However, once you buy your first boat, you will also need to invest in the accompanying equipment. For instance, you will need to get a boat lift, as well as learn how to operate it. This article has all the basic information you will need, so keep on reading!

 

Why You Need a Boat Lift?

To start, let’s see why you need to buy a boat lift. You see, even though boats are made to be in the water, prolonged water exposure can still damage them. This is true regardless of if your boat is in the fresh or saltwater. The hull of your boat deteriorates over time, and you can expect to see some corrosion and algae buildup. Also, if the water freezes over winter, your boat can get trapped or even crushed by ice.

However, with a boat lift, you can get your boat out of the water when you aren’t using it. You can either leave it on the lift or even choose to transport it somewhere else. In either case, you will prolong your boat’s life by keeping it out of water, especially during winter.

 

Types of Boat Lifts

Before you buy a boat lift, you need to know that there are several types you can choose from. Each boat lift type has certain pros and cons, depending on your unique situation:

  • Bottom-standing boat lifts: perfect for fixed docks and shallow depths, affordable but not suitable for larger boats.
  • Floating boat lifts: best for fluctuating water levels, prevents potential damage from pressing the boat against the structure, but isn’t as sturdy and stable as some other options.
  • Suspended boat lifts: popular due to their sturdiness and durability, great for when you want to transport your boat, but can be rather expensive.
  • Pile mount lifts: durable and stable, easy and relatively cheap to install, but not suitable for deeper waters.

 

Operating a Boat Lift: Step-by-step Instructions

Now, you’re ready to operate your boat for the first time. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you might think. Just follow these steps:

  1. First, before you lower your boat into the water, ensure that no one is on the boat.
  2. Then, slowly but steadily lower the lift by using a dedicated button or lever for that comand. Keep your eye on your surroundings to make sure nothing goes wrong.
  3. Once the boat gets low enough and starts to float in the water, you need to drive it out of the lift slowly and carefully.
  4. When you get into deeper waters and far enough from the boat lift, you can increase your boat’s speed and drive it as you wish.
  5. After your drive, you should park your boat back on the lift. Make sure to slow down your boat when approaching the boat lift. 
  6. The boat lift should be submerged enough to avoid damaging the boat.
  7. Slowly maneuver and drive your boat so that it floats directly above the submerged lift platform.
  8. Now press the button/use the lever that raises your boat lift.
  9. When your boat is in line with the dock, unload any load that it may contain and cover it with scaffolding or other type of cover.
  10. If needed, keep raising your boat until it’s no longer touching the water, even when the water is at its highest level.
  11. Secure the boat so that it can’t move or potentially fall off the lift.
  12. Take a close look at your boat to check if everything looks good.

 

Safety Precautions 

Safety should be your top priority when operating a boat lift. It will prevent unnecessary malfunctions, but most importantly, it will prevent various injuries. There are several things you should consider when ensuring the safety of using the boat lift.

First of all, you need to ensure that the boat lift has enough size and weight capacity for your boat. If your boat is too big or too heavy, it is not safe to use that boat lift. Using it anyways could lead to mechanical failures or complete breakdowns.

Read the user manual as many times as you need. You want to acquaint yourself with every button or lever on that boat lift. This will help you operate it properly, as well as react quickly and appropriately if something goes wrong. Hopefully, nothing will ever go wrong, but you need to stay prepared, just in case.

Practice makes perfect, and that’s true even for operating boat lifts. Practice several times until you get the hang of it. If there are more people using your boat, make sure that they practice, too. If possible, get someone more experienced to be with you as you practice and learn how to operate this boat lift.

Furthermore, make sure that the area around the boat lift is clear. Remove any debris or other obstructions that could lead to accidents and injuries. 

 

Boat Lift Maintenance Tips

Finally, just like you need to maintain your boat, you should also take good care of your boat lift. By doing this, you can rest assured that your boat and its lift will serve you for many years. Start with regular inspections. If you see anything out of the ordinary on your boat lift, consult an expert and try to refrain from using the lift.

Pay especially close attention to various wires and cables. Make sure that the cables are properly lubricated. Don’t touch electrical wires unless absolutely necessary. Schedule regular annual professional servicing. That will be more than enough to keep your boat lift in a top shape.

 

Conclusion

Boat lifts are a great way to protect your boat against water damage, especially when you are not using it or during the winter months. Operating boat lifts can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Simply follow the steps from our article, be careful, and don’t skip safety precautions. Soon enough, you will become an expert at using boat lifts!