Boat lift clearence

[nelbird]

Hello, I purchased a older Shore Station lift for my 89 ski nautique. I need to know how shallow can the water be and still get my boat on this lift. It measers 10 inches to clear the bottom bar when all the way down and about 16 inches to clear the bunks. Thanks

[SHREDHEAD]

About 2 1/2 to 3 feet.

[DavidF]

The draft of a '89 SN is 24", so the water must be deeper than 24". IMHO, 30" of water depth would be a minimum. 30" would allow 14" over the bunk boards of the lift which is way more than enough.

[brodie]

If the draft is 24", and clearance for the lower bar is 10", you would need 36" depth to avoid having the tracking fins hit the bar. Draft is measured from the waterline to the lowest point, which is usually either the bottom of the tracking fins and/or bottom of prop/rudder. Just make sure to set your bunks high enough to avoid having the fins hitting the bar first.

[SHREDHEAD]

I also have an 89 with an older shore station. I did take the feet off of the lift to get extra clearance. I have a very sandy shore on Lake James and the water is about waist deep.