What kind of boat can be used
on a floating boat lift?
Our boat lifts will lift almost all types of boats. We can lift
small watercraft, including Waverunners and Seadoos. We can lift
fishing boats, ski boats, pontoon boats and performance boats. We
also custom build lifts for larger boats such as cruisers.
What kind of dock do I need to be able to use a floating
boat lift?
Our lifts can be installed on most types of docks, including steel,
aluminum and wood, as long as the dock is structurally sound.
Do I have to have a floating dock?
Yes. Our lifts are designed to float with the dock. We have installed
our lifts to fixed or stationary docks, but the water level must
not go up or down more than 16 inches.
What size dock or what style dock do I need?
Our floating boat lifts have to be installed in a U-shaped or
an L-shaped dock. We mount our lifts to the front of the dock and
then we need at least one walk pier down one side of the boat. It
does not matter which side, but we have to install a third arm on
one side of the back section of the lift, so the lift does not put
pressure on the front of the dock during rough water or storms.
The back arm keeps the lift from moving side to side and also by
having at least one walk pier, we can attach a galvanized stop chain
that will let the lift stop just where the boat will fit the lift
perfectly. We cannot install our lifts to small square, or rectangular
docks that do not have at least one walkway finger or pier down
one side of your boat.
Can I install the boat lift myself?
Yes. Assemble the boat lift on land. Then the lift can be hauled
on a boat trailer, lowered into the water and towed to the dock
for mounting. We send a detailed instruction sheet with every boat
lift. The lifts can usually be assembled and installed in less than
a day.
How is the boat lift constructed?
Our Boat Port lifts are built from 2-inch by 5-inch rectangular
tubing that is 3/16-inch thick*. The frames are welded together
and then we have the frames hot-dipped galvanized. The frames are
not bolted together. This prevents them from coming apart during
rough water times. We use polyethylene flotation tanks that are
a minimum of 3/8-inch thick up to 1/2-inch thick. Our tanks are
designed to be mounted at the top of the tank so there is no metal
left in the water when the lift is in the up position.
How long does it take to operate the lift?
It is based upon the weight of the boat. The best way to figure
the time is approximately one minute per 1,000 pounds of boat weight.
Do I need electricity at my dock?
Yes. The dock needs to have a 115-volt receptacle. It is possible
to purchase a small, portable generator to use at the pump.
How safe is my boat during a storm?
We mount our lifts to the front so the lifts are secured well
during rocking motions. We also use a side arm that is attached
to the back side of the lift to prevent the lift from rocking from
side to side. Our lifts are designed to lock into the dock and float
with the dock, instead of working against the dock during rough
water conditions.
Can I use the boat lift in salt water?
Yes. The metal frames are hot-dipped galvanized and the flotation
tanks are made from UV-protected polyethylene that will not rot
or rust.
Does my BoatPort lift carry a warranty?
Yes. See the details on our warranty page. |