As a boat owner, I know the importance of properly maintaining my boat. One of the most important aspects of boat maintenance is lifting the boat out of the water when not in use. However, choosing the right one can be overwhelming with so many boat lifting systems available on the market. In this article, I will share my experience of choosing a boat lift and provide a comprehensive guide to boat lifting.
Choosing the Right Boat Lift For My Needs
The first step in choosing a boat lift is to determine the weight and size of your boat. This information is crucial because it will help you choose a lift to accommodate your boat’s weight and size. Once you have this information, you can start researching different types of boat lifts.
There are three main types of boat lifts: vertical, cantilever, and floating. Vertical boat lifts are the popular because they are easy to use and offer the most lift height. Cantilever boat lifts are a good option if you have limited dock space because they take up less space. Floating boat lifts are ideal if you have fluctuating water levels or want to move your lift to different locations.
My Pick: A Floating Boat Lift
After researching the different types of boat lifts, I decided to go with a floating boat lift made by LOTO Lift. I chose a floating boat lift because I have a fluctuating water level, and a floating boat lift can easily adjust to changing water levels. Additionally, a floating boat lift is easy to move to a different location if necessary, which is a feature I found appealing since I have lakefront properties in multiple locations.
Additional Considerations in my Boat Lifting Choice
The construction material is another important factor when choosing a boat lift. Boat lifts are typically made of either aluminum or galvanized steel. Aluminum boat lifts are lightweight and corrosion-resistant, making them ideal for either freshwater or saltwater environments. Galvanized steel boat lifts are more durable and can handle heavier loads, making them a good option for larger boats.
I ultimately chose a floating boat lifting system made of aluminum. The lightweight and corrosion-resistant material made it the perfect option for fluctuating water levels and saltwater environments. So I purchased two! One for my freshwater location on Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri and a second for my saltwater needs on the Great Salt Lake in Utah.
My Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing a boat lift is a big decision and can be overwhelming, so it’s important to take the time to research and choose the right one for your boat and your water.
Determine the weight and size of your boat, research the different types of boat lifts, and consider the construction material and whether you need something for deep water, shallow water, or fluctuating water levels.
By doing so, you’ll be able to make an informed decision and choose a boat lift that will properly maintain your boat for years to come.
I hope you find a good boat lifter that fits your needs as well as mine does!
(Contributed by Alan Arthur)