A boat lift keeps your boat out of the water, preventing damage from fluctuating water levels, rough waters, and weather. It also helps to reduce algae, hull blisters, and corrosion.

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A boat lift is a great way to keep your water vessel above the surface. This will protect it from the elements and help extend its life. It will also save you the hassle of transporting your boat to and from the water after each use, and it can even add value to your property.

There are a number of different types of boat lifts to choose from, depending on your needs and the type of water you’re in. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most important factors when choosing a lift include location, water depth, and boat weight.

The most common types of boat lifts are 4-post and hydraulic suspended. These are the most durable and can be installed on new or existing docks. They are also ideal for areas with rough weather, as they can withstand strong waves and currents. They are typically made of aluminum or galvanized steel and are highly resistant to corrosion. They can be powered by either a direct drive chain system or a worm drive gear assembly. Both are quieter and require less maintenance than other types of lifts.

Another option is a floating lift, which can be mounted on pilings or a sea wall and is anchored with a gangway. This type of lift is very versatile and can be used in most water depths. It is also popular for locations with limited waterfront, as it allows boats to be lifted without needing a long pier.

These lifts are a good choice for boat owners with limited space or who want to keep their boat in the water year-round. They are easy to operate and can be used with any size vessel. Some of them have flotation tanks that can be filled or emptied to raise or lower the boat. They can be operated manually or with a remote control.

A well-maintained boat can bring in a higher resale value, so it’s important to take care of it. A boat lift can help you do this by protecting your vessel from damage caused by storms and harsh weather. It can also prevent marine growth like barnacles from attaching to the hull and propellers, which can cause performance issues and fuel inefficiency.

Water Depth

Keeping your boat on a lift allows it to stay out of the water at all times, providing added protection from marine life, the elements and other docks. This type of storage also reduces the risk of your vessel becoming a tripping hazard and provides additional security against theft. However, it is important to choose a lift that can accommodate your needs for both deep and shallow water.

Many areas experience fluctuating water levels, which can cause your lift to stick out of the water or be unable to support your vessel. When selecting a lift, make sure it is designed to work in your specific location and water depth, as well as meet any other local requirements such as those set by your marina, boat storage port or other water access facility.

To determine the water depth, your lift needs to have a sensor that sends out a pulse of sound into the water. The sensor measures the time it takes for the reflected sound to return back to the sensor, which is then used to calculate the water depth.

Most lifts add approximately 12” to the required water depth to float your boat on the cradle. This includes the height of the cradle beam, as well as the amount of space that is needed to fully support your vessel on the bunks.

Some lifts have optional hull supports that can be customized to fit your vessel’s hull shape, contouring to it for optimal stability and support. These options may require a professional to install. You can also find remotes for controlling your lift, allowing you to raise and lower it from the safety of your boat.

Cantilever lifts have an H shaped frame with a carriage that the boat rests on. These lifts are typically a good choice for deep or shallow waters, but they do not adapt to changing water levels as well as a floating lift. For locations with fluctuating water levels, a Hewitt Hi-Lift is a great option that offers a direct vertical lift for deep or shallow waters and can be adjusted to match changing conditions.

Boat Weight

When choosing a Boat Lifts it is important to consider the weight of the watercraft. This includes the watercraft dry weight, fuel, gear and any non-factory additions. Once you know the overall weight of your watercraft you can then determine the cradle beam width and the cable pull. Cables are rated for a certain weight and can be compounded (two cables arranged in a I pattern) or simple (one cable). A simple pull will have a higher capacity than a compounded lift.

The platform width and length will also impact the weight capacity of a boat lift. This is because a boat’s weight is not distributed evenly. Often the center of gravity is heavier in the stern and can cause stress on a lift if it is not designed to hold this weight.

Another factor to consider is whether or not the lift is freestanding. Some lifts are attached to a pier or sea wall and can be affected by strong currents. A freestanding lift is able to withstand these conditions and may be a better option for those living in areas with harsh weather.

Many Boat Lifts are also powered by a hydraulic system. This allows the boat lift to operate faster and easier than a manual lift and can help with maneuvering. These types of lifts are available for boats ranging in size from a small sailboat to a large yacht.

A Boat Lifts that is powered by a hydraulic system can also be a more energy efficient option as it uses less electricity to operate than other types of lifts. The hydraulic power system is located above the waterline and the cables are pulled directly off the lift rather than wrapped around a winch drum, which helps to reduce maintenance and wear and tear on the boat and the lift.

Sometimes a boat owner will upgrade to a newer, larger or heavier watercraft and wonder if their existing lift can accommodate this. In most cases it is possible to fit a bigger or heavier watercraft on a lift, but it is best to consult with an RGC dealer and the manufacturer of the lift to ensure that it will safely support the additional weight.

Boat Length

Boat lifts are designed to safely and smoothly hoist watercrafts into and out of the water. They are sized by their capacity and, just like each boat, pontoon or PWC is different, each lift size will have a specific maximum load. Overloading a lift can cause stress on the motor and make it less efficient, but most importantly, it will not do its job, which is to safely move your craft from Point A to Point B.

To determine the correct lift size for your boat, you will first need to know the overall weight and beam of your vessel. Most boat manufacturers will include the base dry weight on their spec sheet, which is a great place to start. However, this number is not the same as the “wet” weight which takes into account all of the fluids, equipment, passengers and accessories on board. The best practice is to err on the side of caution and add a 20% margin when selecting a lift capacity.

The next thing you will need to know is the beam width of your boat, which is the widest portion of the hull. The inside pile to inside pile width of your boat lift will need to be able to fit the width of your beam plus a 4-6” cushion on each side. The cushion is important because if you try to put your boat into a lift with too little of a clearance, it can result in damage and wear on your vessel or the lift itself.

It is also important to keep in mind that some boat owners may upgrade to a new boat over time, and they will need to be sure the new vessel fits properly on their current lift and does not exceed the capacity of their existing system. This is why it is always a good idea to consult a dealer before attempting any modifications to your lift. Changing the capacity of your lift without consulting an expert could be dangerous and may not be covered under your warranty.