Boat enthusiasts perfectly know that keeping their boats safe and secure is crucial to maintaining their investment. Having a boat lift that can protect and store the boat when not in use tend to be one essential component of boat maintenance. There being many different types of boat lifts in the market today makes the selection of the right one a bit difficult. Therefore it’s crucial to consider the following tips as they help in making the right boat lift selection for your specific situation.
One is your boat specifications. The first thing to consider when choosing a boat lift is your boat’s specifications. The fact that boat lifts are available in wide range of sizes and heights you need to choose one that can accommodate your boat dimensions as well as weight. Measuring your boat’s weight, width and length is important as it helps you in finding the right boat lift. This tip helps you in narrowing down your options and find a boat lift that can safely support your boat.
Next is your dock. Its worth factoring on this tip since you want a lift that will fit within the dock’s dimensions and is compatible with its materials. Also consider the water depth as well as the distance from the dock to the water. The lifts differ when it comes to shallow and deep water. Similarly if your dock is far from the water, you may need a longer lift arm to reach the boat.
The other essential factor is the type of lift. Boat lifts are available in different types and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The first type is floating lifts that are best for those who need a portable lift or have a floating dock. Second type is bottom standing boat lifts that are a popular option for boat owners who have a fixed dock or a shallow water area. Those with a deep water area or high dock prefer the third type which is suspended lifts. You therefore get to make the right boat lift selection by looking at which type suits your needs.
Budget. Its good to consider your budget since boat lifts come in a wide range of prices. Initial costs should not be the only one considered but also maintenance and repair costs. You should avoid cheaper lifts as they may cost you more for frequent repair and replacements. This make it worth going for quality boat lifts with reasonable and affordable costs.
Take note of water and tides. They are worth consideration due to their effect on your boat lift choice. You should choose lifts that can handle your area conditions. The same case with those in areas with tidal changes as they need lifts that can adjust to such fluctuations.