Boathouse lifts

[auian]

I would like to get some feedback about hanging Nautiques by the lifting rings. I have always lifted my boats with a cradle and cable lift system. I have a new SAN that I think I would like to hang by the lifting rings. I need to be able to get in the boat while in the lift. Anybody know of any disadvantages to doing this as oppossed to a cradle? My thoughts are there is less chance to damage any gear on the bottom such as the paddle wheel and I will gain some more depth clearance.

[NautiqueJeff]

I'm sure you've seen this, but just in case you haven't...

[tryan]

that would be the way to do it on a new model. an older model with wood stringers would require you to disconnect the propshaft to keep it from bending. ( i have read that it should also be disconnected while trailering in a engine alignment procedure printout from marine gears.)

[skinautique]

You will have no problem hanging a Nautique. The hooks are designed to cradle the weight of the boat. I would be very leary of lifting any other brand of boat though because their hooks are not designed with the purpose of lifting the boat for long periods of time. Hope that helps.

[NautiqueJeff]

SN,

I was looking at a picture of JJ's former 206 (now SGY's), and I was wondering if it is a bad idea to hang the boat with the bow cable/chain not straight. It appears that the chain holding the bow is forcing the boat back against the wall in this picture. Is it important to have the cables/chains go directly up from the lifting rings, or is it not a big deal?

[skinautique]

for extended periods of time, it is best to be straight up and down. If that wall wasn't there, the boat would be straight up and down because it would naturally fall into that position but with JJ's setup being fixed, it is my guess that he has it spaced out to fit a 196 with no problem but it is being stretched out with the longer boat.

Hope that helps

[auian]

Thanks for the replies. My only reservation now is what to do with the hanging cables once the boat is lowered into the water. It appears I will have to take extra care not to impale the boat with the metal hooks and weights. The transom cables will always be in the way of the tower as I pull out of the boathouse.... This is going to require some more thought.

[skinautique]

If you do a similar setup to JJ's with the overhead beams, you can slide the whole motor off to the side and then just get a little hook installed on the upright pole where you can tuck the chain off to the side when you aren't lifting the boat. Hope that helps.

[Hollywood]

The hook idea seems to be the best, you can even lift it a little again to get the slack out for more clearance when they are off to the side. Hanging a Nautique will certainly not be a problem.

[Hollywood]

Also, with JJ's design it keeps the boat back snug against the wall to avoid getting clipped by the garage door. It would also be nice to have the cross I-beams on rollers that sat on another set of beams, so they could be moved forward or backwards to get in proper position.

[yellowdog]

You will have no problem hanging a Nautique. The hooks are designed to cradle the weight of the boat.

Would this apply to the older Nautiques also????? I should qualify the term "older", the late 70's, specifically 1978. These have one eye on the bow and one at the transom.

Thanks,

Don

[typicaljimi41]

70's lift rings

My 74' Skier has been lifted in and out of the water by its lifting rings since the day it was purchased new. We have a cradle for it in the boat house for the times it doesn't get used often, i.e. winter. Never had a problem with it hanging.

[campbelljo]

Thought i would post these here also. I couldnt get comfortable with lifting by the rings, nor did i like the cradles that i had seen so i decided to build a more inboard specific cradle that i could adjust in case the boat changes. It will be home for my 91 BFN.