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Last Updated on September 4, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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Are Boat Lifts Worth It?
Boat lifts are mechanical devices designed to lift boats out of the water to prevent them from being constantly exposed to water when not in use. Whether boat lifts are worth it requires carefully evaluating factors against your specific boating needs and budget.
- Improved Boat Protection: Lifts prevent hull damage from water exposure.
- Reduced Maintenance Costs: Mitigate wear, tear, and potentially costly repairs.
- Increased Boat Longevity: Less corrosion, extending the boat’s lifespan.
- Convenience: Simplifies docking and undocking, especially in challenging weather conditions.
- Resale Value: Well-maintained, lifted boats often command higher selling prices.
- Insurance Benefits: Some insurers offer lower premiums for boats on lifts.
- Environmental Impact: Lifts reduce the need for harmful anti-fouling paints.
You have finally achieved a milestone by investing in your lifelong dream of owning a boat. Now you can spend your weekends with your family on a lake with a magnificent sunset view.
But wait, there’s a twist. You haven’t bought a boat lift and wonder:
Are boat lifts worth it? Yes, absolutely.
Why? I’ll be discussing the worthiness of boat lifts in the following article.
I understand that owning a boat opens a doorway to endless adventure. You surely don’t want to ruin it with winds or waves.
Benefits of a Boat Lift
A boat lift not only protects your boat but also facilitates you in convenient boating.
Boat’s Security
When you buy a boat after investing so much of your money, it’s better to ensure its protection against water damage.
A boat lift prevents your boat from sinking into the slip or banging against the dock or, at worst, storm debris.
It becomes a necessity in areas where water levels often fluctuate.
Lesser Cleaning and Maintenance
It’s a universal fact that boats that stay in water full time end up absorbing water, which causes hull blisters and deck deterioration. To make things worse, algae accumulate, ruining the paint jobs, which is a hassle to clean afterward.
It doesn’t end here because other parts of the boat and motor drives run into problems by repeatedly submerging in the water.
On the contrary, the boats on lifts don’t face all problems.
As a result, you not only extend the longevity of your boat but also save maintenance costs and effort.
Enhanced Boating Time
This factor creates a considerable difference by ensuring ease while getting in and out of water.
For instance, a hydraulic boat lift comes with a push-button operation for your convenience.
Water Level Fluctuations
The water level fluctuates all the time. A significant fluctuation can cause severe damage to your boat.
If you leave your boat in the water without a lift, there are higher chances of severe damage to the boat due to storms or season changes.
The fluctuations do not just cause damage to the boat while standing. But also when you are about to board it.
Continuously fluctuating water makes it dangerous to board the boat and disembark it.
Even when the lift is floating due to water fluctuations, it stabilizes the boat’s movement, making it safe for you to board and maneuver it.
Watercraft Launch
A boat lift is worth getting in and out of the boat. You only need to drive the boat off the lift without prior maintenance checks. Imagine how much time you save getting in and out of the water.
If you don’t have a boat lift, you must perform a long list of steps to enjoy your time on the water. Also, you need to check the leaks, cracks on the hull, and debris before launch.
Using a boat life reduces the chances of damage and ensures fewer maintenance checks.
Are Boat Lifts Worth It? Factors
By now, I have laid a perfect foundation by discussing the benefits of a boat lift. It increases storage security by preventing damage and increasing the boat’s lifespan.
However, I’ll elaborate on the factors determining whether buying a boat lift is worth it.
Location Value
A boat lift is worth it if your boat’s location is on the main channel. It requires a more durable hoist in the back.
The lakes are getting crowded every passing year, while a rough area requires a lift to withstand harsh conditions. Otherwise, you may have to invest in boat maintenance and handling.
With the waves ‘ motion, the lift’s arms attach to the dock to pivot it up and down.
The ultra-high molecular Weight (UHMW) bushings inside the pivoting joints ensure a tight fit. Not only that, but they also facilitate the quieter operation of the hoist.
A boat lift takes the wave pressure away from the dock, thus providing stability to the boat. By the way, replacing a lift is a less expensive task than repairing a dock.
Water Depth
It’s a wise approach to consider the water depth before parking your boat. You can easily opt for a boat lift designed for shallow water to provide an additional foot of operation over the standard lift.
The lakes are usually between 658 and 660 levels during the summers. And I bet we all love to enjoy boating in the early summers.
However, getting the boat off without the lift is impossible since the water is relatively shallow. That’s when a boat lift comes to your rescue, not to spoil your summer boating mood.
Types of Flotation Tanks
These are the foundation of the lift to provide hoist support and stability. They can be made of either metal fiberglass or polyethylene.
- Metal tanks require replacement and are prone to rust or corrosion.
- Fiberglass tanks become brittle with time or weaken from sun exposure. However, they perform better in deeper water and support the boat’s weight when not in contact with the lake’s bottom.
- Polyethylene tanks offer the best security by preventing leakages.
These flotation tanks are available in either cylindrical or square shape.
- Cylinder tanks provide better stability by displacing the water to keep the boat higher, including the propeller and lower unit. These tanks are ideal for big boats.
- Square tanks are rotationally molded polyethylene tanks, which cost less than cylinder tanks. These tanks are recommended for smaller boats in still, calm water.
How do I Choose a Boat Lift?
Choosing a boat lift can appear daunting; however, understanding critical factors about your boat and waterfront can simplify the process.
The first factor is understanding the wet weight of your boat, which includes the weight of your boat, fuel, water, and any additional equipment stored on it.
The size of your boat, including length, width, and hull depth, also significantly impacts the type of boat lift needed.
The waterfront depth and its fluctuations are another crucial element to consider as they determine the lift system suitable for your boat.
Additionally, awareness of any building ordinances or permits in your area that might affect the installation process is essential.
Your budget can significantly influence your decision-making process. It is advisable to choose a lift system that not only fits within your financial capacity but also meets all your boating requirements.
What is the Life Expectancy of a Boat Lift?
The life expectancy of a boat lift is a crucial factor to consider when investing in one. A well-built, high-quality boat lift can last approximately 25 years, provided it is maintained appropriately.
However, this lifespan hinges significantly on the type and quality of materials used in its construction and the level of care it receives over the years.
Regular inspection, proper maintenance, and prompt repairs are indispensable in preserving its longevity.
How do I Protect my Boat on a Boat Lift?
Protecting your boat on a boat lift primarily involves strapping the boat securely to the lift, minimizing the effects of wind and adverse weather conditions.
Strapping the boat helps create a firm anchor, making it difficult for the wind to cause significant impact.
Additionally, it is advisable to consider professional guidance when securing your boat on a lift to ensure all safety measures are in place.
Final Words
Boat lifts significantly improve boat protection by preventing hull damage caused by prolonged water exposure. They also reduce maintenance costs by mitigating wear and tear, thus saving on potentially expensive repairs.
Additionally, boat lifts increase boat longevity by reducing corrosion, significantly extending the boat’s lifespan. They offer immense convenience by simplifying the docking and undocking process, particularly in challenging weather conditions.
Notably, well-maintained boats on lifts often command higher selling prices, enhancing their resale value. Furthermore, some insurance companies offer lower premiums for boats on lifts, providing a further financial incentive.
Lastly, from an environmental perspective, boat lifts reduce the need for harmful anti-fouling paints that can damage marine ecosystems. Thus, considering these substantial benefits, it is clear that the investment in a boat lift can be deemed worthwhile.
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