Choosing The Correct PWC Lift
Choosing the correct lift for your PWC is one of the most important steps in jet ski ownership. There are several factors that will influence the type of lift you purchase. Below we have listed several key points you’ll want to think about as you dive into making your PWC lift purchase.
Factors That Will Influence Your PWC Lift Purchase
- Do you have permit requirements? This varies greatly depending on your location. For example, in some areas, a swinger lift may not require a permit since it does not occupy water surface area all the time. We recommend you always consult your local regulating authorities.
- Water Type. The water your PWC will be navigating in can heavily influence choosing the correct type of PWC lift. In salt water, a Tide Tamer Swinger lift is almost always the best choice. Being out of the water completely when in the up position, there are no barnacles or corrosion issues! You could also use a Mini Maxx with a saltwater kit with a zinc plate.
- What is the weight and size of your watercraft? When it comes to weight, there is both dry weight as well as wet weight. When choosing your lift, you will want to take the wet weight into consideration, which includes the weight of the boat plus all of the additional factors. Gasoline and water, for example, can weigh approximately 6-8 pounds per gallon. Besides checking that the lift will work with the weight of your PWC, you will also need to check the specifications to make sure it will be able to accommodate the width and length of your craft.
- How much travel is required? Your travel is measured from the top of the dock to the top of the water adding enough room to allow your PWC to float off the lift. If you have an extremely long distance to lower your PWC, a Davit may be the best or, in some cases, the only choice.
- What mounting option is best for my situation? Choose the mount that is appropriate for where you will be installing your lift. Are you mounting to a piling, a dock/seawall, or do you have a floating dock? There are different types of mounting options for each of these situations. If you have a boathouse and an open slip, it may be more cost-effective to use a Boathouse Kit configured as a PWC lift. This option also gives you more versatility in the future. If you have a floating dock, you would need a drive-on that connects to a floating dock. Because mounting options are different, you will also need to purchase the appropriate hardware to connect to your piling or dock.
- Availability of electricity. One of the last determining factors in choosing the correct PWC lift for your needs is whether or not you will have access to electricity on location. This will determine whether you need to select a manual or automatic lift. Manual PWC lifts use a winch mechanism to raise and lower the watercraft, while electric PWC lifts use a motor to accomplish the same thing. On a lake in a remote area without power, a Drive-on is also a great choice.
PWC Lift Type Examples:
- Fixed Lifts
- Swinger Lifts
- Drive On PWC Docks
- Removable Freestanding Lifts
- Davits
Your New PWC Lift | Boat Lift Warehouse
When it comes to choosing a PWC lift, there are many factors in play. From the weight to the width to the type of features needed, it can be a lot to navigate. At Boat Lift Warehouse, we know this can be a difficult process to undertake on your own. If you have any questions feel free to contact Boat Lift Warehouse and we will work with you to get the right lift for the size, weight, and features of your PWC.
