Boat lift advice

[Stephen Crompton]

We are having a boat lift installed this week (10,000lbs), for our 240 Sundeck. Never had or used a boat lift before, it has always been in dry storage. Any tips, tricks or advice on using, what to expect, what work you can do on the boat while on the lift etc? We are in Norfolk VA on brackish water, the city have just finished dredging our channel so it is approx. 4ft at mean low tide. I am thinking of still putting the boat in dry storage over winter, good idea or not? We also have the factory snap on covers for the boat for when it is on the lift. Just really looking for any advice and general pointers. Thanks.

 

[randmhall]

Hydrohoist? They make a long arm version that lets you dock stern in. A HUGE advantage over bow first.

Other than that, the advantage of a lift is hull dry, and no complicated rope tie ups. Adjust your ropes to put you boat exactly where it goes on the lift, and then anybody can do it. For example, we use two fixed ropes at the stern, with loops for the stern cleats. We have two more of the elastic mouring lines (from Academy) for the bow cleats. When all 4 are attached, the boat is in the middle of the slip, 1 foot from the front. Raise the lift, and the boat is docked. same way, every time, no thinking required.

As for a cover, we got a exact fit cover for the boat from Overtons. added sandbag, about 3 pounds each, to the buckles you would use to trailer. Boat weathers storms all year long, and the cover takes just a couple minutes to install, even with only one person.

 

[Korkie]

e gear motors are an upgrade on most lifts, but certainly worth it. Basically maintenance free. No messy greasing or belts to worry about. If you even think you may go larger (boat) in the future, may want to consider putting lift in that will accommodate the "next boat size and weight". A little extra now will save the cost of a full replacement later.

 

[scoflaw]

Adding a canopy was the best thing I've done to mine. Covers are a pain in the ass

 

[Korkie]

I did an aluminum roof as well. Certainly saves the gelcoat from the sun damag .