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The Benefits of Owning a Boat Lift: How Investing in a Boat Lift Can Save You Time and Money

April 2, 2023April 1, 2023 by Mike Haley

Extend The Life Of Your Boat Lift Canopy

If you’re a boat owner, you know how important it is to keep your boat in good condition. Regular maintenance and upkeep are crucial to ensuring that your vessel is always ready for your next adventure on the water. However, maintaining a boat can be time-consuming and expensive, especially if you don’t have the right equipment. This is where a boat lift comes in.

A boat lift is a device that raises your boat out of the water and keeps it secure while it’s not in use. By investing in a boat lift, you can save time and money on maintenance and repairs, extend the life of your boat, and even increase the value of your waterfront property. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the benefits of owning a boat lift and how it can help you make the most of your time on the water. Whether you’re a seasoned boat owner or just getting started, a boat lift is a valuable investment that can pay off in more ways than one.

Boat Lift Saves Time

Owning a boat lift can save you a significant amount of time in several ways:

No More Trailering

Trailering your boat to and from the water can be a time-consuming process. With a boat lift, you can keep your boat in the water all season long, eliminating the need for trailering. This means you can spend more time enjoying your boat and less time preparing it for the water.
Easy Access

Launching and retrieving your boat can be a hassle without a boat lift, especially if you have to wade into the water to get to your boat. A boat lift allows you to easily access your boat without getting wet or dirty, saving you time and hassle.
Less Maintenance

Keeping your boat in the water can lead to algae and barnacle growth, which can increase maintenance time and costs. With a boat lift, you can keep your boat out of the water when you’re not using it, reducing the need for maintenance and cleaning.
Quick and Easy Repairs

If your boat needs repairs or maintenance, a boat lift makes it quick and easy to access the hull and underside of your boat. This can save you time and money by allowing you to make repairs yourself or get them done quickly by a professional.

Overall, owning a boat lift can save you time by eliminating the need for trailering, providing easy access to your boat, reducing maintenance time, and facilitating quick repairs. By investing in a boat lift, you can spend more time enjoying your boat and less time on maintenance and upkeep.

Boat Lifts Can Extend Boat Life

Boat Lift Build For A Yacht That Will Last A Life Time

Owning a boat lift can also help to extend the life of your boat. Here are a few reasons why:

Prevents Hull Damage

Keeping your boat in the water for extended periods can lead to hull damage from debris, waves, and even marine life. With a boat lift, you can keep your boat out of the water when you’re not using it, preventing this type of damage.
Reduces Corrosion

Exposure to salt water can cause corrosion on your boat’s hull, propellers, and other metal components. By lifting your boat out of the water when it’s not in use, you can reduce exposure to saltwater and prevent corrosion.
Avoids Fouling

When your boat sits in the water, marine growth such as barnacles and mussels can attach to the hull and other surfaces, leading to performance issues and fuel inefficiency. A boat lift can prevent fouling by keeping your boat out of the water when not in use.
Protects Against Storms

Storms and rough weather can cause significant damage to boats that are moored in the water. A boat lift provides added protection by keeping your boat out of harm’s way during severe weather.

Overall, a boat lift can help to extend the life of your boat by preventing hull damage, reducing corrosion, avoiding fouling, and providing added protection during storms. By investing in a boat lift, you can protect your investment and enjoy your boat for many years to come.

Boat Lifts Increases Property Value

In addition to saving, you time and extending the life of your boat, owning a boat lift can also increase the value of your waterfront property. Here’s how:

Added Convenience

A boat lift provides added convenience for boat owners, making it easier to launch and retrieve their boats. This convenience can be a major selling point for potential buyers, especially those who are serious about boating.
Increased Protection

A boat lift provides added protection for your boat, which can be a major selling point for potential buyers. Knowing that their boat will be protected from damage and marine growth can be a significant factor in their decision to purchase waterfront property.
Higher Resale Value

Properties with boat lifts typically have a higher resale value than those without. This is because boat owners are willing to pay a premium for the added convenience and protection that a boat lift provides.
Enhanced Aesthetics

Boat lifts can be customized to match the aesthetics of your waterfront property, adding to its overall appeal. This can be a major selling point for potential buyers who are looking for a property that is not only functional but also visually appealing.

Overall, owning a boat lift can increase the value of your waterfront property by providing added convenience, protection, and aesthetic appeal. By investing in a boat lift, you can enjoy the benefits of boating while also enhancing the value of your property.

Different Types of Boat Lifts

There are several types of boat lifts to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common types of boat lifts:

Vertical Boat Lifts

Vertical boat lifts are the most common type of boat lift and are designed to lift boats straight up out of the water. They are best suited for boats that are up to 10,000 pounds and have a beam width of up to 120 inches.
PWC Boat Lifts

PWC jet ski lifts are designed specifically for personal watercraft such as jet skis and wave runners. They can be either vertical or cantilever and are typically smaller and more affordable than boat lifts.
Elevator Boat Lifts

This type of lift raises and lowers boats vertically using a motorized elevator. Elevator boat lifts are a good option for boats that are too large or heavy for other types of lifts, or in situations where a lift needs to be installed in a narrow waterway or other constrained space.
Marine Railway Boat Lifts

This type of lift uses a rail system to move boats in and out of the water. Marine railway boat lifts are typically used in areas with shallow water and are ideal for boats with flat bottoms or keels.
Beamless Boat Lifts

Beamless boat lifts use a series of horizontal supports instead of traditional beams to lift and hold the boat. This design minimizes the risk of damage to the boat and allows for easier access to the boat’s hull for maintenance.
Trident Specialty Boat Lifts

Trident specialty boat lifts are designed to lift boats with unusual shapes or sizes, such as pontoon boats or large sailboats.
Deck Boat Lifts

Deck boat lifts are designed to lift boats that have a deck or cockpit above the hull. These lifts are ideal for boats with a higher center of gravity or that require additional clearance for the cockpit.

When choosing a boat lift, it’s important to consider the weight and size of your boat as well as your budget and personal preferences. Consulting with a professional boat lift installer can help you determine which type of lift is best suited for your needs.

Overall, there are several types of boat lifts to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. By selecting the right boat lift for your boat and budget, you can enjoy the benefits of owning a boat lift while also protecting your investment.

Choosing the Right Boat Lift

When it comes to choosing a boat lift, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you select the right lift for your needs. Here are some of the most important factors to consider:

Boat Size

The size and weight of your boat are the most important factors to consider when choosing a boat lift. Be sure to select a lift that is capable of safely lifting and supporting your boat’s weight.
Water Depth

The depth of the water where the lift will be installed is another important factor to consider. If the water is shallow, you may need to select a lift with a smaller profile to ensure that your boat does not bottom out when entering or exiting the lift.
Dock Type

The type of dock you have can also impact the type of boat lift you select. For example, if you have a floating dock, you may need to select a lift that is compatible with a floating dock.
Boat Type

The type of boat you have can also impact the type of boat lift you select. For example, if you have a sailboat, you may need to select a lift with a taller profile to ensure that the mast can clear the lift.
Budget

Of course, budget is always a factor when selecting a boat lift. Be sure to consider the upfront cost of the lift as well as any ongoing maintenance or repair costs when selecting a lift.

By carefully considering these factors and working with a professional boat lift installer, you can select the right boat lift for your needs and enjoy the benefits of owning a boat lift for years to come.

Final Thoughts

Owning a boat lift offers numerous benefits that can save you both time and money in the long run. By investing in a boat lift, you can enjoy the following benefits:

Save time by avoiding the need to constantly remove and reinstall your boat from the water.
Extend the life of your boat by protecting it from exposure to the elements and potential damage from waves and other watercraft.
Increase the value of your property by adding a valuable and convenient feature for future buyers.

When choosing a boat lift, be sure to consider important factors such as boat size, water depth, and dock type to ensure that you select the right lift for your needs and budget.

Investing in a boat lift may seem like a big expense upfront, but in the long run, it can save you money and hassle by protecting your boat and simplifying your boating experience. Don’t hesitate to consult with a professional boat lift installer to help you choose the right lift for your needs.

We encourage you to consider the benefits of owning a boat lift and make the investment today. Your boat and your wallet will thank you for it. Request a custom boat lift quote right away!

10 Reasons to Buy a Boat Lift

December 14, 2022November 1, 2019 by mhaley

1. Convenient access to your boat.

What can be more convenient than simply lower your boat lift into the water when you want to be underway? No more trailering your boat. No more waiting in line at the boat ramp. Just convenient and consistent access to your boat. You can not underestimate the convenience a boat lift will bring and how much of your valuable time you will save by using a boat lift to launch and recover your boat.

2. It will keep your hull clean.

As anyone who has ever pulled a boat from the water after several days can attest, it takes little to no time for the hull to become fouled. Whether it is fouled by sea growth, muck, barnacles, algae, zebra mussels, crustaceans or any number of other forms of marine life, each of these can quickly damage a boat. In ALL cases, chronic water storage significantly decreases the performance, speed, usable life, and value of the watercraft.

3. It will decrease the need to re-apply anti-foul paint.

In order to help keep the hull clean, most boats apply anti-foul paint to the hull. Unfortunately, before this paint can be applied, the hull will typically need to be pressure washed, scraped, and then sanded. As you can imagine, this will require paying for the boat to be removed from the water. By keeping your boat on a lift, you will help to decrease the likelihood that your hull will become fouled by aquatic life. This means a whole lot less washing, scraping, sanding, and painting!

4. Boat lifts decrease damage from corrosion and electrolysis.

Your hull isn’t the only part of the watercraft that will have to deal with the ramifications of constant contact with the water. Imagine pulling your boat from the water only to find metal fittings, props, and more all but eaten away. Even worse, the same sort of damage can take place inside your engine block, manifold and pumps. This sort of damage can be extremely bad as you can’t typically see it until your boat simply breaks down. The best means of preventing corrosion and electrolysis is to keep your boat out of the water on a boat lift.

5. Prevent damage to your boat from inclement weather.

Boat lifts prevent the boat from hitting the dock during the heavy wake or inclement weather, avoiding scrapes and bruises from bouncing around in a tied-off wet slip mooring. When properly configured, a boat lift can dry dock your vessel well above storm surge. Also, the Boat Owner’s Association of the United States recently took a look at insurance claims and found that 69% of boats sink at the dock or mooring. With a boat lift, you do not need to constantly worry about your bilge pump. If your bilge pump fails while you are away, your boat is still safely dry-docked with a boat lift.

6. Provide easy access to your boat for maintenance.

Having your boat up on a lift sure makes it easy to wash your hull. Adding walk boards and stern platforms to the boat lift makes it very convenient to inspect your boat for damage. These platforms also make repairs to the hull and props much easier to perform. The money you save with a boat lift by not having to pay to have your boat hauled out of the slip onto dry land for routine maintenance can be put to better use elsewhere.

7. The cradles can be decked over to create a platform.

You can easily create a platform lift by decking the boat lift cradles. Many homeowners prefer the look of platform lifts. Whether you deck the lift with materials that match your dock or use long-lasting materials like Thru-Flow or Sure-Step decking, platform lifts provide tremendous convenience. Platform lifts provide complete walk-around access to your watercraft. Many people love platform lifts for use with their PWCs, providing a convenient launch platform for their jet skis, kayaks, and canoes.

8. They can provide added security for your boat.

On a day-to-day basis, boat lifts can provide added security with keyed access to the lift controls. For additional security, you can disable the lift by turning off the power at the circuit breaker in your home. For long-term storage security, you can lock your cradles to the top beams using a product like this from swingstoppers.com. This system prevents the boat from being lowered into the water.

9. A boat lift can put money in your pocket.

A boat lift in good working order is very attractive to home buyers. It is well established that a boat lift will increase your property value. Also, consider all the money you can save on marina storage fees and/or dry-covered storage for your boat.

10. Neighbor envy!

When your neighbors see how nice your new boat lift looks. When they see how much easier and better a boat lift makes the boating experience. It won’t be long before your neighbors start asking all kinds of questions about your new boat lift. And that is a sure sign that your neighbors are green with envy. Be the better person and help them get a new boat lift at their home. After all, it will raise the property values in your neighborhood, which helps you too.

Factors That Affect Your Boat Lift Buying Decision

May 27, 2022March 19, 2019 by mhaley

One thing that you need to ensure to keep your water vessel protected against corrosion and other harsh elements is to store it out of the water when you’re not using it. A boat lift is going to be essential in the process of storing your vessel. Keeping your boats in dry storage ensures easy cleaning and repair while lengthening the life of your vessel. You can also provide protection to your vessel against wind and rain once removed from the water. When buying a boat lift, there are several factors that will play an important role in the decision-making process.

The type of vessel

You can’t just purchase a boat lift randomly and hope that it will successfully remove your vessel from the water. There are still some factors that you need to take into account like the weight, length, height and even the overall dimensions of your boat. These factors will give you an idea of the style and size of a boat that’s suitable for your needs. So for instance, you want to lift a sports fishing boat that weighs 1500 pound, you will need to choose a boat lift for a personal watercraft.

The location of your boat lift

If you choose to install a boat lift on a lake in Florida, there are some careful considerations that you can’t afford to miss out. The boat lift location is important in keeping your vessel protected. Be sure that the dock, lift, and pilings extend far enough into the water so you’ll have water beneath the boat lift even if it’s the dry season.

If you intend to install a lift on the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), it’s necessary to keep seasonal lakeshore depth in mind. This means that you should gain a deeper understanding of the occasional surges and tidal conditions. Tides can bring water over the seawalls or leave your vessel stuck in the mud when tides are low. The water needs to be deep with the boat lift attached to a floating or fixed dock.

Types of boat lifts

It may be a cliche, but lifts are not created equal. Each type serves its unique purpose. If you have shallow waters, sling lifts are the way to go. Adjustable cradle lifts are a practical choice of most boat owners, especially the ones with four or eight posts. You can also choose elevator boat lifts as they can be secured to a concrete pad, seawall or a dock. The materials may also vary. Some are made of steel while others are made of aluminum. The cables and pulleys are also treated to prevent rusting.

Before you consider buying a boat lift, be sure to analyze your needs. It pays to take the time to explore your options to prolong the life of your water vessel.

Boat Lift Saves Time

No More Trailering

Easy Access

Less Maintenance

Quick and Easy Repairs

Boat Lifts Can Extend Boat Life

Prevents Hull Damage

Reduces Corrosion

Avoids Fouling

Protects Against Storms

Added Convenience

Increased Protection

Higher Resale Value

Enhanced Aesthetics

Different Types of Boat Lifts

Vertical Boat Lifts

PWC Boat Lifts

Elevator Boat Lifts

Marine Railway Boat Lifts

Beamless Boat Lifts

Trident Specialty Boat Lifts

Deck Boat Lifts