Understanding the Benefits of Marine Boat Lifts

In areas that experience rough water conditions, a high-quality lift is essential. The best lifts have extreme stability, bracing, and support to withstand heavy loads and rough weather conditions.

Reduces Maintenance Costs

Many boat lifts South Florida come equipped with remote controls, which reduce the need for manual handling. This makes boarding and disembarking your vessel easier and safer.

When stored in the lift, your boat will be protected from abrasions and salt damage to its bottom and outdrives propellers and shafts. As a result, you will spend less on repairs and maintenance costs over the life of your watercraft. If your location has rough water conditions, you may need a more durable lift with thicker arms, mechanisms, and bolts. However, for calmer locations, standard lifts are sufficient.

Keeps Your Boat Clean

A boat lift keeps your boat out of the water, reducing the time and effort it takes to clean and maintain your vessel. Additionally, your boat is less susceptible to organism growth which can erode the hull and reduce performance. This eliminates costly scrubbing, washing, and repainting. Storing your boat in the water for extended periods is one of the quickest ways to damage your hull below the water line. Your boat can bang against the dock and other boats or objects in the water in wet storage. A boat lift raises your boat above the water level, allowing you to access your boat for launching and castoff easily. This also improves your vessel’s performance, fuel efficiency, and resale value. It also makes cleaning easy and prevents algae and scum build-up.

Prevents Corrosion

Corrosion is a huge problem for boat owners and a major source of algae growth, requiring a lot of time and effort to clean and repaint the hull. When a boat is on the lift, it is not in contact with the water and, thus, not subject to corrosion or algae. When choosing a lift size, it is important to consider the capacity of your current and future boats. Choosing a lift slightly larger than your current boat is recommended to allow for future expansion. This will also prevent the lift from being damaged due to excessive weight, which may shorten its lifespan. Installing a marine zinc system with your lift is also recommended to protect it from galvanic corrosion. This is a silent partner that should be checked periodically.

Prevents Damage

Keeping your boat in the water all the time can lead to layers of scum and corrosion that eat away at the bottom. This decreases your vessel’s performance and value and can cost a fortune in cleaning and antifouling costs. A lift keeps your boat above the waterline, allowing it to remain clean and reducing the amount of maintenance needed to keep it running in prime shape.

A boat lift can help to prevent damage caused by weather and storms. Rough water locations require a stronger, more heavy-duty lift to hold up to the pounding of waves and wind, so look for models equipped with thicker arms, mechanisms, and bracing to keep your boat safe. Rough water locations also may require a larger cable capacity to handle the rough conditions. Ensure that you never exceed the recommended weight limit of your lift to protect its durability and longevity.

Increases Property Value

When a property features a boat lift, it attracts prospective buyers. They know they’ll be able to enjoy their boat for years and avoid the hassle of trailering and maintenance that comes with keeping it tied to a dock.

A boat lift also helps protect your boat’s hull from marine growth, rust, and algae. This can drastically reduce the need for hull repainting and save you money.

Consider the water conditions and boat size when choosing a boat lift for your dock. Rough waters can cause more damage and require a heavier-duty lift with stronger arms, mechanisms, and bolts. In calmer locations, a standard lift will be sufficient. Taking the time to make an informed decision now will help you avoid costly repairs and maintenance.