Many boat owners are surprised to learn that their boats shouldn’t be stored in water. Using a boat lift regardless of the size of your craft will help protect your vessel from damage and make it easier to clean and maintain. A lift is also the most efficient way to store and launch your boat. While it is another expense, investing in a boat lift will help maintain your boat’s value, extend its lifespan and make getting out on the water easy.
What is a Boat Lift and Do I Need One?
A boat lift is a piece of equipment that can raise your boat out of the water to store it when it’s not in use, and then lower it back onto the water when you’re ready to take it out. Some boat lifts use a manual crank and pulley system, while others are motorized and can make lifting your boat as simple as pressing a button. There are permanent and removable lifts and different types based on the size and shape of your boat and the type of water and dock environment that your vessel resides in.
Storing a boat in the water can accelerate the deterioration of your boat’s exterior over time. When your boat is stored in the water for long periods, the underside of the hull becomes susceptible to corrosion, scum and algae buildup, and depending on the body of water, possibly barnacles, zebra mussels and other unwanted aquatic life. While algae and barnacles only require a thorough scrubbing and cleaning to remove, corrosion is more serious and requires more extensive maintenance or repairs. Using a boat lift will save you money in the long run, reducing the need for exterior maintenance and repairs.
Storing your boat out of the water also offers support and protection against fluctuating water, wind, waves, and debris. Without the support of a lift to stabilize your boat during storage, rough waters, storms and tide changes can push and pull your boat into the dock resulting in scrapes and scuffs, plus your dock could also sustain damage from your boat being knocked around. Keeping your boat raised above the water also helps protect it from floating objects, accidents and more so you can rest assured that your vessel is safe and secure.
Other Reasons to Use a Boat Lift
Using a boat lift makes it easy to store your boat, and when you’re ready to do seasonal cleaning and maintenance, you can easily access all parts of your vessel, including the underside. Utilizing a lift is also an efficient storage option versus trailering or dry stack storage, and also makes it much easier to get in and out of the water, eliminating time spent hauling your craft to and from a marina, loading it onto a trailer and going to and from storage. Boat lifts are available for powerboats, pontoon boats and personal watercraft and can accommodate any type of water and shoreline.
A boat lift will save you time getting in and out of the water because all you need to do to launch your boat is to simply drive it off of the lift. Using a lift will likely eliminate the need for trailering and storage in warmer climates, and will ensure that your vessel is secure, protected and enjoyable for years to come.
Additional accessories can make your lift and dock set up even more convenient such as motorized lifts and solar panels, guides and lights to ensure your boat is protected during launch and dock, and canopies to protect your boat from weather, birds and sun exposure.
Contact our team today, and we’ll help you choose and customize a boat lift that will make owning and using your vessel easy and enjoyable.