If you've moved a hydraulic lift by strapping it to the boat - how did you do it?

[SilentSeven]

Wellll...for those you following along, a few weeks ago I purchased and moved this Hewitt lift.

And then (inconveniently?) a much better Basta hydraulic lift with a canopy came up for sale at a very advantageous price. So I bought it. Like the last lift, I have to move it as it's not possible to beach the lift in it's current location. This being a hydraulic lift...I have a few more options than with the mechanical Hewitt....

I understand it's possible to strap the lift to the boat, retract the lift to pull it off the bottom and then putt-putt to the new destination. I've never actually seen this done and youtube - the mother of all redneck engineering solutions - has no videos. So is this really a method or just a wives tale....?

Looking to hear from anyone who's done this. How did it work? How exactly did you strap the lift to the boat? How far did you actually move the lift?

I know I can use the everyday solution of floating at the corners but am curious about this option.

[shag]

I have never heard of this and would not even consider it. Too much to go wrong. Catch the lift of something and damage the boat, strap lets go and pulls something off the boat, etc.
Get 4, 55 gal plastic drums (get ones with a lip on both ends so the strap won't slide off, and strap them to the corners (strap around two points on each barrel. decent quality ratchet straps are fine). I have done it with 3 also, (two on the back corners and one long wise across the front base in the middle). Strap them to the lift while it is in the upright position, then slowly lower the lift as if you were lowering your boat. Once buoyancy happens, the lift should float. D/C and protect the ends of your hoses from the pump, and slowly tow to wherever you need. I would stay closer to shore in case you have any problem, it hopefully wouldn't be in as deep of water. I have done this many times.

[SilentSeven]

I agree it sounds janky....but ya never know till ya ask.



Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

[scottb7]

I have heard of it before. You could try it. Doubt you gonna hurt anything if you try it slowly. I guess you would put the boat on the lift, strap the boat to the bunks, and then lower the boat into the water.

[SilentSeven]

It's the strapping that's interesting. Good thought on putting it up and then strapping it. I was trying to think about how you get the strap under the keel but doing it with boat in the air makes sense....

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

[HollywoodBall]

I think it’s a great idea and you should definitely do it and definitely record the entire process.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SilentSeven]

I think it’s a great idea and you should definitely do it and definitely record the entire process.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

.....for science?

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

[gcam4]

I would never do this. Too many things to go wrong as others have mentioned. I would strap floats to the bunks, lower them, then putt the lift somewhere with a pontoon.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

[SilentSeven]

Well...based on the responses I think we can consider this approach a old wives tale! Myth busted...

[gcam4]

Well...based on the responses I think we can consider this approach a old wives tale! Myth busted...

This is what I do for short travels. Ie, less than 50ft. You have barrels and I would feel comfortable with them.

I would use more straps normally but I only had to move it ~18" after we had our neighborhood dock moved.

Putt with a pontoon very slowly and you will be good to go.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

[shag]

The key word here is 'slow'.. No more than idle speed when moving it - and preferably at a time when theres minimal waves/wind.