March 16, 2023

Are boat lifts easy to use, or are they high maintenance?

Written by ShoreMaster Marketing

Today’s boat lifts are nothing like those from many years ago. Lifting your boat out of the water has become as simple as turning a wheel or using a motor to power a winch, which not only beats getting an entire team and a crane to transport a boat. Marine-grade aluminum is more widely used and has also greatly improved modern boat lifts. This is great because it’s a highly durable material that’s very low maintenance.

No matter what kind of boat lift you’re using or what you’re lifting out of the water, boat lifts are largely the same. They all fill the same function—obviously to raise, lower, and suspend a boat above the water’s surface—but have different variations in how they get the job done. They also share the same benefits, which we list below.

Boat Lift Benefits

If you’re still on the fence about a boat lift, consider that your boat is one of the biggest investments you’ll probably ever make. Your boat is an investment worth protecting—a boat lift is a great way to do that. When your boat is stored outside of the water, it’s protected from corrosion, algae, and other marine life that can damage your boat on an aesthetic and performance level if left unchecked or cleaned improperly. In the same way, a boat lift protects against damage and scuffs that can come from collisions with your dock, other watercraft, or debris. A bad storm or strong wind can shift your boat around and bump it against something else, even if you’re in a calm area. Finally, a boat lift system that’s used correctly can keep your boat from floating away or sinking, even when it’s on the water.

How to Use a Docking System

There are different types of boat lifts and features, and each will operate a little differently—consult your owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for your boat lift specifics. However, they work the same way overall, with the same three basic steps:

• Operation: The way the boat lift operates when raising and lowering the boat, whether through a wheel or a motor.
• Launching: The process of lowering your boat into the water, off the lift, and away from the dock once it’s completely off the lift.
• Parking: The maneuvering required to get your boat safely back to your dock and on the lift again before you lift it up.

It’s Easier Than Repairing or Replacing Parts

There’s a lot to consider when buying a boat lift, especially for the first time. You must choose the boat lift system that’s designed to support your boat and work with your waterfront. You must also review the manufacturer’s instructions, warranties, and other relevant paperwork. Use the boat lift properly and safely and perform routine maintenance checks. If you’re a seasonal boater, you’ll also need to remember to install it before the season and uninstall it afterward.

This sounds like a lot of work to go through. However, the benefits far outweigh the downsides, and they actually reduce your maintenance needs overall. The less time your boat spends in the water, the less risk there will be for damage, which means reduced maintenance, repair, cleaning, and replacement costs. While frequent inspections and spot cleaning might seem like a waste of time, it really does save time, money, and stress in the long run.

Luckily, ShoreMaster’s extensive dealer network is here to help you find your perfect boat dock, whether you’re driving a tritoon or a jet ski. To get in touch with a dealer in your area, fill out our online contact form, and we’ll get you connected.