Key Takeaways
A boat lift protects your watercraft from hull damage, algae growth, corrosion, and fluctuating water conditions, much like a garage shields a car, helping maintain appearance and performance.
Regular lift use can reduce maintenance time, save on long‑term repair costs, and improve fuel efficiency by keeping the hull cleaner and better performing on the water.
Beyond protection and savings, a boat lift adds convenience with faster launching, safer boarding, and peace of mind knowing your investment is stored securely above water.
Just like a garage protects your car from damage, a boat lift protects your boat. While your boat is meant to go on the water, it was never meant to stay there long term—the elements will eventually cause wear, tear, and ultimately damage your watercraft. A boat lift is essential for protecting your boat investment, as well as your precious time on the water and peace of mind. Here are the biggest benefits of owning a boat lift.
Damage Prevention
Keeping your boat’s hull out of the water will keep it clean, which prevents buildup, algae growth, corrosion, collision with debris, stains, and water absorption. Not only will preventing damage keep your boat looking great, but it will also preserve its value and performance. Keeping your boat out of the water will also protect it from the shifts that come along with fluctuating water levels and high winds that could ram it into your dock.
Saving Money and Time
Even a little wear and tear can add up to costly damages over time. A boat lift can save you money consistently over the years because you won’t have to do as many (or as large of) repairs and maintenance adjustments as you would for a boat that’s kept in the water. Not only that, but a clean and protected boat will have better performance, which reduces gas mileage and saves you money at the pump. Finally, when the time comes to sell your boat, you can get more back for it if you’ve kept it well-maintained on a boat lift.
Quicker, Safer, and More Convenient Fun
A boat lift allows you to launch your boat in a couple of minutes, especially if you have a motorized boat lift. You won’t need to fumble with lines or check for leaks or other damage before taking off. A boat lift allows you to simply lower your boat into the water the moment you arrive on the beach, rather than trying to find a launch point with a trailer. It also provides a more level, stable platform for boarding.
Peace of Mind
No one wants their boat to sink, especially not at the dock where it is supposed to be safe. A lot of boat sinking that happens at docks is the result of sustained, accumulated damage over a period of time that led to a catastrophic failure. An improperly tied boat could also float away or run into your dock or other obstacles, sustaining damage. Avoid the expense and heartache by keeping your boat lifted when not in use.
If you have questions about what boat lift model is right for you, help with boat lift installation, or have other questions for our waterfront experts or dealer network, get in touch with a local ShoreMaster dealer online.
FAQs
How does a boat lift protect my boat’s hull?
A boat lift protects the hull by keeping the boat out of the water when it’s not in use, preventing constant exposure to algae, debris, and corrosive elements. Reducing prolonged water contact helps preserve gelcoat and structural materials over time.
Can a boat lift save money over time?
Yes, a boat lift reduces long-term maintenance and repair costs by minimizing hull wear and buildup. A cleaner hull can also improve performance and fuel efficiency while helping preserve resale value.
Does having a boat lift make boating easier?
Yes, a boat lift makes boating easier by simplifying launching and retrieval and keeping the boat consistently positioned at dock height. This improves boarding safety and reduces the time and effort needed before and after each outing.
