Why Every Boat Owner Needs a Boat Lift

While boats are designed to be in the water, leaving them in it year-round causes deterioration and damage. At best, this means unsightly cosmetic damage; at worst, it can lead to expensive repairs and lower value for your boat.

Consider a high-quality lift with stronger arms and mechanisms if you live in a rough water area. Also, look for hull supports that contour to your vessel for optimal support.

Protection from the Elements

A boat lift keeps your watercraft safe from damage and provides an easy way to store it when you’re not using it. This eliminates the need to trailer your vessel or fight other boaters for space in a marina. While you’ll still need routine maintenance, a boat lift helps prevent extensive damage below the water line and saves you time and money on upkeep.

Storing your boat on the pier or dock in rough weather can cause it to rub and grind against the structure, causing scuffs and dents. This damage can be even more severe during harsh winter weather or changing water levels caused by storms. Quality boat lifts South Florida are built with the strength, bracing and support to withstand these forces.

You can also add boat lift accessories like canopies, which hang over the boat and protect it from precipitation, sun and marine growth. This is especially important in saltwater areas, where barnacles and other invasive species can attach to the hull and propellers, and corrosion is more likely.

Safety

A quality boat lift ensures the boat’s and its owner’s safety. It also makes keeping the hull free of dirt/algae build-up easy and reduces cleaning costs.

When choosing a boat lift, look for one rated for your vessel’s weight and size. You should also pay attention to how the rack is placed on the frame and the weight on each end of the boat. For example, setting the ship too far forward on the lift puts more weight on the front of the vessel and can lead to cable breakage over time.

Additionally, the location of the lift should be considered. Rough water areas may require a more rugged, heavy-duty charge with extra bracing and stability to withstand strong waves or currents. This is especially important for using your boat lift in a marina or harbor with rough waters.

Convenience

Many boat lifts are equipped with remote controls, making it easy to operate them from the comfort of your dock or even your home. Ensure your ride is safe by checking for proper vessel positioning before using it. This includes bow stops, motor stops and guide-ons to ensure the watercraft is centered front to back and evenly over the lift from side to side. You will also want to monitor the lift frame and rack for jams and other signs of strain.

Leaving a boat in the water for prolonged periods can cause damage to the hull below the waterline, such as algae growth and corrosion. Using a boat lift eliminates these issues and saves you money on cleaning, repairs and a new paint job. You may choose a floating lift or a piling mount lift, depending on your location’s conditions. Both options can rise and fall with the tides to provide convenient access for your boat.

Increased Value

A boat lift is an excellent investment in your property. If you want to sell your home in the future, a charge will add value and make it more attractive to prospective buyers.

A lift eliminates the need to haul your boat in and out of the water, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. It also helps protect your investment by extending the life of your boat.

A boat lift is necessary if you live on a lake or a river. Choosing a charge appropriate for your environment and the size of your boat is important. A good lift will be sturdy enough to withstand any weather conditions. If you live in a rough area of the water, look for a ride with more strength, bracing and support to ensure it can withstand the impact of waves and wind. You can also opt for cradles that contour to your vessel’s hull for optimal stability.