There’s no one-size-fits-all boat lift, especially regarding the different styles. However, some types work better than others for specific boats and waterfronts.
A boat lift can reduce the buildup of barnacles and other corrosion on your watercraft, reducing its overall maintenance needs and improving its resale value.
4-Post Conventional Lift
The four-post conventional lift is the boat lift you see the most. It’s a good choice for beginners since it typically costs less than other charges. You can get a 5,000-pound capacity model for about $6,250, but that number will rise when you add accessories and other features.
For instance, some boat lifts South Florida come with a boarding platform, boarding stairs, and walkways, all of which can make it much easier to use your boat. These lifts also usually require very little maintenance compared to other charges. However, you’ll need to lubricate the system and check for other problems periodically.
Elevator Lift
Unlike standard lift systems, the elevator boat lift minimizes the amount of support structure visible above deck height. This sleek, aesthetically pleasing option offers increased convenience and security for boats of all sizes. It can be a good choice for locations where pilings cannot be driven due to water depth, tidal fluctuation or hard bottom conditions.
Elevator lifts use a hydraulic system but are hole-less, so they do not require a pit to hold the cylinder. Instead, they use rails (I-beam tracks) supported by the dock or seawall and connected to a drive system at each end of the way.
The power heads (gearing and motor) are under a protective cover on each rail, and stainless steel cables run through grooved aluminum cable winders to pull the carriage up and down the rails. Contact IMM Quality today to learn more about this unique boat lift system, or view our online gallery of current styles and installations.
Cantilevered Lift
Cantilever lifts are relatively simple, utilizing leverage to lift the vessel. This means the carriage on this type of lift never comes in contact with the frame and, therefore, requires little maintenance. However, this design is not recommended for rocky or muddy shorelines.
The structure of this lift floats in water, which makes it prone to algae growth and saltwater corrosion. In addition, it can become an electrical hazard when exposed to saltwater. It also carries a higher price tag compared to other lift types.
These lifts use a set of parallel upper beams with a motor-operated shaft that extends through the length of each one. Four cables are wound around the shaft to raise and lower the boat cradle. These cables can be pulled diagonally or horizontally to increase and decrease the boat cradle height. They are also easy to winch, saving time. However, cantilever lifts require a firm and solid base to function well.
Piling Mount Lift
Homeowners with a home or business on the shore who want a more secure place to keep their boat when not in use may prefer a piling mount lift. This lift type is also ideal for areas that experience much marine growth, like barnacles and algae. A lifted boat keeps this growth off the hull, increasing its resale value and preventing it from being damaged when docked.
A freestanding piling mount lift consists of a cradle in the water attached to a seawall or dock. People often use it to minimize damage caused to their boats during storms and wakes, which can cause them to bump up and down against the pier.
This lift type is more stable than a bottom-standing or elevated boat lift, so it might be unsuitable for rough waters. Also, it requires a more technical design to install, so that it will cost more than other lift styles.
