Boat lifts

[97sport]

Just wandering if anybody has or knows someone who uses a boat lift? I should mention that I need a lift for a floating dock.

[bkhallpass]

RE: Boat lifts

I have a polylift which I use with my floating dock. Previously used a hydrohoist, which
is the most popular brand in my area (Discovery Bay, CA). Others I've seen in my
area include econolift, galvalift, and california lift.

I like the polylift because is amazingly thick, very solid, and wears well. The newer hydrohoists
also use the thick plastic pontoons/sponsons and look great, but I have not personally owned one.

I recommend that you buy one size larger than you actually need. When people, gear, etc.
are in the boat on the lift, it's nice to have the extra capacity.

BKH

[97sport]

RE: Boat lifts

BKH Thanks for the info. I have'nt heard of the polylift yet and was looking at the hydrohoist, hewitt, and econolift. I think the 4500# lift should do the job for a Sport Nautique even filled with fuel and equipment. Need to know how many amps the motor draws? Will a power inverter do the job or do I have to use 110 volt?

[b2]

Also have a look at the Sunstream float lift

www.sunstreamboatlifts.com

[bkhallpass]

97,

I would think 4500 should do the trick (my hydrohoist was 4500). I currently a 6000 lb but that's only because I had it in my mind to buy a small 28-30ft. offshore. However, Mikeski owns and 211, with a 4500
lb lift, and his lift does reach capacity with a full tank of gas, gear, and
a couple of people sitting in the boat. It's kind of right on the edge for that
weight of boat.

I couldn't say what the draw is. I'm sure it's not much as the motor in most of these lifts, is just a small vacuum cleaner motor. I've seen lifts operated with solar units, but have never personally seen an inverter used. Mine is on 110 and I actually have it hardwired into the electrical system on my floating dock.

www.hydrohoist.com, www.polylift.com. Have some good photos, probably have the electrical info you want, or at least have phone numbers to call to answer your questions.

Here's a picture of my lift setup:

[roadkingpuck]

BKH,

I notice you use a mooring cover on your boat in addition to a canopy on your boat lift. How do you ensure that you don't get mildew / moisture build-up in your boat after each use? I use a Shorelander boat lift and am able to raise the boat high enough to protect the boat from sun and rain. I would like to cover the boat like you do; but am a little concerned about covering the boat when it is still wet from use.

[bkhallpass]

In the winter, if there is heavy rain and high winds that boat will be drenched, even with the awning. Side curtains can help prevent that, but I've never invested in them. The cover helps keep the water out. I actually take the cover off and let it air between storms, just to help insure it is dry, and the mildew remains at a minimum. I usually put a couple of silica cans in the boat as well to help keep the moisture down and prevent mildew (though I have not this year). We do use our boat periodically throughout the winter.

In the summer I'll leave it off some days, but typically I toss the cover on. Reason being dust. The community I live in was built in the middle of California's farm country. Lots of dust. add in a little fog or condensation, and the dust becomes grime. That's not to mention cats and other vermin who like to crawl in the boat and the birds that leave their droppings. We control the birds with spinning wheels mounted inside the awning. Nevertheless, probably 99% of folks here use a cover even if they have an awning . In the summer, there's not much need to worry about mildew. We average 90s to low 100s all summer. Water doesn't last long in that heat. BKH

[roadkingpuck]

Thanks for the info.

[DRAGON88]

We have a sunstream and It's awesome. Very high quality, I expect their floating model would be also very nice.

[goodfoot00]

A couple of things to consider:

-If you have a large fluctuation in water level, the cable hoists have more travel than cantilever style (most of your hydraulic lifts are cantilever).

-If the water gets low at your dock during the end of summer, the cable hoists require less water to dock/launch your boat.

In Indiana, Shorestation and ShoreMaster are the two main companies. If you watch the paper and the boat trader mags in the spring there are usually a few used ones for sale. As recommended earlier, get more capacity than you need. Also, newer canopies designs are deeper and provide better protection for your boat.

[97sport]

BHK. I really like your lift set up. Thats what I'm looking to do. I got a call from Hewitt and they told me the motor draws 5 amps. Correct me if i'm wrong but 5 amps times 110 volts = 550 watts. Thats not much and a small inverter should handle it. I can't hardwire the motor, Army corps of engineers lake. Not allowed. Also the water level can fluctuate 1 ft. per day depending on the weather. Thanks to all for the info.

[bkhallpass]

97, I'm about the last guy on earth to answer an electrical question, but since 1 watt = 1volt x 1 amp, I believe you are correct. Please note, the lift I have is a center mount. When it is lowered, the flotation of the dock is what holds it up. My particular lift requires about 4 ft of water to launch. There are other types of lifts that are freestanding. Those freestanding lifts have flotation on their sides which prevent them from sinking when lowered. The are only attached to the dock by a couple of slip rings to prevent them from floating
away. Where I'm at, the water is tidal, that's why we can't use a lift which sits on the bottom. Depending upon tide the water depth below my dock can vary from 8 to 18 feet. BKH