When it comes to choosing a boat lift, there are so many options on the market that making a choice can be difficult. We get it though; you’re about to invest in a product and want to ensure that the lift that you purchase meets all of your needs! Lucky for you, we have some tips that should help you narrow your options down and select the best boat lift for you!
Manual vs. Electric
One of the first things you will need to look at when purchasing a boat lift is whether or not you want a manual or electric lift. Manual lifts are operated by a spinner wheel and require minimal maintenance! One thing about a manual lift though is that the owner is required to power the spinner, so if you are unable to do so, an electric lift is more than likely the best option for you. Electric lifts are more convenient, but they require a safe power source and more care. Whether you are choosing a manual or electric route, make sure that you have the means to operate the lift!
Consider Your Boat Specifications
Another thing you will need to consider when purchasing a boat lift is your boat! Before you even begin shopping you will want to have the length, beam, and weight of your boat on hand! You want to ensure that boat lift will be able to support your boat, or you have just basically thrown away your money and risk damages to your boat! If you’re unsure of your boat’s dimensions, it’s always best to overestimate so that your boat will be compatible with the lift.
Sling Style
One thing that you need to remember to analyze when purchasing a lift is the shoreline of the area where you will be installing the lift. Depending on the shoreline at your location you may want to consider a sling style lift instead of a cradle design. Remember: If your lift is going to be installed on a shallow shoreline, you will want to opt for the sling style!
Design
When choosing a lift, you may want to choose from either stainless or a galvanized steel construction for the hoist. Stainless steel equipment offers the best protection against harsh water, but a galvanized model is okay to use in fresh water. Shoppers should take into account the water where the lift will be installed.
Pulleys
Any boat lift you will purchase will undergo stress on the moving parts of the lift. Think of it as a system; you’re lifting a heavy vessel up- of course, there will be wear and tear on the internal parts of the lift. While this is true, there are ball-bearing pulleys that reduce the amount of friction and wear from each use. When purchasing a lift, you should take into account which pulley type you will need for your boat.
Warranty
One way that you can ensure that you are getting a quality boat lift is by looking at the warranty offered. Better lifts will come equipped with a minimum of a one-year warranty on the motor and a lifetime guarantee on the lift assembly. Depending on the brand of the lift, the warranty ranges up to ten years on the motor.
Maintenance Tips
Once you’ve purchased your boat lift, it is important to make sure that you keep the lift well-maintained so that your investment does not go bad. Protect your cables with an occasional spritz of lubricant to help reduce friction and the adverse effects of weather, especially in saltwater areas. Another key thing to remember is that after each use, you will need to wash your lift down to remove, salt, slime, and dirt. For more maintenance tips, check out our blog on maintaining your boat lift!
Now that you know what to look for, check out our online inventory and contact us today to find your dream boat lift!
