Choosing a Boat Lift

Boat lifts are one of the more important supplementary purchases that you make with a boat. A good boat lift ensures that your boat remains safe during the time that you are not around it, and ensures that you won’t have to pay for costly and avoidable damages. When purchasing your boat lift, there’s a few things you should take into account.

Required Installation

Many boat lifts can be assembled on your own, while others require a team to come in to get the job done. Be sure you know what you’re getting yourself into, and be aware that you will need to bring your boat lift in and out if water in your area freezes over. Also be aware that storing your boat lift for the winter can come with a price tag as well if you don’t have a place to store it on your own.

Manual or Electric

For many of your smaller boats, all you will need is boat lift with a winch powered by yourself. They typically are a lot cheaper, and will require less maintenance down the road. If you have a heavier fiberglass boat, or require a bit of assistance for getting your boat out of the water, then a boat lift with an electrical motor may be the best option. It gives you more flexibility as well if you anticipate getting a larger or heavier boat that can fit on your existing boat lift.

Required Maintenance

Before buying your boat lift, be sure you ask the sales staff what kind of regular maintenance will be required on your part. Boat lifts typically require fairly regular lubrication for all of its gears, cables and other moving parts. Always be sure you check your boat lift for cracks and wear and tear in the belts and cables, particularly in the spring before you put it in the water. If you are taking your boat out for an extended period of time, it’s a good idea to raise the boat lift out of the water.

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