Need Boat Lift Intel

[copb8tx]

We're closing on a new place in Clearwater Beach on the 30th. It has a slip but no lift. I'm trying to get educated about lifts as quickly as possible as I want to pull the trigger on one ASAP as I've been told there's an easy 3 month waiting list. I want at minimum a 10K pound unit to support the current boat, however, if the money isn't too crazy high, I'd like to plan for the future and go bigger as a bigger boat is definitely in our future in the couple of years. Now I need to learn all the do's and don'ts of boat lifts.

On caveat is that I don't 'own' the slip, although I'll have exclusive rights to it as long as I continue to own the condo. But if I move, I have to sell the improvements within 60 days. If not sold, I either have to have it uninstalled and stored, or forfeit it. So, with this stipulation I'm a little apprehensive paying a crazy amount.

Give me your thoughts and educate me.

 

[Maybe A Dancer]

Been here on a saltwater canal since 2002 with a boat lift.

Rule #1 - do not do any galvanized lift. Only aluminum

Rule # 2 - if using wood pilings, as most do - make sure they are WRAPPED, as there is an invasive species that will bore holes at the tideline/waterline over time

Rule #3 - make sure your setup allows you to raise the lift out of the water after you leave the dock - there are cables and bearings that do not need to sit in the water. Get a GEM or similar remote if you have to.

Rule #4 - there's a debate on this, however been there and done that, for me, I prefer rubber covered aluminum bunks VS. carpet over wood

Rule #5 - make sure the lift has grooved cable winders. This is a must for cable and tube winder longevity.

Rule # 6 - HAVE A HURRICANE PLAN

Bigger is always better in capacity as is 220 vs 110

Under 15,000 lbs, the flat plane, belt driven worm style gear is most economical to maintain. Bigger than that suggest the gearcase drive sealed units.

I had an allegedly 13,000 (was actually 18,000 on a travellift fully loaded) 10 Meter International, lift kept behind the house for 21 years.

I maintained that lift myself, replacing the stainless cables every 5 years, greasing the bearings on all 4 corners, motor, gears and the top bearings as well.

It's really a simple system.

BEST !

RWS

 

[ttmott]

We're closing on a new place in Clearwater Beach on the 30th. It has a slip but no lift. I'm trying to get educated about lifts as quickly as possible as I want to pull the trigger on one ASAP as I've been told there's an easy 3 month waiting list. I want at minimum a 10K pound unit to support the current boat, however, if the money isn't too crazy high, I'd like to plan for the future and go bigger as a bigger boat is definitely in our future in the couple of years. Now I need to learn all the do's and don'ts of boat lifts.

On caveat is that I don't 'own' the slip, although I'll have exclusive rights to it as long as I continue to own the condo. But if I move, I have to sell the improvements within 60 days. If not sold, I either have to have it uninstalled and stored, or forfeit it. So, with this stipulation I'm a little apprehensive paying a crazy amount.

Give me your thoughts and educate me.

I have a lift. There are two basic types of dock lifts- Overhead cable lift and post mounted lift. The post mounted is low and typically mounted atop pilings. The post mounted usually has a higher capacity. Mine is probably the least expensive but requires the more expensive overhead dock structure / roof. It is a single axle/pipe running down the middle of the roof structure that the cable wraps about. The cable routes to pullies on the sides of the structures then down to the spreaders/chocks the boat sits it. It is a 10K rated lift. If the dock does not have an overhead structure rated for a lift then you are pretty much relegated to the post mounted which if the dock wasn't installed for a lift pilings will need to be driven to support the loads. I have seen a couple of inflatable bag style of lifts but they don't seem to do too well in Florida coastal waters. Mine has been installed for some time now but I seem to remember around $10K to get it refurbished and upgraded with a full length stringer carriage. My guess is you'll be into it for $25 to $30K including pilings.

 

[copb8tx]

@Maybe A Dancer and @ttmott this is excellent info. Much appreciated.

Dancer, never thought about the pilings needing to be wrapped. Will definitely want to do that. All other recommendations will be strongly considered as well.

Regarding budget, I was 'hoping' to be at $20k but that's looking a little optimistic maybe.

 

[Jus Cruisin]

I'm not sure about saltwater but there are a couple of these in my marina. They are nifty. One guy that had one, relocated to a different marina and towed it there. They stay in the water over the winter.

Drive On Boat Docks | Discover The Original Floating Dock Solution - Jet Dock

 

[FootballFan]

Friend of mine has a lift in the area, I will ask him who he recommends for you to talk with.

 

[skibum]

I'm not sure about saltwater but there are a couple of these in my marina. They are nifty. One guy that had one, relocated to a different marina and towed it there. They stay in the water over the winter.

Drive On Boat Docks | Discover The Original Floating Dock Solution - Jet Dock

The local fire department has kept the boat below at my marina on that exact docking system for the last 8-10 years. I've seen them launch from, and return to it many times. We've also got boat lifts. After them in operation side by side for all of these years, I would absolutely go with the Jet Dock. The FD can board and be gone in less than 90 seconds. The lifts take 3-5 minutes. The added bonus of the Jet Dock is that you can walk completely around the boat when it's docked, which is fantastic from a maintenance perspective. I'll try to snap a few pics in the next couple of days.

 

[copb8tx]

That drive-on lift is appealing. Especially being able to walk around the boat. I wonder how it handles tidal swings and growth? I'll look into this before pulling the trigger on a traditional cable lift.

I did a quote back for a traditional lift and it couldn't have been too much closer to my targeted budget. The top model 16K lb. Deco Lift, which is locally manufactured and seems highly regarded, with 4 new 30' wrapped pilings and remote, installed including tax, was $20,500.00.

The biggest issue now is whether the available slip has the width to support a lift for a boat with an 11' beam. I'll only know that once I'm there in a couple of weeks. If it does, then I'll go 16K lbs. If not, I'm not wasting the money and will save $4K and get a 10K lb lift that supports my current boat, and maybe something a bit bigger with twins.