Investing in a boat is investing in your love for open water, adventure, and quality time spent on the waves. But just as important as your vessel itself is the equipment that keeps it safe when it’s not in use. A boat lift is one such piece of equipment.
If you’re in the market for a boat lift, you might be wondering how to choose the right one for your boat type. That’s what KC Marine is here to help you with! We will review why boat lifts are so important, what to consider when choosing one (it’s more than what type of boat you have), types of boat lifts, and more. By the end, you will know what to look for in a boat lift to ensure it is maximally useful and protective for your vessel.
Your boat is a major investment, so you should protect it the best you can (unless you want to make the expensive purchase again). Leaving a boat exposed, especially in water, can lead to costly damages, such as these:
A boat lift prevents or drastically mitigates these problems by keeping your boat elevated in the marina. It is an incredibly practical storage solution. When you dock your boat, the lift effortlessly elevates the vessel above the waterline. Then, when you’re ready to set sail, the system simply lowers the boat until it can float and be driven out to open waters.
Though it’s important to understand how to choose the right boat lift for your boat type, your vessel is far from the only determining factor. Water and dock conditions play equally big roles. Explore how each of these factors should play into your boat lift decision below.
Small boats and PWCs (personal watercrafts) do well with smaller, lighter lifts designed for surface-level exposure. Pontoon boats generally require a lift with support beams that fit a flat hull design. Larger boats, including speedboats and yachts, need a high-capacity hydraulic lift capable of handling their considerable weight and dimensions.
Additionally, the lift’s weight capacity should exceed that of your boat. Include the weight of fuel, gear, and any additional onboard equipment when calculating.
The depth of the water and how calm or rough it gets should factor into your lift selection. The deeper and rougher the conditions are, the more stable and powerful your lift needs to be. If you’re leaving your boat in a marina, a hydraulic lift is always the best choice. For lakes, a cantilever boat lift could work just fine. However, you can never go wrong by investing in the strongest, most stable system.
Your dock’s design plays a vital role in determining your lift type. A floating dock, for instance, pairs best with a floating boat lift. On the other hand, a stationary dock could allow for multiple lift options. Additionally, consider whether your dock resides in a well-sheltered cove or along an exposed shoreline where harsher conditions prevail. If it’s the latter, then you’ll want to get a lift with excellent stability and a protective cover.
Once you’ve assessed your boat’s needs and your water and dock situation, it’s time to consider the type of boat lift that best matches your requirements. Below are the most common types.
Cantilever lifts are incredibly common. They’re very simple in design and therefore relatively affordable and easy to maintain. However, they can’t elevate a boat very far off the water, so they’re best for docks in shallow areas.
The next most popular boat lift is the vertical design. It is very similar to the cantilever lift, except its construction allows for a straight up-and-down motion to lower your vessel instead of the cantilever’s angled mechanics. Vertical boat lifts can work anywhere a cantilever lift can, and they also function in deeper waters.
Floating boat lifts use air-filled chambers to create buoyancy, which lifts and supports your boat out of the water. This design is great for fluctuating water levels or areas with no permanent docks.
A hydraulic boat lift can come in many different designs, including cantilever and vertical. Instead of using mechanical power to raise and lower vessels, hydraulic lifts use pressurized fluid to generate force and movement. Hydraulic lifts are extremely strong and reliable, making them perfect for larger boats and deep water.
No matter which type of lift you choose, here are nonnegotiable features to prioritize:
If you think a hydraulic boat lift is right for your vessel, then you can end your search with Basta boat lifts. KC Marine is a proud partner of the brand, and here’s why we think you’ll love it too.
For over 20 years, Basta has redefined the boat lift industry with their engineering excellence and innovative designs. The brand patented the Hydraulic Over-Center™ lift design, which is now the best in the industry due to its incredible reliability and stability. Basta lifts also feature a galvanized steel build that makes them perfect for deep waters and sites with rough conditions.
With Basta, you won’t have to worry about the sway and instability of cable lifts. While a failing cable could result in disastrous damage, Basta lifts are engineered to hold your boat steadfast, regardless of external elements.
Looking for something lightweight, stylish, and easy to relocate? Basta lifts can be effortlessly adjusted to accommodate seasonal changes or fluctuating water levels. Plus, their modern design complements any dock, making both form and function a priority.
Basta lifts are designed and built in the United States with precision and care, making them a dependable choice for boat owners who value top-quality manufacturing.
KC Marine is a proud Basta Boatlifts dealer with years of experience helping boat owners find the perfect lift for their needs. Whether you’re looking for more information about Basta’s ground-breaking models or you’re ready to make the switch to a safer, more reliable lift, KC Marine is here to assist. Reach out today!
