Factors to Consider in Your Boat Lift Purchase
A boat lift is a valuable addition and a safe investment for your dock. If you are a boat owner or interested in boats, you must know how vital a boat lift is for your boat. Whether you’re considering a new or used boat lift, this blog will discuss everything to consider while buying boat lifts.
Weight Capacity
The first thing to consider before you buy a boat lift is to know the weight capacity of the boat lift. Every boat lift has a specified maximum boat weight to handle and support. It is necessary to know the importance of your boat and ensure that the lift you are buying can handle it easily.
The professionals recommend selecting a boat lift with a higher weight capacity than your boat’s weight to provide an extra margin of safety. Therefore, always buy a boa lift by keeping that extra margin in your mind. This will ensure the safety of your boat and will last longer.
Boat Size & Length
Before you select a boat lift for your dock, the first thing to do is to measure the length and know the size of your boat. It helps in determining the right boat lift for your needs. Carefully measure the dimensions, including the boat’s length, beam width, and height.
Generally, all the Boat lifts are designed to accommodate various sizes and types of boats, so choosing a lift suitable for your specific boat’s dimensions is better. If you need clarification about measuring the boat’s dimensions, you can always ask a professional to come and measure it for you. Make sure to align and match the lift size and the boat size. This way, choosing the right-sized boatlift for your dock becomes easy.
Types of Boat Lifts
Choosing the size and length of your boat, and knowing it’s time to select the right boat lift for your boat, is easy. Different types of boat lifts are available in the market, each with benefits, functions, and considerations. Some common types are electric lifts, pulley systems, and cantilever lifts. Electric lifts are the ones that provide convenience.
Cantilever lifts are the best option for those boat owners that prioritize simplicity and affordability. On the other hand, the Pulley systems are ideal for boats in slip widths where a traditional lift may not fit. Research and discuss each type’s pros and cons based on your requirements. Choose the boatlift that suits your budget and your requirements. You can also get a consultation with professional boat lift installers and even the boatlift manufacturing company.
Know The Maintenance Costs
Maintaining a boatlift is an ongoing commitment. Before purchasing, research the maintenance requirements and costs of the boatlift you are considering. A normal luft requires regular maintenance, inspections, lubrication, and occasional repairs. Professionals suggest a boat lift offering easy, cost-effective maintenance and readily available spare parts. Talk about your preferences and requirements with the boatlift maintenance service providers before you finalize your purchase.
Additional Gear & Accessories
Each boatlift comes with features and functions. Different gears and accessories come with varying models of boatlifts. If you are looking for specific accessories, parts, or gears, you should consider them before purchasing your boat lift. The boatlift manufacturer can tell you about your desired gear and accessories. You can also check them on their website and the boat lift manual. So, consider any additional gear or accessories you may need while buying a boat lift. These include safety features like boat bumpers and motor stoppers.
It also includes guides to assist in aligning your boat onto the lift. Some lifts may come with these accessories, and you have to buy the others separately. Understand and evaluate your specific needs and factors, then decide which gear or accessories to buy separately for your boat lift.
Manual Effort vs. Automated Systems
Choosing between a manual lift or an automated lift depends on your preference and budget. Usually, the old manual lifts are not in use anymore, but still, many people prefer using this traditional method of manual boat lifts. One reason is their preference, and the second is affordability issues. It is always recommended to have an automatic boatlift as it is more convenient to use and saves your time and effort.
Manual lifts require more physical effort and are usually more affordable. On the other hand, automated lifts offer convenience and ease of use, allowing you to raise or lower your boat with almost no effort. With a simple button, you can operate the aromatic boatlift system. Understand and evaluate your preferences, budget, and the level of convenience you desire.
Flotation Tanks
Some boat lifts come with built-in flotation tanks, which provide additional buoyancy to the boat while it is lifted out of the water. Flotation tanks can be particularly useful for boats with those prone to instability or with heavy engines.
Consider boat lifts with flotation tanks if your boat has stability issues. The flotation tanks make sure that this stability issue is solved effectively. Ask the boatlift manufacturer about the flotation tank; if it is not in the boat lift, you can always add it as an additional part or accessory.
Slip Width & Boat Lift
The slip width is essential in determining the right boat lift for a specific boat. Always remember that every boat has unique dimensions and requirements. Choosing a boat lift that accommodates the boat’s width and allows for easy maneuvering during the lifting should be your priority.
By selecting a boat lift that aligns with the slip width and the specific boat’s dimensions, you can guarantee a fit and seamless operation with safety and efficiency. One of the best options when considering boat lifts is to get a new one that has advanced technologies and better capabilities.
Also, among many mechanisms available, the pulley system stands out as a commonly used method for efficiently lifting boats from the water. Moreover, with the help of a pulley system, most boat lifts can handle the weight of different boats and vessels. This ensures secure and convenient storage solutions for your boat.
Conclusion
If you are passionate about boats and want to keep them safe and secure for longer, consider getting a high-quality boat lift for your dock. A boat lift is an excellent investment that keeps your boat in the best condition by saving it from water exposure. If you want to install a boatlift, you should contact us. We are Foothills Dock and Lift Repair, a family-owned business that has been working for the last 20 years and providing the best docks and boat lifts services.
Our services include lift repair, lift removal, and dock repairs. So if you are looking for any of these services, then contact us today. We guarantee professional and enormously satisfying services. You can also contact us for consultations regarding boat lifts and dock repairs. We will be happy to guide you and answer all of your questions.
