Boating is a nice hobby you can enjoy when you are exhausted after a long week at work. And if you’re a fan of boating, you must already know that investing in a boat lift is a good idea. A boat lift is like a simple machine that allows you to keep your boat out of the water when you’re not using it. Why should you do this, you may ask? Aren’t boats made to survive the water?
Yes, boats are made to be in the water, but that does not mean that they have to be submerged in it forever. Like most things, leaving your boat in the water may promote corrosion of the metal parts. Water may also creep into the inner parts of the boat and damage the engine. And if you don’t try to avoid such issues, it will not take long for your boat to be non-functional and faulty. In addition to that, just tying your boat to a dock is not enough, because waves may slam your boat against the dock and cause damage. Thus, it would really be great if you spend some money to invest in a nice boat lift.
1. HydroHoist UltraLift Shallow Water
HydroHoist makes some of the best boat lifts in the market. Boat lifts under this line have different capacities ranging from 5,000 to 9,000 lbs. HydroHoist UltraLift Shallow Water lifts can also lift boats up to 28’ long. It has low profile molded polyethylene tanks that allow it to work well even in shallow waters (at least three feet deep).
2. Porta-Dock Shallow Water Lift
This shallow water lift by Porta-Dock is the best choice for you if you want something that is low maintenance. It is mostly made out of aluminum, so you can be certain that it will last long and that it can hold your boat up safely. The four legs of this lift are adjustable and all models have lift wheels.
This boat lift is rust-proof, corrosion-resistant, and it can survive just about any weather, and even the strong rays of the sun.
If you’re looking for something heavy-duty, consider getting this boat lift. It can survive just about any sort of weather and in addition to that, it doesn’t require a lot of maintenance, so you are sure to get your money’s worth with this one.
It has perimeter tie-off cleats for additional security, and thanks to its non-skid surface, you will never have to worry about your boat sliding back down onto the water. It has an expandable walk-around space and a patented drive-on design that allows you to lift your boat with ease.
3. Raptor Lift’s Marine NZD Extreme Shallow Water Lift
For this series, you can get either a 6000 lb or a 7000 lb shallow water lift. What is unique about this boat lift from Raptor Lift is that it utilizes the Raptor Lift-patented cantilever lift arms for your boat. This one is prop friendly, and it also has a drive-through capability. If you wish, you can buy add-ons such as canopies (you can choose from a variety of sizes), wireless remotes, as well as guide rails. This boat lift can also do the job faster than most other lifts.
Types of Boat Lifts
1. Floating Lift
This type is the best choice if you know that the water level in the place where you are docking your boat tends to change frequently. Floating lifts can adapt to the rising and falling of the water level.
2. Suspended Lift
As the name says, a suspended lift suspends your boat in the air. Basically, it is like a cradle for your boat. Suspended lifts are perfect if you already have an existing structure for your boat or if you want something installed in a framed boathouse building. Types of boat lifts under this category include a boathouse, pile mount lift, and hydraulic lifts.
3. Bottom Standing Lift
Bottom standing lifts, also known as freestanding lifts, are best suitable for shallow waters. Under this category are vertical, cantilever, pontoon boat, shore ramp, and tritoon boat lifts.
Things to Consider When Buying a Boat Lift
1. Capacity
Not all boat lifts are made equal. There are those that can lift extremely heavy boats, but of course, that doesn’t apply to everyone. If you’re going to buy a boat lift, make sure you know the weight of your boat and that you take that into consideration when deciding which boat lift to get.
2. Quality
Consider the material used for manufacturing the boat lift when buying one. The material often determines its quality. It would also be nice if you can afford something from a trusted brand. Quality, in turn, determines the price, and the best boat lifts may be more expensive than others, but they will surely be worth your money.
3. Water depth
One boat lift may work well in deep water, but it might not be the best choice if you are docking your boat in a place with shallow water. Thus, determine or know the depth of the water and look for a boat lift that is suitable for that. Shallow water boat lifts can be utilized even if the water level is low.
4. Environment
Know the type of water in which you are going to dock your boat or position your boat lift so that you can buy something made of a material that is suitable for the type of water present. For example, if the water is salty, it would be best if you get something made out of aluminum.
Conclusion
Getting a boat lift for your boat is a great idea if you’re a fan of boating. Even though boats are made to survive in water, they’re not really made to be submerged forever, since, like anything else, this may lead to corrosion of their parts or engine damage. A boat lift is definitely going to help a lot in prolonging the life of your boat.
Andrea Vaso
When Andrea is not writing, you’re most likely going to find her drinking coffee, reading a novel, or watching medical dramas. She holds an undergraduate degree in biology and as of this moment, she is attending medical school.