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The Benefits of Owning a Boat Lift: How Investing in a Boat Lift Can Save You Time and Money

April 2, 2023April 1, 2023 by Mike Haley

Extend The Life Of Your Boat Lift Canopy

If you’re a boat owner, you know how important it is to keep your boat in good condition. Regular maintenance and upkeep are crucial to ensuring that your vessel is always ready for your next adventure on the water. However, maintaining a boat can be time-consuming and expensive, especially if you don’t have the right equipment. This is where a boat lift comes in.

A boat lift is a device that raises your boat out of the water and keeps it secure while it’s not in use. By investing in a boat lift, you can save time and money on maintenance and repairs, extend the life of your boat, and even increase the value of your waterfront property. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the benefits of owning a boat lift and how it can help you make the most of your time on the water. Whether you’re a seasoned boat owner or just getting started, a boat lift is a valuable investment that can pay off in more ways than one.

Boat Lift Saves Time

Owning a boat lift can save you a significant amount of time in several ways:

No More Trailering

Trailering your boat to and from the water can be a time-consuming process. With a boat lift, you can keep your boat in the water all season long, eliminating the need for trailering. This means you can spend more time enjoying your boat and less time preparing it for the water.
Easy Access

Launching and retrieving your boat can be a hassle without a boat lift, especially if you have to wade into the water to get to your boat. A boat lift allows you to easily access your boat without getting wet or dirty, saving you time and hassle.
Less Maintenance

Keeping your boat in the water can lead to algae and barnacle growth, which can increase maintenance time and costs. With a boat lift, you can keep your boat out of the water when you’re not using it, reducing the need for maintenance and cleaning.
Quick and Easy Repairs

If your boat needs repairs or maintenance, a boat lift makes it quick and easy to access the hull and underside of your boat. This can save you time and money by allowing you to make repairs yourself or get them done quickly by a professional.

Overall, owning a boat lift can save you time by eliminating the need for trailering, providing easy access to your boat, reducing maintenance time, and facilitating quick repairs. By investing in a boat lift, you can spend more time enjoying your boat and less time on maintenance and upkeep.

Boat Lifts Can Extend Boat Life

Boat Lift Build For A Yacht That Will Last A Life Time

Owning a boat lift can also help to extend the life of your boat. Here are a few reasons why:

Prevents Hull Damage

Keeping your boat in the water for extended periods can lead to hull damage from debris, waves, and even marine life. With a boat lift, you can keep your boat out of the water when you’re not using it, preventing this type of damage.
Reduces Corrosion

Exposure to salt water can cause corrosion on your boat’s hull, propellers, and other metal components. By lifting your boat out of the water when it’s not in use, you can reduce exposure to saltwater and prevent corrosion.
Avoids Fouling

When your boat sits in the water, marine growth such as barnacles and mussels can attach to the hull and other surfaces, leading to performance issues and fuel inefficiency. A boat lift can prevent fouling by keeping your boat out of the water when not in use.
Protects Against Storms

Storms and rough weather can cause significant damage to boats that are moored in the water. A boat lift provides added protection by keeping your boat out of harm’s way during severe weather.

Overall, a boat lift can help to extend the life of your boat by preventing hull damage, reducing corrosion, avoiding fouling, and providing added protection during storms. By investing in a boat lift, you can protect your investment and enjoy your boat for many years to come.

Boat Lifts Increases Property Value

In addition to saving, you time and extending the life of your boat, owning a boat lift can also increase the value of your waterfront property. Here’s how:

Added Convenience

A boat lift provides added convenience for boat owners, making it easier to launch and retrieve their boats. This convenience can be a major selling point for potential buyers, especially those who are serious about boating.
Increased Protection

A boat lift provides added protection for your boat, which can be a major selling point for potential buyers. Knowing that their boat will be protected from damage and marine growth can be a significant factor in their decision to purchase waterfront property.
Higher Resale Value

Properties with boat lifts typically have a higher resale value than those without. This is because boat owners are willing to pay a premium for the added convenience and protection that a boat lift provides.
Enhanced Aesthetics

Boat lifts can be customized to match the aesthetics of your waterfront property, adding to its overall appeal. This can be a major selling point for potential buyers who are looking for a property that is not only functional but also visually appealing.

Overall, owning a boat lift can increase the value of your waterfront property by providing added convenience, protection, and aesthetic appeal. By investing in a boat lift, you can enjoy the benefits of boating while also enhancing the value of your property.

Different Types of Boat Lifts

There are several types of boat lifts to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common types of boat lifts:

Vertical Boat Lifts

Vertical boat lifts are the most common type of boat lift and are designed to lift boats straight up out of the water. They are best suited for boats that are up to 10,000 pounds and have a beam width of up to 120 inches.
PWC Boat Lifts

PWC jet ski lifts are designed specifically for personal watercraft such as jet skis and wave runners. They can be either vertical or cantilever and are typically smaller and more affordable than boat lifts.
Elevator Boat Lifts

This type of lift raises and lowers boats vertically using a motorized elevator. Elevator boat lifts are a good option for boats that are too large or heavy for other types of lifts, or in situations where a lift needs to be installed in a narrow waterway or other constrained space.
Marine Railway Boat Lifts

This type of lift uses a rail system to move boats in and out of the water. Marine railway boat lifts are typically used in areas with shallow water and are ideal for boats with flat bottoms or keels.
Beamless Boat Lifts

Beamless boat lifts use a series of horizontal supports instead of traditional beams to lift and hold the boat. This design minimizes the risk of damage to the boat and allows for easier access to the boat’s hull for maintenance.
Trident Specialty Boat Lifts

Trident specialty boat lifts are designed to lift boats with unusual shapes or sizes, such as pontoon boats or large sailboats.
Deck Boat Lifts

Deck boat lifts are designed to lift boats that have a deck or cockpit above the hull. These lifts are ideal for boats with a higher center of gravity or that require additional clearance for the cockpit.

When choosing a boat lift, it’s important to consider the weight and size of your boat as well as your budget and personal preferences. Consulting with a professional boat lift installer can help you determine which type of lift is best suited for your needs.

Overall, there are several types of boat lifts to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. By selecting the right boat lift for your boat and budget, you can enjoy the benefits of owning a boat lift while also protecting your investment.

Choosing the Right Boat Lift

When it comes to choosing a boat lift, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you select the right lift for your needs. Here are some of the most important factors to consider:

Boat Size

The size and weight of your boat are the most important factors to consider when choosing a boat lift. Be sure to select a lift that is capable of safely lifting and supporting your boat’s weight.
Water Depth

The depth of the water where the lift will be installed is another important factor to consider. If the water is shallow, you may need to select a lift with a smaller profile to ensure that your boat does not bottom out when entering or exiting the lift.
Dock Type

The type of dock you have can also impact the type of boat lift you select. For example, if you have a floating dock, you may need to select a lift that is compatible with a floating dock.
Boat Type

The type of boat you have can also impact the type of boat lift you select. For example, if you have a sailboat, you may need to select a lift with a taller profile to ensure that the mast can clear the lift.
Budget

Of course, budget is always a factor when selecting a boat lift. Be sure to consider the upfront cost of the lift as well as any ongoing maintenance or repair costs when selecting a lift.

By carefully considering these factors and working with a professional boat lift installer, you can select the right boat lift for your needs and enjoy the benefits of owning a boat lift for years to come.

Final Thoughts

Owning a boat lift offers numerous benefits that can save you both time and money in the long run. By investing in a boat lift, you can enjoy the following benefits:

Save time by avoiding the need to constantly remove and reinstall your boat from the water.
Extend the life of your boat by protecting it from exposure to the elements and potential damage from waves and other watercraft.
Increase the value of your property by adding a valuable and convenient feature for future buyers.

When choosing a boat lift, be sure to consider important factors such as boat size, water depth, and dock type to ensure that you select the right lift for your needs and budget.

Investing in a boat lift may seem like a big expense upfront, but in the long run, it can save you money and hassle by protecting your boat and simplifying your boating experience. Don’t hesitate to consult with a professional boat lift installer to help you choose the right lift for your needs.

We encourage you to consider the benefits of owning a boat lift and make the investment today. Your boat and your wallet will thank you for it. Request a custom boat lift quote right away!

10 Reasons to Buy a Boat Lift

December 14, 2022November 1, 2019 by mhaley

1. Convenient access to your boat.

What can be more convenient than simply lower your boat lift into the water when you want to be underway? No more trailering your boat. No more waiting in line at the boat ramp. Just convenient and consistent access to your boat. You can not underestimate the convenience a boat lift will bring and how much of your valuable time you will save by using a boat lift to launch and recover your boat.

2. It will keep your hull clean.

As anyone who has ever pulled a boat from the water after several days can attest, it takes little to no time for the hull to become fouled. Whether it is fouled by sea growth, muck, barnacles, algae, zebra mussels, crustaceans or any number of other forms of marine life, each of these can quickly damage a boat. In ALL cases, chronic water storage significantly decreases the performance, speed, usable life, and value of the watercraft.

3. It will decrease the need to re-apply anti-foul paint.

In order to help keep the hull clean, most boats apply anti-foul paint to the hull. Unfortunately, before this paint can be applied, the hull will typically need to be pressure washed, scraped, and then sanded. As you can imagine, this will require paying for the boat to be removed from the water. By keeping your boat on a lift, you will help to decrease the likelihood that your hull will become fouled by aquatic life. This means a whole lot less washing, scraping, sanding, and painting!

4. Boat lifts decrease damage from corrosion and electrolysis.

Your hull isn’t the only part of the watercraft that will have to deal with the ramifications of constant contact with the water. Imagine pulling your boat from the water only to find metal fittings, props, and more all but eaten away. Even worse, the same sort of damage can take place inside your engine block, manifold and pumps. This sort of damage can be extremely bad as you can’t typically see it until your boat simply breaks down. The best means of preventing corrosion and electrolysis is to keep your boat out of the water on a boat lift.

5. Prevent damage to your boat from inclement weather.

Boat lifts prevent the boat from hitting the dock during the heavy wake or inclement weather, avoiding scrapes and bruises from bouncing around in a tied-off wet slip mooring. When properly configured, a boat lift can dry dock your vessel well above storm surge. Also, the Boat Owner’s Association of the United States recently took a look at insurance claims and found that 69% of boats sink at the dock or mooring. With a boat lift, you do not need to constantly worry about your bilge pump. If your bilge pump fails while you are away, your boat is still safely dry-docked with a boat lift.

6. Provide easy access to your boat for maintenance.

Having your boat up on a lift sure makes it easy to wash your hull. Adding walk boards and stern platforms to the boat lift makes it very convenient to inspect your boat for damage. These platforms also make repairs to the hull and props much easier to perform. The money you save with a boat lift by not having to pay to have your boat hauled out of the slip onto dry land for routine maintenance can be put to better use elsewhere.

7. The cradles can be decked over to create a platform.

You can easily create a platform lift by decking the boat lift cradles. Many homeowners prefer the look of platform lifts. Whether you deck the lift with materials that match your dock or use long-lasting materials like Thru-Flow or Sure-Step decking, platform lifts provide tremendous convenience. Platform lifts provide complete walk-around access to your watercraft. Many people love platform lifts for use with their PWCs, providing a convenient launch platform for their jet skis, kayaks, and canoes.

8. They can provide added security for your boat.

On a day-to-day basis, boat lifts can provide added security with keyed access to the lift controls. For additional security, you can disable the lift by turning off the power at the circuit breaker in your home. For long-term storage security, you can lock your cradles to the top beams using a product like this from swingstoppers.com. This system prevents the boat from being lowered into the water.

9. A boat lift can put money in your pocket.

A boat lift in good working order is very attractive to home buyers. It is well established that a boat lift will increase your property value. Also, consider all the money you can save on marina storage fees and/or dry-covered storage for your boat.

10. Neighbor envy!

When your neighbors see how nice your new boat lift looks. When they see how much easier and better a boat lift makes the boating experience. It won’t be long before your neighbors start asking all kinds of questions about your new boat lift. And that is a sure sign that your neighbors are green with envy. Be the better person and help them get a new boat lift at their home. After all, it will raise the property values in your neighborhood, which helps you too.

Your PWC Needs TLC: Why A Lift Is A Summer Must-Have

May 19, 2022August 5, 2019 by mhaley

black and white jetski on PWC 1500 Personal Watercraft Lift

The enticing summer heat makes a personal watercraft a suitable toy to brave the wind and explore the sea. If taking a cruise down the sea and lake is one of the activities you want to be part of this summer, it is important that you keep your personal watercraft protected at all times. Your PWC is similar to your boat. It needs TLC if you want to it last for years. It might sound easier said than done, but all you need to keep your PWC in tip-top shape is a high-quality PWC lift. If you do not have one for your PWC, here are the options you can explore:

Single Place PWC Lift

If you are searching for a lift that can withstand any water conditions, the single place PWC lift is perfect for you. If you choose the poly tank front-mount design, you will have peace of mind because this type of single place PWC lift is capable of protecting your watercraft against all sorts of water condition. If you choose the single-tank, you will be able to hold your PWC higher. This design also keeps your feet dry if you want to cover or maintain your watercraft.

Double Place PWC Lift

When you want to cruise around the sea or lake with your friends or family, you need to have more than one lift for your PWC. A Double-Place personal watercraft lift is ideal for you because it is the single tank design’s extension. Instead of buying two singles, double place PWC lift is the ideal solution. This type of PWC lift also comes with a full deck.

Sidemount PWC Lift

Another PWC lift that you can consider is the side-mount mechanical lift. This is great for homeowners who are concerned about property line issues. This PWC lift is such a space-saver. The dock footprint only measures 5 1/2 feet as compared to standard lifts which measure 11 feet. You should also take note that the weight capacity for side-mount personal watercraft lift is 920 lbs.

Why a lift is necessary for your PWC?

You will never know the importance of a lift unless you are faced with a disaster. PWC offers the following benefits:

Keeps PWC out of water

When your personal watercraft stays too long in the water, it will become prone to stain or damage. The paint and protecting coating will wear down and the damage can get worse if you let your personal watercraft sit down in the water. The lift serves as your watercraft’s protection. It allows you to store your PWC properly when not in use.

Reduces the likelihood of sinking

If your PWC sits in its slip, there is a greater chance that it will sink. Your watercraft may take on water due to a small leak. It might be too late to discover that your watercraft has already sunk below the surface of the water. Retrieving and repairing your PWC is a costly project. A lift will prevent this from happening by keeping your personal watercraft up and out of the water.

Makes your boat easy to clean and maintain

A lift allows you to access your personal watercraft so it will be easy for you to clean it. Regularly applying wax will not be a problem once you have a lift. You can even make cleaning and protecting your personal watercraft a walk in the park by adding a walkway next to your PWC lift.

Keeps debris at bay

Debris can float around the water, especially after heavy rains. With a PWC lift, you will be able to keep debris like sticks, logs, leaves, and grime away. This will only be possible if you lift your personal watercraft out of the water.

Factors That Affect Your Boat Lift Buying Decision

May 27, 2022March 19, 2019 by mhaley

One thing that you need to ensure to keep your water vessel protected against corrosion and other harsh elements is to store it out of the water when you’re not using it. A boat lift is going to be essential in the process of storing your vessel. Keeping your boats in dry storage ensures easy cleaning and repair while lengthening the life of your vessel. You can also provide protection to your vessel against wind and rain once removed from the water. When buying a boat lift, there are several factors that will play an important role in the decision-making process.

The type of vessel

You can’t just purchase a boat lift randomly and hope that it will successfully remove your vessel from the water. There are still some factors that you need to take into account like the weight, length, height and even the overall dimensions of your boat. These factors will give you an idea of the style and size of a boat that’s suitable for your needs. So for instance, you want to lift a sports fishing boat that weighs 1500 pound, you will need to choose a boat lift for a personal watercraft.

The location of your boat lift

If you choose to install a boat lift on a lake in Florida, there are some careful considerations that you can’t afford to miss out. The boat lift location is important in keeping your vessel protected. Be sure that the dock, lift, and pilings extend far enough into the water so you’ll have water beneath the boat lift even if it’s the dry season.

If you intend to install a lift on the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), it’s necessary to keep seasonal lakeshore depth in mind. This means that you should gain a deeper understanding of the occasional surges and tidal conditions. Tides can bring water over the seawalls or leave your vessel stuck in the mud when tides are low. The water needs to be deep with the boat lift attached to a floating or fixed dock.

Types of boat lifts

It may be a cliche, but lifts are not created equal. Each type serves its unique purpose. If you have shallow waters, sling lifts are the way to go. Adjustable cradle lifts are a practical choice of most boat owners, especially the ones with four or eight posts. You can also choose elevator boat lifts as they can be secured to a concrete pad, seawall or a dock. The materials may also vary. Some are made of steel while others are made of aluminum. The cables and pulleys are also treated to prevent rusting.

Before you consider buying a boat lift, be sure to analyze your needs. It pays to take the time to explore your options to prolong the life of your water vessel.

Simple Steps To Determine The Right Size Of Boat Lift For Your Needs

March 17, 2024December 10, 2018 by mhaley

As a boat owner, a boat lift is an essential device for maintaining and protecting your boat. Allowing your boat to be in the water for too long will decrease the life of your watercraft, so be sure to keep it elevated. This makes the boat lift a valuable item. If you have decided to buy a boat lift, the size of the vessel should be taken into consideration. There are two main factors to keep mind: boat weight and boat width:

Boat Weight

You need to start with knowing the weight of your boat before you consider buying a boat lift. Knowing the weight capacity you need for your boat lift will help you decide which boat lift is right for you. You can find the base dry weight of your watercraft by checking the boat specification sheet. The sheet also includes useful information like water, storage, gas, batteries, water sports equipment and more. Typically, it’s recommended to add a 20% margin or size up when identifying your boat lift capacity. You might also want to compute the water weight, which can be done by multiplying the boat’s total waste and freshwater tank capacity.

Boat Width

You’ll also have to know about the beam and style of your boat. As the widest portion of your boat, the beam should be accommodated by the boat lift. Don’t forget to check the measurement of the cradle beam length as well. You don’t want your boat lift to be too small or too big. Be sure that either side has a minimum of a four-inch cushion. It’s also important that you have at least a ten-inch cushion in the event you’re going to use guideposts on the boat lift. The boat lift style will depend on the hull draft shape of your watercraft. Some common shapes are Pontoon, V-Drive, V-Hull, etc. You’ll also need to identify whether you have an outboard or inboard motor. Aside from the boat width and weight, there are other factors that you need to consider as they will also impact your buying decision. You should consider the dock shape and location. The type of water that your boat is usually exposed to should be checked. Find out if the water is deep fluctuating water or a shallow lakeshore. You’ll also need to determine the water condition where you’re going to dock your boat, especially the water level at low tide. All these factors will help you choose an appropriate boat lift type. You won’t have difficulties with choosing the right boat lift size for your watercraft if you know these factors. You can also be sure that your watercraft will be safe and secure as the boat lift has the right capacity. Looking for professional insight into the best lift to meet your needs? Contact us to let our friendly staff assist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Determine The Right Size Of Boat Lift

What is the first step in selecting the right boat lift?

Measure your boat's overall length, beam, and weight to ensure the lift can accommodate its dimensions and mass.

How does boat weight influence lift size selection?

Consider the fully loaded weight of your boat, including fuel, water, and gear, to choose a lift with adequate capacity.

Are there special considerations for the boat's beam and lift width?

The lift's width should comfortably exceed your boat's beam to facilitate easy entry and exit from the lift.

What role do environmental factors play in choosing a boat lift?

Account for local conditions like water depth, fluctuation, and seabed composition to ensure the lift's stability and functionality.

How do additional boat features impact lift size choice?

Accessories and modifications on your boat, like towers or outboard motors, might require a lift with specialized features or additional capacity.

Why Use A Boat Lift? A Complete Guide

June 16, 2022July 26, 2018 by mhaley

This IMM Quality Brindley 10K boat lift holds a white vessel called the Ocean Billy

Many new boat owners aren’t sure whether to invest in a boat lift or not. To help clarify whether it’s the right choice for you, let’s first go over what a boat lift is. A boat lift is a device that allows you to lift your craft from the water. This comes with many benefits, and can dramatically increase a boat’s lifespan. Any vessel can use one of these devices, regardless of its size or location. Need some more convincing? Here are the main three reasons why a boat lift is a shrewd purchase for any boat owner.

1. Water Absorption

At first, storing your boat in the water may seem like the most natural thing in the world. However, this can lead to the rapid deterioration of the boat’s exterior. Why is that? For starters, being in the water all the time can wear out the lower unit and cause hull blisters. Plus, you’ll have to clean scum and residue buildup on a regular basis. And, of course, there’s the matter of appearance. Regardless of how much you’ve invested in your boat, you want it to remain as pristine as possible. Without a boat lift, the paint at the bottom of your boat is likely to decay faster. In other words, boat lifts help you protect both the appearance and the resale value of your boat. In the long run, the money you’ll save on exterior maintenance can add up.

2. Water Level Fluctuations

Depending on where you live, fluctuations in water levels can be a real issue. These fluctuations can be minor or major, but they’ll have some impact. Storms and season changes, in particular, can cause serious damage to your boat. A boat lift will keep your craft away from debris and fluctuating water. Water level fluctuations can also make it harder to get in and out of your boat. Boarding and disembarking in restless water or extreme tides can become complicated and even dangerous. Well, boat lifts can help you in this regard as well. By using a lift, you should be able to stabilize the movement of your boat in most situations and raise it to a level where you can comfortably get out.

3. Saving Time

Finally, a boat lift helps you save time while getting in and out of the water. If you have a lift, you need simply lower your craft and drive off. Without a lift, there will likely be a couple of extra steps before that. If you can’t wait to take off, this can be an exhausting process. Plus, having a boat lift makes it easier to check for cracks and leaks on the hull. If your boat has been in the water for a while, doing a maintenance check can reveal all sorts of issues.

Buying the Right Boat Lift

All in all, a boat lift is a great way to protect your investment. Now that you know why these devices are worthwhile, you may be wondering, “Which one to buy?” There are many types of boat lifts out there, and it’s easy to get confused. Not sure where to start? You may want to take a look at our catalog! All our boat lifts are expertly engineered, and we can also design one just for you.

Boat Lift Saves Time

No More Trailering

Easy Access

Less Maintenance

Quick and Easy Repairs

Boat Lifts Can Extend Boat Life

Prevents Hull Damage

Reduces Corrosion

Avoids Fouling

Protects Against Storms

Added Convenience

Increased Protection

Higher Resale Value

Enhanced Aesthetics