Your boat is meant to go on the water but not stay there full-time. Storing your boat safely on a boat lift is the best way to protect your investment and keep your boat looking great and performing well for seasons to come. Storing your boat on a lift also lets you get on the water faster and easier than other methods like trailering or dry storage.
No matter where you’re launching from, there’s a boat lift that suits your dock. Here’s what you should consider before shopping for and buying a lift for your boat.
Your Dock Design and Layout
Different lifts work better for fixed and floating docks, and the conditions that prompted you to choose your boat dock design will influence your boat lift choice. The right boat lift for your dock can prevent your dock from getting damaged by preventing improper weight distribution, so make sure you know your dock specs before shopping. Also, keep in mind any roof structures you have, how sturdy your dock is, the length and width of your slip, and anything in the slip that might affect how a boat lift operates.
Your Boat Information
Your boat’s hull type, length, beam, make, model, and year all factor into what capacity boat lift you should look into. Also, consider the live weight—different from dry weight. This measure factors in all of the additional things you have on your boat, like the battery, fire extinguishers, fuel, freshwater, watersports gear, ballast tanks, safety equipment, etc. Generally, adding 10% to the listed dry weight is an excellent way to go.
Your Water Conditions
Is your water activity mild, rough, or somewhere in between? Does the water level change a lot seasonally? How deep or shallow is the water? What’s the bottom like? The water in the main channel or trendy area is rougher than a quiet and empty one and will require stronger lift arms, and lifts in shallow or fluctuating water need to be usable when the water level is low. These are the types of things you should think about when you talk with your boat lift dealer.
Manual or Electric
An electric boat lift is usually more convenient: nothing beats having a remote control to lower your boat into the water while you’re getting ready to go out. However, if you can’t run electricity out to your dock safely and don’t have a power source at your dock, a manual boat lift is the way to go. Spinning a wheel is more work than pushing a button, but it’s still better than leaving your boat in the water. It’s also a more economical option.
With all of this in mind, you can be prepared to ask your boat lift dealer what options are best for your water and start making plans for the next boating season!
For More Information
ShoreMaster, LLC
1025 International Drive
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
800.328.8945
www.shoremaster.com
