20 Sep Exploring Different Boat Lifts
Boat lifts are key components any boat owner needs to raise their boats out of the water. Boat owners can use these devices for marinas, boatyards, and private docks.
Despite its simple use and purposes, boat lifts provide a range of benefits for enthusiastic boat owners. Boat lifts provide both convenience and care for boat owners and boats. Take a deep dive and see the best options with boat lifts for sale.
What are Boat Lifts?
In general context, boat lifts are mechanical devices designed to hoist and support small-type boats out of the water. They are usually made of hoisting system components and support cradles, ensuring that the boat is suspended above the water when not used.
Owning a boat lift offers numerous benefits for owners. These devices help protect boats from potential damages caused by prolonged exposure to water and other natural elements boats may encounter throughout their run.
Staying on the water for so long can lead to corrosion and marine growth beneath the boat. Minimizing damages also results in the boat’s lifespan being extended and a reduction of maintenance costs over time.
Boat lifts also make it more convenient for owners to access and board their boats with minimal effort. This eliminates the need for complicated approaches and procedures on their end. Additionally, this saves boat owners time and reduces potential wear and tear on their boats. These are also convenient if hurricanes or typhoons occur to ensure your boat is safe and secure.
Lastly, these boat lifts are designed for heavy lifting by hoisting your boat off the water quickly, providing convenience and saving time in taking the boat in and out of the water at the beginning and the end of the owner’s cruising time.
Types of Boat Lifts
Choosing the suitable options among numerous boat lifts for sale is essential in maximizing its benefits and needs. Owners must also ensure that the boat lifts they purchase to fit their respective boats and needs. This selection must be based on specific factors such as boat size, weight, shape, and water body condition.
There are several types of boat lifts available that owners can choose from.
Vertical boat lifts
The vertical lifting mechanism in this boat lift is ideal for narrow bodies of water and locations with limited space. Vertical boat lifts offer excellent stability with a lifting capability of around 10,000 lbs. capacity. This makes these lifts suitable for varying boat sizes.
Additionally, Vertical lifts are adaptable for both shallow and deep water applications. Our vertical boat lifts are available in two variations: the Hydraulic Remote Vertical Lift and Aluminum Vertical Lifts.
Cantilever Boat Lifts
In contrast to vertical boat lifts, this type uses a horizontal mechanism such as a flat bar or lever to lift boats out of the water. Cantilever boat lifts are popular for their simplicity and cost-effectiveness, making them suitable for smaller boats with lifting capabilities from 750 lbs to 1,500 lbs. However, this may also vary depending on the model.
Hydraulic Boat Lifts
As their name indicates, hydraulic boat lifts adopted hydraulic power in lifting and lowering boats smoothly. They are highly versatile and are popular for their ease and reliability. Check out our Hydraulic Remote Cantilever System, a compact model that operates using a 12V DC hydraulic control box, which customers also have the option of running with a 120V AC, 12V DC, or 24V DC.
PWC Lifts (Personal Watercraft Lifts)
PWC lifts are designed to handle personal watercraft like jet skis and wave runners. PWC lifts provide a convenient solution due to their compact size and easy operation features. These boat lifts may be mounted on the dock, pile, free-standing, or drive-on models.
Factors to Consider When Buying Boat Lifts
There are different boat lifts for sale and available within the market. They offer different benefits and meet varying conditions. You have other factors that need to be considered before buying one out of the blue, ensuring that the lift you are purchasing fits the needs of your watercraft.
Budget is a critical consideration when it comes to buying boat lifts. Boat lifts vary in price ranges. Future owners must determine how much they will invest in a lift and its components that meet their preferences and needs in the long run.
Another factor to consider is checking your boat size and weight. You will need to know how big and heavy your boat is to choose a lift that can take on your boat.
Additionally, location and water depth are also in need of consideration. Boat lifts are suited to different water depths and conditions. Regarding this, you need to align your boat lift options with your preferred location.
Where to Find Boat Lifts for Sale?
You can rely on several sources to find boat lifts for sale. Firstly, several local stores specialize in marine equipment and boat lift selections. They provide buyers with the advantage of checking out these products in person.
Another source buyers can consider is online marketplaces. Different boating-specific websites offer a wide range of boat lift options owners can choose from. Online marketplace sellers also typically list their products’ dimensions and capabilities. Online marketplaces provide more comprehensive options with more detailed information, with the result being they cannot offer real-time data or inquiry answering.
Some manufacturers sell their products directly to consumers. Direct sellers offer customization options and direct connections to the manufacturer, enabling boat owners to customize the boat lift according to their needs.
Questions to Ask Sellers:
It would help if you asked relevant and necessary questions about boat lifts for sale. Here are some critical questions for your direct seller or provider regarding the boat lift products you want to purchase.
The most important thing to ask is about the boat lift’s warranty coverage. You must inquire about the warranty duration and scope when buying a boat lift. Additionally, check on the warranty for specific conditions or limitations.
Another thing to inquire with the provider is the required maintenance needs for the boat lifts. It is essential to ask this to know how to care for the lifts and prevent damages that may cost you more over time. You are free to ask regarding installation services or any of their recommended installation services and inquire regarding the possible additional fees of installing the lifts.
Furthermore, it would be best if you inquired about the seller’s policies regarding return or potential exchange. Knowing these terms and conditions is important upon returning a lift that is either defective or doesn’t meet your expectations.
Maintenance and Care Tips for First Timers
Here are some helpful tips for individuals using boat lifts for the first time. Firstly, for maintenance, regularly clean your lift components, such as the cables, pulleys, and framework. Use mild detergent and clean water to remove salt or other debris. Also, ensure that you regularly inspect your lift and its components to ensure everything functions at its best.
Additionally, use recommended lubricant oil on moving parts to prevent rust and corrosion. Store your boat lifts properly in dry storage areas without exposure to weather conditions and other natural elements.
Routine maintenance is essential to keep your newly purchased boat lift in top condition. This also ensures that these lifts will last a lifetime without hindering their performance quality. Perform visual inspections before and after each use. In the instance that you might find components or the boat lift itself needing replacing, replace these parts as necessary to prevent potential damage from occurring.
Check the lifts for wear and tear signs or any signs of corrosion. Act quickly if repairs and replacements are necessary.
Explore Our Boat Lifts Today!
Boat Lifts International (BLI) has been supplying quality boat lift products to consumers around the globe for more than 25 years. Started as a small ski and wakeboard school and became a boat lift dealer in 1999. At present, BLI holds customer service as the gold standard and works to surpass our customers’ expectations. Moreover, BLI is a vast distribution dealer of networks and services to customers from all around the world.
To begin checking out any open boat lifts for sale, contact us today for more details and inquiries.