How to Choose the Right Type of Boat Lift

Choosing the right type of boat lift is essential. There are four different things you will want to be sure to think about when you're thinking about buying a boat lift. We've done our research, so you don't have to.

The Water

You might think that your water doesn't matter when choosing a boat lift, when really it does. You can ask yourself questions like: is it fresh or salty, rough or calm, isolated or not, how deep is it, and does it stay the same depth or does it change drastically in the winter months? If the water isn't too deep, is the ground solid or soft? All of these things affect how your boat lift should be installed.

Your Boat

You have to have the right boat lift in order to support your boat. You will need to find out many different specs regarding your boat. Here is what you should find out:

• How much does your boat weigh without anything in it? You can find this on your boat's spec sheet.

• How much does everything weigh that you'll bring on the boat - fuel, water, gear, etc.

• A 20% margin for weight capacity

• How big the widest part of your boat, plus 4 inches on each side, or 10 inches on each side if you are using guideposts

• Your boat's draft

• The style of your boat

• The shape of the hull - pontoon, V-Hull, etc

• Inboard or outboard motor

Your Lifestyle

Sit down and think about what would be convenient for you in a boat lift. For example, if you have access to a power source and you value convenience, an electric lift may be a great option for you. If you foresee yourself getting a new boat in the near future, it may not hurt to purchase a larger lift than what you may need currently to be able to accommodate a bigger boat down the line. If you're one that wants to make sure you don't need to deal with your boat lift much, choosing a quality boat lift is essential.

Your Dealer

Last, but certainly not least, find a dealer that you trust can help you find the right boat lift. Most likely, they will already be familiar with your waterway and know a lot more about your lake and boat than even you might.