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 boat 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 product 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 freestanding boat lifts that come in many different styles. The type of boat lift you choose is 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 and barnacle buildup. While algae and barnacles only require a thorough scrubbing and cleaning to remove, corrosion 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 on a boat lift also offers support and protection against fluctuating water, wind, waves, and debris. The support of a boat lift will stabilize your boat during storage. Otherwise rough waters, storms and tide changes can push and pull your boat into the dock. This can result in scrapes and scuffs, and minimize damage to your dock from your boat being knocked into it. By keeping your boat raised above the water, a boat lift can 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 boat lift is also an efficient storage option versus trailering or dry stack storage. This also makes it much easier and faster to launch your boat, eliminating time spent hauling your craft to and from a marina. Boat lifts are available for powerboats, pontoon boats jet skis and more. In addition, boat lifts 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 boat lift and dock set up even more convenient. Full guide-ons, vertical guide post, and bow stops can all help to ensure your boat is protected during launch and dock. While boat lift canopies 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.
