Most Common Questions About Boat Lift Modifications
If you own a boat or a yacht, then you probably also own a boat lift. Boat lifts are highly important apparatuses used for the maintenance of boats and to prevent long-term damage to the boats. They allow you to get full access to the bottom part of your boat so you can repair it. Although boat lifts are generally easy to understand and operate, there are still some common questions about boat lift modifications that people frequently ask on the internet.
Let’s say you have one boat that weighs 6000lbs that can be easily lifted using the existing boat lift that you own. But if you plan on getting a new boat that weighs even more than that, then you also need to put some money into your boat lift setup so it’s able to do the same for the heavier boat. You can get floating boat lifts, hydraulic boat lifts, and cantilever boat lift as well.
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about boat lifts:
What Type of Boat Lift Is Right For Me?
The first thing you need to analyze is what kind of boat you have. Is it big? Does it weigh a lot? These are the few questions you need to ask yourself before considering getting the right boat lift setup. Boat lifts operate based on these characteristics of a boat. If you have a long boat then you need to consider getting a boat lift that is also more in length. With added length comes added beams to give the whole structure a more stable foundation.
There are numerous kinds of boat lifts. A 4-pile cradle lift, elevator lifts, beamless lifts, etc. All of these types have their pros and cons. A beamless boat lift will have no beam support making it difficult to lift heavier boats. So if you get a beamless lift, then your boat should weigh accordingly.
How Much Lifting Capacity Should My Boat Lift Have?
Again, the weight lifting capacity of your boat lift is directly proportional to the weight of your boat or yacht. A boat lift that can lift heavier weights is generally much more expensive than an average one. That is because of the highly durable materials used in it which cost a lot.
So what if your boat weighs 5000lbs and you’re planning on getting a boat lift that has a lifting capacity of 12000lbs, then it would be a waste of money right? Just owning a boat and maintaining it is itself a very costly interest so why throw your money down the drain? If you plan on getting a bigger-sized boat in the future, then getting a heavy-duty boat lift would be a good option. Hence, you should only spend as much money as required. How much lifting capacity should your boat lift have? That is a question that can be answered by the fact of how much your boat weighs.
Can The Lifting Capacity Be Increased After Modifications?
The lifting capacities of boats can be increased later on. If you purchase another boat that is bigger in size and heavier in weight, then you also need a much more durable boat lift to accommodate all those things. The good thing about boat lifts is that you can modify them to make them more durable and capable of lifting more weights.
There are mainly two kinds of boat lifts. A vertical boat lift and a cantilever boat lift. You will usually find vertical boat lifts at piers and docks because the water is deep there. However, if your docking station is near the seashore or lakeshore, then you can have a cantilever boat lift installed. A vertical boat lift can be converted to a cantilever boat lift easily by installing a few new things to your currently existing setup. Those changes can increase the lift capacity of the boat lift.
What Materials Are Boat Lifts Made From?
Lift structures were constructed of 6060-T6 aluminum for safety reasons because aluminum never rusts. These screws are stainless. Heavy-gauge steel drive tubular steel undergoes Gatorshield electroplating for prevention of corrosion. Stainless steel aircraft cables are used as well as groove aluminum windings. The Aluminum bunks contain proprietary Nonmarring Vinyl, which UV protects against damage. The driveshaft & pulley bearings are manufactured from the NASA Tribopolyester bushing which is maintenance-free and requires no grease.
How Does A Boat Lift Fit Into A Boathouse?
Alternatively, you might install a standard top beam lifting system on your boathouse by adding a stringer. The stringer brackets are attached to the roof of lifts of a boat, ensuring stability to roof rafters and structures. Using the boat slip to place the piling you can install a 4-pile lift. Most boathouses have boatlifts attached using brackets. It’s an ideal way to install boat lifts into the existing boat-building system.
Can I Get Custom Bunks?
Yeah, obviously! Boat lift manufacturers are very proficient at designing products for you. Their engineers regularly consult with shipbuilder suppliers to design and manufacture customized bunk solutions that support you in every respect. In addition to providing a solution for houses in tough water conditions, the firm designs low-profile bunks to accommodate low-level water conditions.
What Kind of Electrical Service is Needed?
Boat lifts are incredibly powerful and have sufficient power. Boat lift manufacturers offer a detailed instruction guide to breaker size and wire length of electrical circuits in their installation manual. Although there are many small lift systems using 110V with 3 x 4 hp motors, 220V is recommended on all lifts.
What to Consider When Buying a Boat Lifter?
Different kinds of boat lift systems are ideal for specific boats or water conditions. The best boat lifts will be influenced by many factors. You must take care of these considerations to purchase an elevator that meets the boatlift needs. Here are some of the things you need to keep in mind:
Flotation Tanks
The Flotation Tank supports and stabilizes a boat lift at deeper seas. Lift boats sit under the tank to retain it. In boat lifts, the use of flotation tanks is crucial to consider their construction and design. Metal containers should never become corroded or need replacing. Polyethylene tanks are most valuable because they have a longer lifespan and leakage is minimal. Similarly, be careful of the shape of tanks, they’re usually in cylinders or squares. Square tanks are generally cheaper and are suitable for calm water. A cylinder tank is expensive but has better stability.
Boat Size
The length of the boat determines everything you need in the buying process. You must ensure your boat fits on the platform and the lift supports the weight of your boat correctly. Many boat lifts can accommodate a variety of boats, some specially made to suit certain boats. For instance, pontoon boats generally require specific lifting systems. Your boat should be considered when weighing dry and also wet. This number helps you choose a lift that is suitable for your particular boat.
Depth of Water
Water depth can affect how much you can take a boat off the lift. Some boats can stick out of water too much, causing you to have no chance to reach a vessel at a place with constant low water levels. A similar effect applies in deep water, where certain lifts will not raise your boat sufficiently. Find a lift that can accommodate these depths if you are at a consistently low water depth. Sometimes the water level rises and falls dramatically, making finding the lift difficult.
Conclusion
There is a lot to learn when using a lift boat and what to choose for it. An adequate lifting system on the boat can protect the value you invest over time and reduce costly servicing. Learn how boatlifts can help you and how to use them when you buy one. Most boat lifts operate vertically whereas, ship lifts are based on a cantilever system. Cantilever boat lifts are highly durable and stable. The best boat lift for you will be the one that has a lifting capacity equal to the weight of your boat. Boat owners must take into account all the things mentioned in this blog as they can help them drastically in modifying their boat lifts.
FootHills Dock & Lift Repair provides high-quality services in boat lift modifications, and dockrepairs. We will guide you through the right ways to modify your boat lift if you want it to become more durable and easy to use. Contact us today to get professional services regarding boat lift modifications and upgrades.
