Debating whether to get a lift....

[Manipulator]

I am thinking about purchasing a lift after I just spent $334 dollars for the marina to look at my boat for loss of power. He checked her out from the engine to the prop (so he says) and has found no mechanical reason for a loss of power. Turns out I had a half-inch of fresh water gunk attached to the haul. I should of known better but did not understand how that much crappiola could rob me of so much power. Anyway, he pulled it out, power washed it and supposedly we are back to normal (haven’t gone to the lake to actually took it for a run yet). He gave me three choices: 1.) Paint the bottom. 2.) Take it out and put it on the trailer every weekend. 3.) Get a lift.<br /><br />Out of those three, which is the most economical? I’m thinking lift but then I’m stuck with renting the boat slip year round. I thought about the paint which would probably cost around $1000-$1500 and then it has to be done every so often for about the same price. Then I thought well I’ll take her out and put her on the trailer but that can be a real pain and I have to worry that there would be a slip available every weekend which I doubt will happen. So what do you think? If I purchase a lift what is a good ole workhorse? I hear that Hydrohoist are great but they have come out with newer plastic tanks such as Econolift. Should I go new or used?

 

[Solittle]

Re: Debating whether to get a lift....

If you are on the water and cost is not a factor then your choice is obvious. I would go that route not only for the crud on the bottom but also for theft prevention but the ease of working on it at your own place rather than traveling to a marina. H have a friend who has this set-up and he uses his boat ten times to my one.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Debating whether to get a lift....

If you can afford it, just pony up the cash and buy a brand new lift. A benefit that hasn't been considered yet is that it will lengthen the lift of every submerged part of your boat. It'll save you money and hassle in the long run. And if you ever decide to sell it you'll get much of your money back.

 

[salty87]

Re: Debating whether to get a lift....

there's nothing economical about any of this!<br /><br />the trailer would be the closest to economical, but renting a slip every weekend kind of kills that. other trailer benefits...cheaper gas, you can take your boat wherever you want. the gas savings will pay for the trailer pretty quickly. what's your marina charging for gas?<br /><br />painting the bottom implies slip rental too, no? which is not a one time payment like the trailer. higher gas costs.<br /><br />if you have to rent the slip anyway, i'd go with the lift.<br /><br />i went with the trailer when i had to decide, my boat didn't come with a trailer. the previous owner had a lift. i like having it at home to keep an eye on and working on it in the driveway is much easier than the marina.

 

[Manipulator]

Re: Debating whether to get a lift....

I have a trailer so I could have the marina pull it out each weekend. I may do that. They are wanting to go to an all year rental anyway so I may just do this for now on. If I give up my slip, then I won't have anywhere to park it and would have to pull it in and out every time.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Debating whether to get a lift....

I would give thumbs down on having a marina take it off a trailer and put it back on every week especially if you have twin engines and the marina uses a fork lift. Even a good fork lift driver is challanged to do this and can easily damage your boat or your engines. I have had this done a few times with mine and saw all kinds of oportunities for damage.

 

[pine island fred]

Re: Debating whether to get a lift....

Another damn hurricane messing up my day. At any rate, when you say a lift do you mean one on pilings with bunks or slings? A good investment if you own the slip ( as in dock-a-minium ) 150K in this area plus maint. and taxes. Will the local code nazis even allow it? A really fine product made down the road is BOAT LIFT U.S. all parts made in THAILAND and assembled here ( quality stuff) another is ACE. Dont know how far they ship. Will the lift become the property of the marina? Lifts and davits are wonderful things but expensive.<br /> Since you are in fresh water and only us the boat a few months a year, do the bottom paint route. OVERTONS has some nice stuff at what I consider very reasonable prices but again would code enforcement allow you to do it? Do it unofficially and your dock neighbors WILL turn you in! regards fred