If you’re a personal watercraft owner, you know how important it is to have a good way to store and protect your investment. That’s where personal watercraft lifts come in! PWC lifts are a great way to keep your jet ski or kayak safe from damage when you’re not using it. However, without understanding what a personal watercraft lift is and which is right for you, you may leave your personal watercraft in a dangerous predicament. Learn more from Boat Lift Warehouse to find out what is a PWC lift, how they work, and the different types.
What is a PWC Lift?
PWC lifts are designed to lift and store your jet ski, kayak, jet boat, or small skiff/boat out of the water at two different elevations. They are available in dock-mounted, pile mounted, free-standing, and drive-on models, and can accommodate jet skis up to 7 feet wide. PWC lifts are a great way to protect your investment from the elements and make it easy to enjoy your watercraft all season long.
How Do PWC Lifts Work?
PWC lifts work by suspending your jet ski in the air so that it’s out of the water when you’re not using it. This protects your jet ski from damage that can be caused by [exposure to salt water](https://www.jetdrift.com/is-saltwater-bad-for-jet-skis/#:~:text=As a rule of thumb,or rust its metal parts.) and sun. Additionally, a jet ski electric lift makes it easy to clean and maintain your jet ski since you can access all sides of the craft when it’s suspended in the air.
Types of PWC Lifts
There are several different types of PWC lifts available on the market, including:
- Drive-On Lift: A drive-on lift is a great option for those who want immediate access to the water. A drive-on lift is a dock-adjacent device that allows a boater to directly “park” their PWC on the lift while in the water. Once on the lift, the PWC is locked in and the rider is able to hop on and off the vessel with ease.
- Davit Lift: A davit lift is a good choice if you need to be able to access both sides of your jet ski for cleaning and maintenance. Davit lifts have a hinge in the middle similar to a crane that allows you to swing one side of the lift up so that you can reach all areas of the craft.
- Pile Mount Lift: A pile mount lift is a power-operated lift that is great for larger jet ski models. These lifts use are made of marine-grade aluminum giving them higher weight capacities than the average PWC lift. A Pile Mount Lift such as the MiniMaxx can support up to 1,200lbs meaning it could also be used as a boat lift for smaller vessels.
- Free Standing Lifts: Freestanding boat lifts come complete with their own legs, and they sit on the lake bed. They are lightweight and made of aluminum, making them very easy to move!
- Davit Lifts: A davit lift is a good choice if you are faced with long distances to the water, like 10 feet or more, or very shallow water. Another advantage of a davit is that it is similar to a small crane and allows you to load and offload your PWC on a trailer.
- Drive-Ons: A drive-on port is not technically a lift but is still an excellent option for those who want immediate access to the water. A drive-on port is a dock-adjacent device that allows a boater to directly “park” their PWC on the port from the water. Once on the drive-on, the rider can easily hop on and off the vessel. It is also a great option if you do not have access to electricity.
Boat Lift Warehouse | PWC Lifts
Purchasing a personal watercraft lift is a great way to protect your investment and keep your jet ski, small boat, or kayak in top condition. There are a variety of PWC lifts available on the market, so be sure you understand the pros and cons of each before making your purchase. Whether it’s a simple hinged lift or a large hydraulic boat lift, working with Boat Lift Warehouse to find the right option for your watercraft can ensure your jet ski is stored safely each and every time you dock. To see our full array of PWC lifts visit our website.
