So, you have just purchased your first boat. You want to keep it protected from water damage. That’s why you also chose and purchased a boat lift. Now comes the tricky part: installing that boat lift. At first, it might seem too complex and like you’ll never be able to do it on your own. However, that doesn’t have to be the case!
If you follow the tips and instructions from this article, you will be able to install your boat lift without too much hassle. Here, you will be able to learn some boat installation basics, as well as some more advanced practices, so keep reading to learn more!
Types of Boat Lifts
Firstly, before you can install a boat lift, you need to know its type. Most boat lift manufacturers produce and sell multiple types of boat lifts. Obviously, you should know how to differentiate them even before you make your purchase. This way, you will make sure that you choose the best boat lift for your needs and that you will know how to install it properly.
- Bottom-standing boat lifts: they stand directly on the water bed
- Floating boat lifts: they float on the water surface
- Suspended boat lifts: they are supported by an overhead structure and stand suspended in the air
- Pile mount lifts: these lifts stand on piles that are drilled into the water bed
Installing a Boat Lift
Now that you are familiar with different types of boat lifts, it is time to learn how to install them:
Choosing the Location and Preparing the Area
Obviously, before you can start with the installation, you need to decide where you will place your boat lift. The location should be compatible with your chosen boat lift, or better said, it should be vice versa – you should choose a boat lift in accordance with where you plan to install it.
For instance, if your chosen location is near deep water, a bottom-standing boat lift would be a bad choice, so buy a suspended boat instead. Additionally, once you have chosen the perfect location, you need to clear it from debris, trash, or anything else that could interfere with the installation process.
Gathering Tools and Equipment
Next, gather all the tools and equipment you might need. This includes wrenches, screwdrivers, screws, drills, hammers, and everything else you might need, as well as safety equipment for yourself, such as safety glasses and gloves. If unsure, check with the boat lift seller if you need anything else.
Assembling The Lift
Here comes the fun part: assembling the lift. Usually, boat lifts come in parts, and you will need to assemble those parts. To ensure you are doing it properly, check the user manual. Of course, before you start the assembly process, check twice to see if you have all the necessary parts and tools. Follow the instructions religiously: any improvisation could lead to costly and dangerous mistakes.
Positioning and Securing The Lift
Once you have assembled the boat lift, it is time to secure it to its intended location. Now, your choice of boat lift will determine how you secure it. If you have chosen a bottom-standing boat lift, you will need to place it in water that’s 10-12 feet deep at most. You will also need to ensure that the water bed is flat and even so that the lift remains stable and in one place. Use anchors to secure the lift.
With a floating boat lift, you will need to check if the flotation tanks are properly positioned so that the lift is evenly floating on the water’s surface. Don’t forget to use anchors to stabilize the boat lift and keep it in the same place.
If you have chosen a suspended boat lift, you will need to install the overhead structure that will keep it above the water, as well as lower and raise it when needed. This structure needs to be strong and big enough to keep your boat. The good news is that you won’t need to build any structure in the water.
Finally, a pile mount lift will require you to choose the piles of proper length, then get them to the installation site, and drive them into the seabed until they are stable. Cut them to ensure they are the same height. Then, mount the lift system to the piles using screws or bolts.
Final Adjustments and Security Checks
No matter which boat lift type you have chosen and how you installed it, you will need to do some final adjustments and security checks just to ensure everything is in place and ready for use. First, check if the boat lift is stable. Look for any loose screws or bolts that could be an issue later on.
Additionally, check if there are any damages that could have occurred during the installation. Next, it is time to test the levers, cranks, buttons, or any other mechanism that will operate the boat lift. Once you have seen they work properly, it is time to park the boat on the boat bed. Test all these aforementioned mechanisms once again, now with the boat sitting on the lift.
If you notice any issues, such as weird noises or the boat not sitting well, don’t ignore them. Inspect the whole structure to find the cause. If you can’t diagnose the issue, contact the boat lift seller or a professional who specializes in boat lifts.
Lastly, always use your boat lift as intended, even if you are tired or in a hurry. By doing this, you can prevent many potential issues.
Conclusion
Owning a boat is probably one of the best investments you can make. It can be a perfect escape from all the stress and chaos of your daily life and a way for you to reconnect with nature. That’s why you need to protect this investment by purchasing and installing a boat lift. Hopefully, this article has provided some useful tips for you and gave you both the knowledge and the courage to start installing your boat lift like a pro!
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