before lifting. Additionally, keep people off the boat during the lifting process, as boat lifts are designed to lift boats, not people or animals.

Boat lift maintenance: avoid leaving the lift in the water

Boat lift maintenance is essential to ensure the safety and longevity of your watercraft. One critical aspect is avoiding leaving the lift in the water for extended periods. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you maintain your boat lift and keep it in optimal condition:

Weight Management:

• Boat lifts are designed to support a specific weight capacity, so it's crucial to consider not only the dry weight of your boat but also the additional weight of fuel, water, equipment, and passengers.
• Overloading the lift beyond its rated capacity can strain the structure and compromise safety.
• Ensure even weight distribution when driving your boat onto the lift.

Regular Inspections and Maintenance:

• Regularly inspect and maintain your lift cables and pulleys. Lubricate the cables with penetrating oil or chain and cable fluid to prevent fraying and rubbing. Grease is not recommended for cables as it can trap moisture and cause further damage.
• Check cables for any signs of damage, including rust spots, broken strands, fraying, or kinks. Replace the cables every two years, even if they appear to be in good condition, to ensure safety.
• Grease the pulleys biannually and tighten any loose nuts and bolts.
• Monitor the cables as they wind onto the drum to prevent slack, tangling, and uneven wear.

Motor, Gearbox, and Drive Unit Care:

• Inspect the boat lift motor for rust or water retention. Keep the top-side drain holes closed, and the bottom-side ones open to facilitate proper drainage.
• Regularly examine gearboxes and drive units for improper alignment, damaged belts, and areas requiring greasing or other signs of damage.

Winterizing and Storage:

• During winter, it is crucial to remove the boat lift from the water, especially in freezing conditions, as ice movement can cause significant damage.
• Cover the lift to protect it from rain and snow, but ensure adequate ventilation to allow any trapped water to drain.
• For power hoists, remove the battery and store it on a small piece of wood, ensuring the cradle or platform is in the fully raised position.

General Tips:

• Rinse the lift cables and beams with fresh water after each use, especially if exposed to saltwater, to prevent abrasion, damage, and leaks.
• Keep the beams out of the water when not in use.
• Remove the boat plug when the boat is not in use to prevent rainwater collection.
• Avoid using plastic bags or covers over the winch or motors, as they can trap condensation and cause damage.
• Keep drain holes clear to ensure proper water drainage from the boat lift motor.

By following these maintenance guidelines and avoiding leaving the boat lift in the water, you can extend the lifespan of your lift, ensuring a safe and enjoyable boating experience for years to come.

Boat lift safety: never operate with people or animals inside

Boat lifts are a convenient way to protect your boat from damage when it's not in use. They can also help to reduce maintenance requirements and keep your boat in good condition. However, it is important to always put safety first when operating a boat lift.

Boat lifts are designed to lift boats, not people or animals. It may be tempting to have everyone situated on the boat before lowering it into the water, but this is not safe. Boat lift cables wear out over time and can snap with little to no warning. Unlike elevators, boat lifts do not have extra cables or safety systems to prevent injury or damage if a cable snaps. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that everyone has exited the boat safely before operating the lift.

• Always lower the boat into the water slowly, paying attention to the boat's progress.
• Ensure all passengers have life jackets and are ready to go before lowering the boat.
• Once the boat is in the water, carefully steer away from the lift and dock, being mindful of any obstacles.
• When returning to the dock, fully lower the boat lift into the water before driving the boat over it.
• Ensure the boat is centred front to back and side to side to ensure equal weight distribution and prevent damage to the boat or lift.
• Do not lift the boat higher than necessary. Raise the lift slowly and pay attention to any resistance that may indicate strain.
• Always comply with the manufacturer's weight guidelines and the United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) safety practices to avoid overloading the lift.
• Regularly check cables, pulleys, and electrical parts for any issues, as this can help prevent accidents.
• Use safety accessories such as bow stops, bunk boards, and motor covers to enhance safety.
• Stay alert and attentive when using the lift, and familiarise yourself with the controls and safety guidelines in the manual.
• Take weather conditions into account and secure boats during bad weather to reduce risks.

Boat lift benefits: prevents algae and other harmful growth

Boat lifts are an effective way to prevent the growth of algae and other harmful substances on your boat's hull and engine. When boats are left in the water, they are susceptible to algae buildup, which can be a challenging issue to address. Algae can lead to corrosion, causing leaks and other problems that are expensive to repair.

Boat lifts keep your boat elevated and out of the water when not in use, creating an environment that inhibits algae growth. By reducing the boat's contact with water, lifts prevent the deposition of algae and other foreign substances on the hull and engine's running gear. This protective measure not only maintains the aesthetic appeal of your boat but also reduces the need for costly and time-consuming maintenance and repairs.

The benefits of using a boat lift go beyond just preventing algae growth. Lifts also minimize the risk of hull damage, which can occur when boats are stored in the water. Water can cause stress on the hull, leading to blisters and other issues. By keeping the boat above the waterline, lifts significantly extend the life of your boat by reducing wear and tear.

Additionally, boat lifts offer environmental benefits by reducing water pollution. Boats left in the water are exposed to corrosive substances, which can lead to hull damage and the release of toxic chemicals, oil, fuel, and paint particles into the water. Boat lifts help mitigate this issue, contributing to cleaner and healthier aquatic ecosystems.

Before investing in a boat lift, it's essential to consider various factors, including the size of your boat, the type of lake, and the features you require. Different types of lifts are available, such as shore ramps, lifts with floats, free-standing lifts, and pile-mounted lifts, each offering unique advantages depending on your specific needs.

Frequently asked questions