Boat Lifts 4500 lbs range.

[Steven J]

Hi. Im looking at buying a boat lift. I have some property on a nice lake 12 miles by 6 miles. I plan to put my boat in the lift and leave it there over the summers. I live about 400 miles away. I need something that is secure (lockable). As I can only be there about 10-14 days a month. The water gets to about 10' at 20' out. The level does not change much. I have looked at hydralic, verticle, and canteliver types. What do you recommend. Please tell me storys about your lift(s) good or bad. Thank You, Steven

 

[tfjrc2]

Re: Boat Lifts 4500 lbs range.

Steven J:<br />I have a 3600 lb ShoreStation brand vertical lift that uses cables. The cable thickness is the main driver in the 3600 vs 4500 lb capacity, plus they are lockable.<br />I do not think you can get to 4500 with a canteliver type, and I know nothing about the hydraulic type you mentioned.<br />For value, I'd stick with the cable type. Should be about $2 grand without top or motor. Stick with aluminum also.<br />Just my $.02!

 

[Sea Six]

Re: Boat Lifts 4500 lbs range.

I have a 14,000 lb DavitMaster verticle lift, which has two motors atop I-beams on each side to lift the boat. I like my neighbors lift even better, because it has 4 motors, 1 at each corner, and doesn't need the I beams, which are kind of unsightly. It also allows him to adjust each corner of the lift as needed. Whatever you do, I suggest you build a U shaped dock so you have acces to your boat on all sides once it is up on the lift. <br /><br />

 

[lakelivin]

Re: Boat Lifts 4500 lbs range.

Couple of thoughts:<br /><br />Is an open (but covered) boathouse out of the question? Pilings for the surrounding dock seem to be the greater portion of the expense, putting a roof over that shouldn't add TOO much I would think. It would add to your lift options and it's great as far as reduced maintenence. <br /><br />As far as locking it, what about enclosing the power switch in a secure, lockable, enclosure? (even as a secondary security measure) Switch off the power when you go and lock the box.