Posted on November 3, 2022

Is Buying a Boat Lift Worth It?

Written by ShoreMaster Marketing

Ironically, your boat—the watercraft you spend your summer on, making precious memories, enjoying the wonders of nature, and getting out on the water with—actually stays in better shape when you store it out of the water. Odd, right?

Not really. A lot of common boat problems that can prove to be costly in the long run are easily avoided or greatly reduced through dry storage. So no matter what kind of watercraft you have or where you’re docking, here are the benefits that all boat owners can get from a boat lift.

Secure Boat Storage

The water isn’t the safest place to store a boat that isn’t in use. Keeping it on a lift above the water (and underneath a canopy cover for good measure) is the best way to keep it from getting battered into your dock or stuck into your slip when inclement weather strikes. If you’re using a floating lift, your boat will also be kept safe from the hazards of fluctuating water levels by keeping your boat consistently level no matter where your water level is at that time. To ensure that no one can lower your boat into the water while you’re not around, you can disable the power at the circuit breaker or lock the cradles to the top beams. 

Easier, Cheaper Maintenance

Anything that sits in water long enough will eventually suffer from water damage, and yes, that does mean your boat as well. Hulls that sit in the water long enough will eventually absorb it, which can cause hull blisters and other deterioration. Boats that sit in water will also accumulate algae, which on top of being unsightly and a pain to clean, can deteriorate paint jobs. Saltwater boaters have the possibility of corrosion as a result of their water. Boats kept on a lift won’t experience these boat lift maintenance problems, which means not only an extended lifespan and a more beautiful boat but a higher value and more money in your wallet. 

More Quality Time on the Water

No one gets a boat because they enjoy cleaning and repairing it—ok, maybe some people do. Still, the odds are that you got a boat because you wanted to use it to explore the beauty of your local water with the people you love, making fantastic boating season memories. A boat lift allows you to spend more of your time doing what matters. By keeping your boat on a lift, you’re making cleaning and maintenance easier and faster. It’s also easier and faster to get on the water when you’re using a boat lift—turning a handle or pushing a button is all you need to do to get your boat into the water, which is a far cry from trailering or dry storage. 

If you’re thinking of buying or upgrading your boat lift system, you’ve come to the right place. ShoreMaster is an industry leader in innovation and engineering, having pioneered the aluminum boat dock, boat lift, and accessories for customers like you who want the best for your investment. Our boat lifts not only perform great but look beautiful on any waterfront. To get started on incorporating your perfect boat lift into your waterfront, contact a local ShoreMaster dealer for advice on what works best for your watercraft and waterfront.