Helena Frye
Putting a jet boat on a lift can be intimidating for skippers who are used to wet slips. However, it is a crucial step to increase the lifespan of your boat and equipment. Before putting your jet boat on a lift, it is important to check your water conditions, confirm the measurements of your boat, assemble the lift, and move it out into the water. Once it is secured, you can start the process of putting your jet boat on the lift. This involves driving onto the lift slowly, exiting the boat, and raising the lift above the waves. It is important to note that you should never raise or lower your boat lift with someone inside, and always be aware of your surroundings to avoid any accidents.
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What You'll Learn
Preparing your jet boat for the lift
Before you get started, there are a few important steps to take to prepare your jet boat for the lift. Firstly, ensure that the boat is empty. It may seem convenient to have everyone situated in the boat before it hits the water, but this is not safe. Boat lifts are designed to lift the boat, not people or animals. The cables on boat lifts can snap with little to no warning, and there are no safety systems in place to prevent injury or damage, so it is crucial that no one is in the boat during the lifting process.
Next, check that the ballast is empty. Boat lifts have different weight capacities, and trying to lift a boat with a full ballast can exceed the lift's capacity, causing damage or excessive wear. Always empty the ballast before docking on the lift.
Now, you need to determine the ideal orientation for your boat. You'll want it centred or slightly forward of centre over the bunks, depending on the weight and location of your power plant(s), to evenly distribute the weight. Move the boat manually over the submerged bunks to find the perfect spot. Look for a piece of immobile hardware, such as a cleat, fuel-fill, or flush-mounted fishing rod holder, that lines up with a piling, lift post, or other immovable items on the lift or pier. These will be your marks for lining up the boat.
If you are boating 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. With the bunks lowered and the boat in position over the bunks at low water, raise the lift gradually until the boat floats freely, then mark the lift's waterline. This will ensure that the lift is at the proper height when you are ready to load the boat.
Finally, if your boat has a pressurized livewell, be sure to drain it completely before raising the lift. Otherwise, the vacuum created by the water that can't drain out will hold the hatch down with strong suction.
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Types of boat lifts
Boat lifts are devices designed to secure a boat above the water, offering several advantages over keeping a boat tied at a dock. They are beneficial for damage prevention and safe storage, helping to keep your boat in better condition for longer. Before choosing a boat lift, you must determine the weight and dimensions of your boat, as well as the area where the lift will be installed.
Bottom Standing Lifts
Bottom-standing lifts are installed adjacent to the dock and are supported by their own legs, which rest on the bottom. They are ideal for shallow depths, typically between 2 to 10 feet of water. They are a popular choice when the bottom is firm and even, and they can be manually operated or powered by an electric motor. Bottom-standing lifts may need to be removed and reinstalled during winter in cold climates.
Floating Lifts
Floating lifts are perfect for dealing with fluctuating water levels. They support the boat on air-filled metal or plastic chambers, which can be flooded to release the boat and stay submerged while the boat is in use. When you return, the chambers displace water with air, causing the boat to rise above the water surface. Floating lifts are commonly found in larger marinas with floating docks and freshwater impoundments, where lake levels can vary.
Suspended Lifts
Suspended lifts are highly durable and can be integrated into existing permanent dock structures. They often include stainless steel cables, aluminium or galvanised brackets, cable reels, and high-capacity motors. They are designed for heavy use and require minimal maintenance.
Pile Mount Lifts
Pile mount lifts are sturdy and stable, mounted on piers or large wooden beams that are sunk into the ground and reinforced with concrete. They are resistant and offer quality solutions for boat lifting needs.
Shore Mounted Lifts
Shore mounted lifts are ramps that extend from the shore into the water. You drive the boat onto the ramp and then use a winch and line to pull the boat up and out of the water. This type of lift requires a shoreline that gradually rises from the water and is relatively easy and inexpensive to install and maintain.
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How to use a boat lift
Boat lifts are a great way to protect your watercraft from deterioration and corrosion. They can also save you time and money on maintenance and repairs. But how do you use one? This guide will take you through the process step-by-step, so you can keep your boat in tip-top shape.
Prepare the Boat Lift
Before you start, make sure you have chosen the right boat lift for your watercraft. Different lifts are designed for different hull shapes and weight capacities, so it's important to select one that's suitable for your boat. You should also check your local water conditions and measure the depth and bottom qualities before installing the lift. Once you have the right lift, assemble it on a large, flat surface, following the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure to wear protective equipment during the assembly process to avoid any injuries.
Position Your Boat
Now it's time to position your boat on the lift. For boathouse lifts, make sure the boat is empty and no one is on board. Then, lower the lift into the water until the boat starts to float off the cradle. Back carefully out of the lift, being aware of your surroundings. For other types of lifts, such as floating lifts, simply idle onto the lift, pause, and then drive on, just like you would with a boat trailer.
Adjust the Height
Once your boat is securely on the lift, you can adjust the height to suit your needs. If you're using a boathouse lift, crank the wheel or switch to the "up" position to raise the lift above any potential wave action. Be careful not to raise the lift too high, especially if your boathouse has a low ceiling. For other types of lifts, you may need to adjust the height manually to ensure the boat is level and stable.
Remove the Boat
When you're ready to take your boat out, lower the lift until the boat is floating freely. For boathouse lifts, make sure to turn off the switch before removing the boat. Back straight out of the slip and be mindful of your surroundings to avoid any collisions. For floating lifts, gently lift the stern of the boat and slide it seaward, allowing it to depart gradually.
Maintain and Store Your Boat Lift
To keep your boat lift in good condition, it's important to maintain and store it properly. After using the lift, raise it above the waterline to minimize corrosion and marine growth. If you need to remove the boat from the lift for an extended period, lower the lift but do not leave the cradle in the water as it can cause rust and premature wear. Regularly inspect and clean your boat lift, following the manufacturer's instructions, to ensure it remains in good working condition.
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Maintaining your jet boat lift
A jet boat lift is a great investment to protect your boat and save you time and money on maintenance and repairs. To ensure your lift remains in good working order, there are a few maintenance tasks you should carry out.
Firstly, it is important to keep the surfaces of your lift clean and free from debris. This includes regularly inspecting and replacing mooring and winch lines, as well as occasionally spraying them with a rust-inhibitive spray. If your lift has modular pieces, these should be replaced as needed.
Unlike traditional boat lifts, jet boat lifts do not have motors, cables, gears or electricity, so there is no need to grease or lubricate any parts. However, if your jet boat lift has an Airlift docking system, this will require more care and you should refer to your Owner's Manual for specific requirements.
To ensure the longevity of your jet boat lift, it is also important to consider how you store your boat. For example, the bow of the boat should be raised slightly higher than the stern to allow for rainwater drainage, and outboards and sterndrives should be left in the tilted-down position to prevent rainwater collection.
Finally, when the lift is not in use, it should be left in the up position to minimize corrosion and marine growth. By following these maintenance tips, you can keep your jet boat lift in good condition and protect your boat for years to come.
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Benefits of a boat lift
Boat lifts are devices designed to secure a watercraft out of the water. They are beneficial for several reasons and can be used for various watercraft, from personal watercraft like jet skis to larger boats like yachts. Here are some of the advantages of using a boat lift:
Convenience
Boat lifts offer convenience by making it easier to store your vessel at a private dock or marina. They eliminate the need for trailering your boat to and from the water, saving you time and effort. With a boat lift, you can simply drive your boat onto the lift, and it will secure your watercraft. This also removes the hassle of tying and untying dock lines and boat bumpers.
Protection Against Damage
Boat lifts help protect your boat from damage caused by water and the elements. Storing a boat in the water can lead to the accumulation of scum and residue, which is difficult to remove and can damage the exterior. Algae, barnacles, and mussels can grow on the hull, increasing maintenance costs and affecting performance. Boat lifts also prevent hull blisters and protect the paint job. Additionally, they reduce the risk of corrosion, which can compromise the structural integrity of your vessel.
Safety
Boat lifts improve safety by stabilizing the boat during boarding and disembarking. Constantly changing water levels can make it challenging and unsafe to get on and off the boat. A boat lift keeps the vessel at dock level, eliminating movement and providing a safer and quicker boarding experience.
Theft Prevention
Boat lifts can also act as a theft deterrent. Vessels kept in the water are usually easier targets for thieves. By keeping your boat lifted out of the water, you make it more difficult for potential thieves to access and move your watercraft.
Performance and Maintenance
A boat lift can improve your boat's performance and reduce maintenance requirements. A clean boat bottom improves range, saves fuel, and reduces gas mileage. It also eliminates the need for frequent hull cleaning and anti-fouling paints. By reducing the boat's exposure to water and the elements, a boat lift minimizes the need for routine maintenance and repairs, saving you time and money.
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Frequently asked questions
Boat lifts are crucial to the lifespan of your boat and equipment. Storing a boat in the water can cause hull blisters, lower unit wear, and algae build-up. A boat lift can also save you time, as all you need to do to deploy your boat is to drive it off the lift.
First, ensure the guides and bunks are sized and adjusted to fit your boat. Find the ideal orientation for your boat and mark it with a visual cue. You will then need to manually move the boat around over the submerged bunks until it is centred. Once the boat is in position, turn off the engine. You can then turn the lift on, but be sure to centre the weight in the boat so that it doesn't list or rest at an angle.
Lower the lift until the boat is floating freely, then turn off the lift. Secure the boat's lines, climb aboard, start the engine, and back straight out of the slip.
