How to Install a Boat Lift

If you’ve recently purchased a boat lift, you may be curious about how to install a boat lift. Whether it’s because you want to put it in yourself or are simply curious about the work that will be done by professionals, knowing the proper steps will help ensure it is installed properly and will keep your boat safe. Boat lift installation can also be heavily dependent on the type of boat lift selected.

Installation

Boat lift installation can be heavily reliant on which type of boat lift you have chosen for your boat. For example, pile-mounted boat lifts are lifts that are secured by four piles driven into the sand or dirt below. You must ensure that these piles are driven down to the required height for your specific lift, as there may be differences. After this, you must fasten the top beams to the piles before moving on to the cradle beams and the winch. However, many boat lift installations have similar steps beyond this. Such as, putting cable onto the cable winder before attaching the bunks to the cradle beam. After the bunks are attached, they must be fitted to the proper width for your particular boat. While raising and lowering the pile-mounted lift, it can be smart to add reference marks to the piles so you know safe heights that prevent damage to your boat and the lift.

Common Problems with Installation

Boat lifts can encounter various problems if installation is done hastily or improperly. The most common problems depend on the type of boat lift you are installing. For many lifts, it is crucial that you have the lift mounted plumb or sitting level. Compounding the cable if needed, making sure the cable wraps properly on your winder, and having adequate voltage available to the motor are all important and are common causes of problems when not done correctly. Finally, inspect everything closely when finished. Many times unusual sounds or unsmooth movements will be a red flag that will help you catch an issue before it becomes a bigger problem. There are many maintenance options and installation options that can help you avoid issues.

How to Keep Your Boat Lift Safe

The best way to ensure that your lift is installed correctly and is issue free is to allow professionals to perform the install. However, if you still are interested in doing it yourself, make sure to follow any and all instructions carefully. Post-installation, make sure you do regular maintenance and check-ups on your lift, especially the cables, motors, and fasteners to help improve the longevity of your equipment.