8 Reasons Why You Should Buy a Boat Lift

What is the most important benefit of getting a boat lift? Boats are designed and built for living in water, but they cannot be kept there at all times. The use and safety of boats are very important to the security of their investment as they have many advantages. Our knowledge explains that keeping the boats out of the water when they are not used slows down the damage caused by their contact with water. We will discuss some reasons why you should buy a boat lift. It is important to know about different types of boat lift systems to get the best one for your situation. In some cases, having the appropriate boat lift for a boat can prevent costly repairs. Learning the use of boats, lifts, and other equipment is beneficial to your boating career.

What Is a Boat Lift?

Boat lifts are tools used to lift your yacht or boat. When a boat is on a lifting device it is placed on a floating platform above water. Although traditional boat lifts use an automatic crank and pulling system for the lifting of the boat most boat lifts nowadays are motorized machines that make the work less demanding. Modern boat lifts are easy to use. You most likely have seen boats lifted before, and even used a boat before if you’ve been around boats. Early lift systems used a davit or crane for lifting boats from water which took a while and was expensive to perform.

Prevent Damage to Your Boat From Inclement Weather

A boat Lift prevents boats from hitting docks in heavy wakes and inclement weather to prevent scrapes and bruises from flies in wet slip moorings. A recent study conducted revealed that 68% of boats sink at docks or moorings in the US. With a yacht lift, you don’t have to deal with bilge pumps at all. During a vacation, a bilge pump fails and your boat sinks in the water and all the value is lost.

Boat Maintenance Will Be Less Expensive

The major advantages of these boatlifts are their economics and convenience. The hull can remain clean while the cost of cleaning the hull and painting with antifouling, is reduced. Moreover, colonies of algae or mollusks that grow inside limbs are prevented. You won’t be worried about the boat being damaged or the dock suddenly breaking. The lift helps protect the boat. If you leave your boat in the water, it’s probably going to take years to repair. The most important aspect of keeping your boat dry and protected from any damage, is installing boat lifts.

It Will Help You Avoid Damage to the Hull

If there is a possibility your boat might get damaged, then keep it out of the water when you don’t have any use for it. Usually, the weather conditions change water levels causing collisions to the ship. The dirt from the sea is also constantly connected to your boat’s undersurface which can lead to long-term wear and tear. The problem is that damage accumulates and can be extremely costly.

Prevent Corrosion

Storing an inflatable kayak on the water can be dangerous in other areas than its sole purpose of transportation. Metal cylinders, which can be found in the engine hose system, and other equipment can get severe damage. This type of damage is dangerous because the damage is not visible until the vessel is lifted off the ocean. Using an elevator prevents corrosion from happening.

Give Easy Access to Your Boat for Maintenance

It makes cleaning your boat easier. The addition of a walking board and stern platform in boat lifts makes it easier to check your boat for damage easily and safely. This platform also makes the repair of the hull easier and safer. If you don’t want to pay for the removal of your boat from the water for maintenance, getting a boat lift can be highly beneficial in that respect and the cost savings can be spent elsewhere. Adding walk boards and stern platforms to the boat lift makes it very convenient to inspect your boat for damage.

It Reduces the Need for Reapplying Antifoul Paint

To make boating safer they usually spray an anti-foul coating on the hull. However, before applying paint it is often advisable to wash the hull with water, scrape, and dust. It will take money to remove the boat. You should keep your boat in a lift to prevent your boat from becoming flooded by water.

Prevent Weather Damage

If your ship is tied to an anchorage, it can easily be scratched by incoming waves during storms or when summer winds blow. Boat lift helps your boat to stay in good standing and prevents it from crashing into the water. This also reduces your concerns about a failed bilge pump and helps your boat dry-dock in a dry state. Having boat lifts installed can reduce mother nature’s impact on your boat.

Boat Lifts Reduce Damage From Electrolysis

The vessel’s hull is not the only thing that must deal with continuous contact with the water. Staying there causes electrolysis in the longer run. Imagine pulling a boat out of the sea only to find all of its accessories gone. A much bigger problem may occur in a motor’s engine manifold and in the pump. These kinds of damages are extremely dangerous because you usually won’t notice them until the boat breaks down.

The Cradles Can Be Covered to Create a Platform

A platform lifting system could be quickly built by using decks. The most common homeowners prefer platforms for their lift systems. Platform elevators are very efficient if the lift is covered by decking that matches your docking station. Platform lifts offer a full walk-around entrance to the watercraft. Several people love platforms to be utilized with PWCs and provide a comfortable starting platform for their jet skis.

Types of Boat Lifts

There is a number of boat lift systems that feature unique functionality allowing the different boats of different sizes and depths as well as ocean-like waters. Here are some typical boatlifts that you will find onshore.

Cantilever Boat Lifts

Cantilever Boat Lifts are a popular lift type due to their relatively quick maintenance and their ability to take larger boats farther away. This boat lift uses a wire to put two H-shaped structures in horizontal positions and release the boat from the water. Cantilever lifts are ideal in shallow water because you can get your boat out farther into the shallow sea.

Freestanding Boat Lifts

Although most boat lifts connect to your docking system, a freestanding boat lift provides a second option. They can be used alone on different bed surfaces, such as sandy lakes or sandy rivers. Another advantage to floating lift boats is that they can be easily accessed and removed because they aren’t attached to anything, ideal for sluggish areas.

Floating Boat Lifts

Floating boat lift systems look like lifting machines floating over the water. Inflatable boats may be connected to traditional docks or easily connected to floating docks. Because it’s afloat, the lift is ideal for deepwater and bed areas which makes lifting more complicated.

Hydraulic Boat Lifts

Hydraulic boat lifts use batteries that can raise or lower boats at the touch of one button. This lift is considered premium because it will move your boat fast and will not have any noise. Many hydraulic lifting devices are operated by lift controls, which add to their convenience.

Benefits of Boat Lifts

It’s essentially simple: it raises the boat to an elevated position. Although simple, boat lifting offers significant advantages to the boat owner. If you don’t know why you need to use boat lifts, then look at these advantages.

Prevention of Damage and Scratches

Floods and storms can cause scuffs and scrapes. With a boat elevator, you have the safety of the vessel anchored above water so it doesn’t slide over sand or float.

Protection From Corrosion and Algae

During long-time storage, your boat will become extremely exposed to corrosion or algae buildup. In some situations, the boat can be found clinging to the surface and is sometimes hit by barnacles, zebra mollusks, and other unwanted water creatures. Having a boat lift will eliminate that problem for you.

Securing Your Boat

When using the lift properly you can keep the boat off the water and keep boat from dragging away. These benefits give you the ultimate comfort that even after lifting your boat off the dock you’ll have your boat firmly suspended.

Conclusion

The size of your boat determines your choice of the boat lift. You have to ensure the boat fits into the cage and its lift will support the weight of the boat. The weight capacity matters a lot. Boat owners should know that many boat lifts have the capability to accommodate different types of boats, and some are specially designed to suit certain ships. So, choosing the best boat lift for your boat can be done easily this way. A safely dry-docked boat is one supported by a boat lift. FootHills Dock & Lift Repair offers a variety of boat and boat lift maintenance services. With the winter season approaching, you can rely on our services as we can effectively help you winterize your boat. We guarantee that your boat will retain its original condition after the season ends. We also provide lift removal, dock resurfacing, boat and dock maintenance, dock cleaning, and others. Contact us today and book an appointment!

8 Reasons Why You Should Buy a Boat Lift