Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Boat Lift

A boat is a big investment with high payoffs. If you want yours to last you for many years and keep the costs manageable, you need to use a boat lift. Having a lift eliminates the chore of transporting your boat from water to land and vice versa. Besides, it lengthens your boat’s operational and functional lifespan. Contact us at Jet Ski of Miami to learn more about boat lifts. Located in Miami, Florida, we also serve customers in Hialeah.

Automatic or Manual

Boat lifts are either electric (automatic) or manual. A manual boat lift requires you to run the spinner wheels and raise the vessel by hand, while an electric boat lift uses a motor to handle these operations. Manual lifts are usually affordable and can serve you best if you have no power source close to the docks. Electric lifts are more convenient, but they need extra care and maintenance.

Rules and Permits

Before purchasing a boat lift, you need to make sure your local dock has no rules against your preferred boat lift style. For instance, your local dock may have some restrictions regarding the elevation height of boats or power usage near the water. If you're boating in an area managed by a local homeowners’ association, there might be restrictions regarding the type of boat lift you can use and other specifics as well. 

Water Conditions

Most boat lifts are made of galvanized steel or stainless steel. If you are boating in freshwater conditions, going for a lift made of galvanized steel is the better option. However, choosing a stainless-steel lift for salty water conditions can help protect your lift from corrosion. Either way, if you’re worried about UV damage, cracking, and corrosion, you can go for a stainless-steel lift. 

Water Levels

Another thing to consider when purchasing a boat lift is the water level of the place where you intend to use it. You can use shallow-water devices such as sling-style lifts in areas with low water levels, like lakes. On the other hand, customized boat lifts equipped with heavy-duty reinforced posts and high-quality material are best suited for deep water levels. 

Size

As a general rule, a boat lift’s beam should support the boat. Therefore, your preferred lift needs to support your boat’s weight, as well as its basic dimensions. It should also have the ability to support your vessel properly if you make some upgrades on it in the future.

These are just a few factors to consider when choosing a perfect lift for your watercraft. So, if you're ready to buy a lift for your new boat, contact us at Jet Ski of Miami. We proudly serve Miami and Hialeah, Florida, from our Miami location, and we’ll help you select the right model to protect your investment.