If you have a watercraft docked at your waterfront, one of the best decisions you’ll ever make regarding its longevity is installing a boat lift. A good boat lift makes boat maintenance much easier and protects your boat from the waves, your dock, and even other boats. However, not just any kind of boat lift will do.
Before you can start enjoying the benefits of this handy installation, you’ll need to ensure it suits your needs. Here are some factors that will determine the kind of boat lift you should install:
- Your Boat’s Weight. The weight of your watercraft will determine the minimum weight capacity the lift must be able to accommodate. Installing a boat lift that can’t handle the full weight of your vessel could result in costly damage, so it’s essential to get this detail right.
- Your Boat’s Width and Length. Nobody wants to play “Operation” every time they dock. Therefore, your lift should be adequately sized to cradle your boat with some wiggle room for easy loading.
- Water Depth. How deep is the water where you’re going to be installing a boat lift? If it’s on the shallow side, a vertical lift (where the boat goes straight up and down) might be better than a floating lift. On the other hand, you’ll be spoilt for choice if the water is deep enough.
- Convenience. Once you’ve got the basics down, think about how fancy you want to go. Some lifts are remote-controlled, others have push-button operation – the works! This will mostly depend on your budget and how much those features mean to you. However, you may need to check the local regulations regarding some of these features.
At TriStar Renovations & Boat Docks, we have been in the waterfront business for over a decade, and we can help you find and install a boat lift that elevates your boating experience. If you need professional help finding the right boat lift for your watercraft, talk to us today.