Storing boat by lift rings?

[johnq]

So in my quest to find a shallow-water lift, I stopped by a Nautique dealer to take some measurements on the hull, fins, prop etc. While explaining my dilemna the dealer suggested I try to find or build an overhead lifting mechanism and simply pick the boat up by the lift rings rather than try to lift from below at such a shallow water depth (28-32" of water). I hadn't considered that only because I'd still need something to set the boat on. He insisted, however, that it is very common in FL for boats to be stored suspended from their lift rings. All logistics of such a lift aside, what are people's thoughts on this? I would think storing a boat by hanging it from its lift rings would not be good for the hull in the long term.

[SkiTower]

RE: Storing boat by lift rings?

Agreed. I don't know for sure but it would bother me to lift by the rings that often and for that long.

[gotpwr]

RE: Storing boat by lift rings?

Why would Correct Craft install the lifting eyes and mention them in the owners manual if they weren't safe to use? I wouldn't hesitate at all to store my boat in a boat house by the lifting eyes.

[chris196]

RE: Storing boat by lift rings?

Just today I was running down the lake and pointed out to my friends an old Ski Nautique 2001 hull suspended by the lifting rings.
It's been like that for years.

I don't know what boat you have, but I'd have no problem doing that with my 196. I guess a big 230 would look kind of funny hanging there.

[AirTool]

RE: Storing boat by lift rings?

I'm sure it is okay over the long haul.

I wonder how stable it is to walk around in while on the hooks.

[JohnE]

RE: Storing boat by lift rings?

Personally I'd worry about stress on the hull for long term storage. It might be fine, but I'd never stop thinking about it.

[DavidF]

RE: Storing boat by lift rings?

Personally, I think putting a boat on a trailer will impart more stress to the boat than using the lifting rings. Plus, hanging the boat by the rings is just plain cool looking. Go for it.

[robertsmcfarland]

If one was thinking about using the lift rings ,where would you start looking for a qualified installer and does any body have any pictures to see how the system looks and works? thanks.

[TravisFling]

I would get some high test fishing line, and probably put at least an additional 2x4 across the top.

hahaha... Actually, in a marine envirnment I would go an aluminum 6160 I Beam supported on an aluminum hollow square post in a 4x4 or 6x6 at each corner. It's just like building a deck, or anything else, but with aluminum. When you put your concrete piers I would set the bolts right into the concrete.
You shouldn't have any problems storing the boat by the lifting rings.
I would also make sure that there's some type of redundant system in place on the winch's, etc.

[WakeSlayer]

The lifting rings are meant to hang the boat. There is no issue doing this whatsoever. Otherwise, they wouldn't put them on the boats.

[SGY]

CC recommends you store the boat in this fashion. Not sure about other manufacturers.

[rivercowboy]

This is a great way to store your boat. You HAVE to have a boat house though, cause you cant hang it out in the wind, it needs to be shielded.

[saceone]

guys don't laugh but I have never seen a boat hanging by the lift rings. pics!!

[jward]

I have a relative that does this with his malibu. On his dock he made some padded 2x4's that slip in to the dock, and come a few inches from the boat. 2 on each side. This way the boat can only sway a couple inches from side to side. He has done this for many years with no problems.. Also if there was a problem wouldn't it be covered by the hull waranty.

[raygunclan]

Back in the 80's that is how my friend had his 84' Ski Nautique hung in his boat house. We would pull in - I'd jump on front of boat and hook up while they would hook the back. We would lift the boat with everyone inside - hopping out when it got even with the dock. Would say the boat hung there for 15+ years...never a problem - then it became my first boat in 2002 and lived on a trailer (no boat house for me)