sailboat boat lift

• 305.987.1525

Boat Lift Master

Custom Boat Lifts for Powerboats, Yachts, Sailboats, Jet Ski.

We Offer the perfect boat lift for your boat. Capacities from 4,000 to 150,000 pounds.

From motor yachts and sailboats to powerboats, jet skis and seaplanes, Four- and eight-post, Boathouse, Elevators, Swivel Jet Ski Lifts, Sailboat lifts, PWC, Single Post lifts, Low Profile, Dock Products, Custom Cradles and much more.

Boat Lift Master has years’ experience in building custom, quality lifts. From motor yachts and sailboats to powerboats, jet skis and seaplanes, Boat Lift Master has you covered!

Call Us Today 305.987.1525

Custom lift services.

Four- and eight-post, Boathouse, Elevators, Swivel Jet Ski Lifts, Sailboat lifts, PWC, Single Post lifts, Low Profile, Dock Products, Custom Cradles, Mooring Systems, Marina Boat Lift Systems, Floating Boat Lifts, Lake Lifts, Solar Powered Boat Lifts and much more.

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We offer the fastest, quietest and most dependable boat lifts on the market today.

Dock & Lift

• 800-204-4178
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Since we began manufacturing boat lifts in 1959, we’ve developed a number of proprietary technologies that allow our boat hoists to outperform those of our competitors. One such innovation is our proprietary gearbox system, in which the bronze worm gear and other components are sealed in our unique blend of lubricants. This design is self-locking for the ultimate in boat lift safety and will keep your boat hoist whisper quiet for early morning launches and late night docking. We have also developed a patented Cable Retention System (CRS), which comes standard on all Concept lifts and is offered as an option on other models. A high-density plastic retainer holds the cables in place even when tension is lost, preventing bird nests and cable overlaps. This leads to a perfect wrap every time and, consequently, longer cable life.

Boat Lifts & Boat Hoists for Miami, FL; Jacksonville, FL; Sarasota, FL; Charleston, SC & Coastal Cities Across the Southeast

Boat House Systems & Custom Lift Solutions for Boats & Specialty Watercraft in Savannah, GA; Ft Walton Beach, FL; Mobile, AL & Beyond

DECO Boat Lifts also provides ongoing support to both our dealers and consumers to ensure that our boat lifts are always installed properly and deliver years of reliable service. We offer factory training so our dealers can receive extensive hands-on instruction on how to properly handle and install our products. We also provide a five-year warranty on every elevator and PWC boat hoist we sell and a 10-year warranty on every aluminum boat lift , to give you added protection for your investment. DECO Boat Lifts has even earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our outstanding customer service.

To learn more about our boat lift solutions for residential or commercial docks, contact DECO Boat Lifts today. We proudly serve Miami, FL; Jacksonville, FL; Bradenton, FL; Sarasota, FL; New Orleans, LA; Houston, TX; and other ports across the Southeast.

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We offer the fastest, quietest and most dependable boat lifts on the market today. Click the button to view our gallery.

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DECO Boat Lifts 1041 Harbor Lake Dr Safety Harbor, FL 34695

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FLOATING BOAT LIFT SYSTEM

Maximize your time on the water with a floating boat lift. HydroHoist (sister brand to ShoreMaster) provides premier floating boat lifts. With the industry's leading and award-winning innovation and engineering, waterfront owners who want quality trust the HydroHoist line of floating boat hoists. 

ULTRALIFT SERIES

The HydroHoist UltraLift Series is the most common and popular floating lift model. Available in l-arm, front mount, and shallow water configurations, the UltraLift offers the ultimate in strength, durability, and boat lift performance. With UltraLift , all steel parts are above water* -a revolutionary enhancement for the industry- to defy rust, corrosion, and the elements. This protects your boat for years of convenient and carefree storage. 

The UltraLift floating hoist is available in capacities ranging from 4,400-32,000 lbs. and suited for nearly any style of watercraft. 

• Ultra Tough, Polyethylene Tanks
• Hot-Dip Zinc-Galvanized Structural Steel Frame
• Marine-Grade, Heavy-Duty Components and Construction
• L-Arm, Front Mount, and Shallow Water Model
• Capacities ranging from 4,400 - 32,000 lbs

*Standard Installation

HARBORHOIST

If you are looking for versatility and performance, look no further than the HarborHoist floating lift. HarborHoist is a level-lifting frame ideal for fresh and saltwater.  Compatible with fixed or floating docks , the HarborHoist can be tied to the dock using a conventional mooring system or simply with ropes for added flexibility in dock configuration. Available in capacities up to 25,000lbs, HarborHoist features various hull supports that be configured to accommodate nearly all boat styles, including v-hull (inboard, i/o, and outboard), pontoon, and tritoon boats.

• Aluminum structure to extend the life of the product
• Controls integrated with the lift for high performance and ease of use
• Compatible with U-shape slips, double-wide slips, L-shaped docks, and many more configurations
• Supports nearly any style of watercraft; capacities ranging from 4,400 - 25,000lbs

ABOUT HYDROHOIST FLOATING BOAT LIFTS

In 2019, ShoreMaster and   HydroHoist   merged to combine their  product offerings and dealer networks. As a result of this merger, ShoreMaster and HydroHoist now offer the broadest spectrum of boat types, sizes, and marine environments in the industry across all major product categories in the dock, boat lift, and accessories market. Additionally, they have a 700+ strong worldwide dealer network able to provide high-quality products and services customers have come to expect from each brand.

Similar to the dominance of the ShoreMaster brand in the standing dock and boat lift markets, HydroHoist has led the floating boat lift market with award-winning innovation and engineering. By providing unrivaled protection for boats and personal watercraft, HydroHoist has earned its superior reputation in the floating boat lift market. In addition to the UltraLift and HarborHoist models, HyrdoHoist offers a premier line-up of PWC ports, the HP Series, as well as waterfront accessories like the HydroLocker and floating dock protection. 

FLOATING PWC LIFTS

Protect your personal watercraft and enjoy fast and convenient access to the water with a drive-on PWC port. With a PWC port, your watercraft is securely dry-docked and safely protected maintaining its performance, value, and appearance. A  drive-on jet ski dock is easy to use and easy to own too. Simple drive on, push off functionality maximizes your time on the water.

FIND YOUR PERFECT WATERFRON SYSTEM

Not sure which dock or boat lift model is right for your waterfront or needs? No worries - we can help. Our product finder will assist you in finding the dock and boat lift system of your dreams. 

The Ultimate Guide to Boat Lift Types and How to Choose

Ready to ditch the hassle of docking and hauling? Investing in a boat lift can transform your boating experience and end those knee-straining tie-ups and tedious trailer hauling.

But with a ton of options, it’s important to find the right boat lift system for your needs. Some lifts are great for smaller boats or jet skis, others for heavier boats in deep water.

In this blog post, we’ll break down the different types of boat lifts out there, pros and cons, and follow up with a general cost for each type.

How to decide on the right type of boat lift

Before you begin quoting boat lifts, consider these factors to help you decide:

• Weight of your boat
• Length of the boat
• Water depth
• Space to install the lift
• Local regulations

There isn’t one best boat lift out there for everybody, it all depends on the type of boat you own and your preferences. Below are a few of the most common you’ll find on most lakes or bodies of water.

Elevator boat lifts

Elevator boat lifts use a winch system to lift the boat in and out of the water. One benefit of using an elevator lift is that it can be installed in narrow canals or passageways and doesn’t stick out too far from the shore. Since these beamless boat lifts don’t require cables or large beams like conventional boat lifts do, they can showcase the beauty of your boat without obstruction. You may need a permit to install an elevator lift at a marina.

Cradle boat lifts

Cradle boat lifts are similar to elevator lifts, but instead use a cradle system that contours to the hull of the boat. For large boats that are top-heavy with V-shaped hulls, cradle boat lifts are a great choice.

4-post vertical boat lifts

Most conventional boat lifts you see on lakes are vertical boat lifts that use a system of pulleys and cables. A traditional 4-post vertical boat lift is the best option for boats that weigh 4,000 to 20,000 pounds.

For heavier boats over 20,000 pounds, your boat lift installer will typically use 6 to 8 poles to accommodate the weight.

These boat lifts made by Deco (and others) are the most common that I see because they are so easy to operate and install. This is the type of lift my neighbor has for his 1990s MasterCraft, and is a great entry-level option for small to medium-sized boats on reservoirs, rivers, and lakes.

Deco also uses its own gearbox and is considered a pioneer in boat lifts.

Cantilever boat lifts

Cantilever boat lifts are known for their simplicity and reliability, and use a pivoting arm (the cantilever) to support the boat while it is raised or lowered. These come with a winch wheel, which allows you to mechanically lower and raise your boat.

Cantilever lifts are great for smaller-sized boats since their design doesn’t depend on having a power source available. It’s simple technology, which also makes regular maintenance and repair easier than other lifts.

Hewitt makes a line of these Cantilever boat lifts that you may want to check out.

Hydraulic boat lifts

The hydraulic system is connected to a pump or power unit, while traditional vertical lifts utilize cables and an electric motor.

While hydraulic lifts can be more expensive than some other types, they are often preferred for their ability to lift boats above the water’s surface, especially in deeper water.

Due to the support provided by hydraulic cylinders, in the event of a system failure, the boat is unlikely to come crashing down. These lifts require a hoist frame with base pads for each leg, ensuring stability on the lake or riverbed, and it’s crucial to ensure the contact points are level during installation.

Floating boat lifts

Floating boat lifts can lift a boat out of the water using tanks that are inflated. Due to the compact design of the tank, you don’t need much water to lift your boat, which makes these great for lakes and reservoirs with constantly changing water levels.

HydroHoist is the leader in these types of lifts, which combine a floating dock concept with a hydro-pneumatic method of raising boats.

These types of lifts can typically be installed in tighter areas, which makes them popular on lakes or reservoirs. You can read more about this technology on their website here .

Estimated costs of a boat lift

Since many boat lifts use different technologies to lift the boat out of the water, they are priced differently depending on the type. Below is a basic breakdown of how much you can expect to pay for each type in new condition.

Keep in mind that these are just estimates for either a 5,000-pound or 10,000-pound capacity boat lift based on online prices. This is just meant to give you a basic ballpark estimate of the product itself and doesn’t include labor costs or extras.

Whenever the capacity is increased, so will the price. Some lifts (like cantilever lifts) aren’t designed for heavier boats over about 5,000 pounds, so consider that as well.

• 10,000 lb. capacity Elevator Lift: $10,000
• 10,000 lb. capacity 4-post Conventional Lift: $5,000
• 10,000 lb. capacity Hydraulic Lift: $10,000
• 5,000 lb. capacity Cantilever Lift: $3,500
• 5,000 lb. capacity Floating Lift: $7,000

Installation costs will vary depending on complexity, and you can expect to pay more if you have a larger boat.

However, the benefits of installing a boat lift (especially at the coast) can often outweigh the long-term indoor storage costs at a marina.

Depending on whether or not the boat storage facility is indoors or outdoors, prices start at around $50-$200 per foot, per season. For a 20-foot boat, you’re looking at around $2,000 on the conservative side.

Tip: Check boat lift laws and regulations

It’s always a good idea to check for any regulations based on the body of water you plan to install your lift. Some states and localities have different regulations on size and scope, as well as on floating lifts.

No matter what lift you decide on, a new boat lift will take a lot of the hassle out of removing your boat from the water and constantly tying it up.

Need a new dock box to go with your new boat lift? Check out these 7 top dock boxes  perfect for storing fishing rods, life jackets, and just about anything else.

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USING A BOAT LIFT ON A SAILBOAT

• Thread starter p3dave
• Start date Jun 18, 2020
• Forums for All Owners
• Ask All Sailors

I have a 30 foot, 10'9" beam, 3'10' draft and I am looking at putting it on my boat lift. The lift was setup for power boats, with bunks that can be moved in an out made of aluminum and covered with vinyl or rubber. I have been looking at various modifications online, most feature a keel stand and stanchions just like a land cradle. Is there any issue with not supporting the keel and just letting it hang? Any ideas or suggestions?  

Davidasailor26

p3dave said: I have a 30 foot, 10'9" beam, 3'10' draft and I am looking at putting it on my boat lift. The lift was setup for power boats, with bunks that can be moved in an out made of aluminum and covered with vinyl or rubber. I have been looking at various modifications online, most feature a keel stand and stanchions just like a land cradle. Is there any issue with not supporting the keel and just letting it hang? Any ideas or suggestions? Click to expand

Most of the weight of the boat is in the keel. It needs to be supported or it will deform the hull and possibly damage it. The boat can support the keel in the water because the weight of the keel is distributed over the entire submerged hull. The bunks or pads concentrate all the weight in a small area that is not strong enough to support the weight for any length of time. The only time it is OK to not support the keel is when it is in the travel lift and being launched. That is a very short time, and the travel lift straps support the hull at its thickest and strongest part. Pads and bunks only serve to keep the boat from falling over.  

Will Gilmore

The weight of a cubic foot of water is 62.4 pounds. If you have a fin keel that is approximately 6" wide by 3 feet long by 4 feet deep, that displaces 374.4 lbs of water. Hauling your boat out and letting the keel hang, would be the same, in this case, as adding 374.4 pounds to the middle of your boat. -Will (Dragonfly)  

Will, you lost me with that statement.  

The weighted keel hangs freely beneath the boat when in the water, except for the support of the water as displaced by the keel's volume. In the example case I used, that volume would mean the water only supports about 375 lbs of the keel's weight. The rest is dead hanging under the boat. I think I gave my example keel more volume than a typical 30' sailboat would have, to be generous with the numbers. Let's say the weighted keel weighed 2000 lbs. That means, the boat is holding up 1625 lbs of keel, just sitting in the water. I seriously doubt that hanging the extra 375 lbs would not have much effect. -Will (Dragonfly)  

Will Gilmore said: The weight of a cubic foot of water is 62.4 pounds. If you have a fin keel that is approximately 6" wide by 3 feet long by 4 feet deep, that displaces 374.4 lbs of water. Hauling your boat out and letting the keel hang, would be the same, in this case, as adding 374.4 pounds to the middle of your boat. -Will (Dragonfly) Click to expand

All of the sailboat on lifts that I have seen around here have a central beam on which the keel sits and props to "balance the boat" I have kept/ keep two sailboats on a lift both were/are wing keels not sure how it would be in the case of fin keel. I would be happy to post a picture of my Beneteau on the lift if you would like to see.  

reworb said: All of the sailboat on lifts that I have seen around here have a central beam on which the keel sits and props to "balance the boat" I have kept/ keep two sailboats on a lift both were/are wing keels not sure how it would be in the case of fin keel. I would be happy to post a picture of my Beneteau on the lift if you would like to see. Click to expand

Thanks for all the responses so far, inherently I thought the keel needed to be supported but didn't know the reasoning behind it. Would love to see any pictures of your boats on lifts. I have seen a bunch on the net!  

Here's a couple of pictures I just took with my phone. Yeah I know I need bottom paint, I'm waiting till August when sailing is unbearable around here  

Attachments

So, it strikes me that if your boat is up on a lift and dry. Then you will need to use a different kind of bottom paint then you would if the boat was in the water all the time? Yes?  

Yes, there are basically two kinds, hard and ablative. For a boat that is going to dry out more than 72 hours you should use ablative.  

Our area has a hard storage marina for boats of all makes up to 36'. The marina uses a for and aft fork lift between the fin keel to move, launch and stow these boats without any issues as far as I know (no direct experience due to the larger size of our 42' boat.  

No. Don't do it. The keel needs to be supported. It will damage the hull.  

Crazy Dave Condon

Having designed a few sailboat lifts, the keel which carry’s the weight needs to sit on a keel tray with supports to keep the boat upright. I have seen air tank style lifts as well. You need an experienced builder who has done a few with sailboats  

reworb said: Here's a couple of pictures I just took with my phone. Yeah I know I need bottom paint, I'm waiting till August when sailing is unbearable around here Click to expand

When afloat, your keel is dead weight and pulls against the flotation of the hull. The is zero support from the water to your keel. As long as the lift is rated for the weight of the boat and the hull is properly supported you should have no issues... But why couldn't you support the keel. A keel support that this to each bunk would bolster them against splaying.... You just need to establish a good reference system so that can repeatedly spot the boat in the desired location...  

sailme88 said: When afloat, your keel is dead weight and pulls against the flotation of the hull. The is zero support from the water to your keel. Click to expand

I'd start with the spec weight of the lift and make sure it can handle the boat. Most scissor type lifts in my area have a 4k limit which you can find fairly regularly now for sale due to the newer boats (wakeboard/surfing) are needing larger lifts. A mechanical lift the size to lift a 10k boat would be significant. Through the manufacturers guidance, I upgraded my lift from 4k to 6k via bracing and trussing some components but my lift is galvanized steel and easy to alter. I needed a couple extra 1000 pounds capacity but not the step up in size. Unless it is a swing keel I can't image finding a regular lift (not make specifically for a sailboat) that would accommodate the keel due to the lifts cross members structures but I know there are out there.  

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There are many different types of marine lift and hoists designed for various types of boats and watercrafts. We offer many freestanding, pile mounted, floating, and drive on options for ski boats, fishing boats, tritoons, pontoons, jet skis, PWC's and various other types of watercrafts.  When shopping for a boat lift, you will want to know your boat's loaded  Weight and  Beam. This is  EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!   You also need to be familiar with the area where the lift would need to be installed. Water depth measurements, soil firmness, wave/wake conditions, slip spacing and various other considerations should be taken when searching for the proper lift system for your boat.  A majority of the models provided here are sold as unassembled and most are delivered via LTL freight services. Please note during spring and early summer months extended shipping times may incur with orders.  Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.  

<p>There are many different types of marine lift and hoists designed for various&nbsp;types of boats and watercrafts. We offer many freestanding, pile mounted, floating, and drive on&nbsp;options for ski boats, fishing boats, tritoons,&nbsp;pontoons, jet skis, PWC&#39;s&nbsp;and various other types of watercrafts.&nbsp; When shopping for a boat lift, you will want to know&nbsp;your boat&#39;s loaded&nbsp;<strong>Weight </strong>and<strong>&nbsp;Beam. This is</strong><strong>&nbsp;EXTREMELY&nbsp;IMPORTANT!&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;You also need to be familiar with the area where the lift would need to be installed. Water depth measurements, soil firmness, wave/wake conditions, slip spacing&nbsp;and various other considerations should be taken when searching for the proper lift system for your boat.&nbsp;&nbsp;A majority of the models provided here are sold as unassembled and most are delivered via LTL freight services. Please note during spring and early summer months extended shipping times may incur with orders.&nbsp; Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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4 Types Of Boat Lifts You Need To Know (Explained)

Not all boats are on trailers. Even when they are, it isn’t always convenient or even possible to get them on the trailer.  A big benefit of using a lift is that your boat will not get covered in slime and biological growth. For these reasons, many people turn to boat lifts.

There are many different boat lifts that can be used to get your boat out of the water.

Some of the most popular boat lifts are:

• Freestanding lifts
• Boathouse lifts
• Pile mount lifts
• Floating lifts

In the rest of this post, we’ll take a look at these lifts in more detail. How they work and what you should know about them

Table of Contents

1) Freestanding Lifts

A freestanding boat lift is a lift that is mounted directly into the ground, usually under the water next to a dock.  This type of lift supplies its own base, so no other structures will need to be present to make them work.

These boat lifts can be placed in the water, or they can be built on the land.  One of the main advantages of this type of lift is that it can easily be erected in a wide range of areas.

How Freestanding Lifts Work?

A freestanding lift is essentially a vertical or cantilevered lift that cradles the boat and lifts it into the air.

It will often use a hydraulic lift system, but you can find crank systems and electrical systems as well.

To use a free-standing lift that is in the water, you need to drive the boat onto the lift system .  Once in place, the lift will take the boat up into the air and out of the water.  In this case, you could use a vertical lift when you have plenty of water to work with over the top of the lift.

Otherwise, you might want to go with a cantilevered lift so that you can get some additional space between the boat and the shore.

This will give you a deeper water depth.

Freestanding lifts that are on land work in a similar manner.  However, to get a boat onto this type of lift, a person would have to take the boat out of the water and lay it onto the lift.

Depending on the size of the boat, specialized equipment might be needed.

When to Use Freestanding Lifts?

A freestanding lift can be used by a homeowner of a waterfront property who wants a simple method for getting their boat out of the water.

This type of lift is one of the easiest types to install, and a DIYer should be able to assemble and install the lift system themselves.

On top of this, you can even add large wheels to a freestanding boat lift.  With wheels mounted on the boat lift, the boat owner can move the boat around their yard or even into their garage after it has been lifted.

Professional docks might want to use these systems to make use of the vertical space on their land and to keep their customer’s boats out of the water when not in use.  I’ve been to boat yards that put your boat in the water for you, and when you’re done boating for the day, they put it up on a lift.

This type of boatyard gives you many of the conveniences of having your boat at a dock, but it costs less money.

The only major downside was that we would have to call ahead and ask the dock to get the boat off of the lift and into the water before we could use it.

Also, we’d have to be aware of the dock’s hours as someone would need to put the boat back onto the lift at the end of the day.

How Much do Free Standing Lifts Cost?

The cost of a free-standing lift will vary based on the size and weight capacity of the free-standing lift.  A small 2,500-pound vertical freestanding lift might sell for around $3,000.00, while a larger 6,000-pound boat lift might easily sell for well over $10,000.00.

In addition to this cost, you might have to pay money to have the lift installed.  This will depend largely on your DIY skills, the placement of the lift, and the conditions that surround the lift.

Accessories like boat canopies and guideposts can also be added to free-standing lifts.  These accessories also cost money, and if you end up with a lot of accessories, you could easily end up doubling the cost of your freestanding lift.

2) Boathouse Lifts

A boathouse lift is a type of overhead lift.

This type of lift is often built into the homeowner’s docks, and it is a great alternative for people who can’t put a freestanding lift into the water.

This being said, a boathouse lift doesn’t actually have to be built into a boathouse at a dock.  A vertical lift system like this could just as easily be built into a business’s warehouse or even a homeowner’s garage.

How Boat House Lifts Work?

A boathouse lift uses a pulley system to lift a boat into the air vertically.  The weight of the lift as well as the boat is supported by the overhead structure.

This structure could be a dock with an overhead metal or wooden canopy, or it could be a structurally sound building built on the land.

These lifts usually use a hydraulic system, but other movement systems are available.  Typically, people prefer hydraulic systems because of their increased speed of movement and power.

One nice feature of a boathouse lift is that your boat is stored undercover on the lift, further protecting it from the elements.  You can even have solar panels mounted on top of the boathouse.

When to Use Them

Homeowners who already have a boathouse are a natural fit for this type of boat lift.  People who do not have solid enough ground near their boat dock will also greatly benefit from this type of boat lift.

People looking for a lift that they can put in their garage without occupying any additional floor space might also want to look into having a boathouse lift installed into their home.

Businesses might want to use this type of boat lift to help keep the boat stable while their customer moves on and off of their chartered or rented boats.  The boathouse lift gives customers a shaded and stabilized entry point that can be accessed by people with accessibility issues.

How Much Does a Boathouse Lift Cost?

Boathouse lifts are usually less expensive than free-standing lifts.  This makes sense as the lift boathouse is providing much of the structure of the lift, so you need fewer parts to build and operate a boathouse lift.

A typical boathouse lift kit for a lightweight boat can cost less than $1,000.00.  Even a heavier boat weighing upwards of 12,000 pounds might only cost the boat owner around $6,000.00.

Of course, these prices do not include the construction of a boathouse or the installation of the boathouse lift system.  If you have to build a boathouse to accommodate your lift system, you could very well end up spending much more money on this lift than you would for a freestanding lift system.

3) Pile Mount Lifts

A pile mount lift is a boat lift that is mounted to the piling of a dock.

If you’re unfamiliar with what a pile is, it’s just that large wooden post that goes into the ground around stationary docks.  These posts are generally driven very deep into the ground under the water and could be installed with concrete, so they are sturdy and stable enough to take on tidal forces.

As a result, they make a good base for a boat lift.

This type of boat lift is often recommended as an alternative to people who need a structural boat lift but do not have a boathouse to mount it onto.

These lifts can be mounted to as few as one post, and they can often support a lot of weight:

With a pile mount lift, more pile posts allow you to lift more weight.

Four post pile mounts can often support tens of thousands of pounds, while one post pile mounts should not be used to support boats of any significant weight.

How Do Pile Mount Lifts Work?

A pile mount lift will consist of two large beams that run parallel to each other on a separate set of piles.  These beams will have a set of pulleys on them that connect to the cradle that will ultimately hold the boat.

The boat owner will drive their boat over the cradle, and the pulleys will then lift the boat up out of the water.  Like the other lifts, pile mounts will often use a hydraulic design to lift the boat out of the water quickly.

When to Use a Pile Mount Lift?

A pile mount lift should be used whenever a person or business needs a secure structural lift that can support large amounts of weight.  They should also consider using a pile mount lift for conditions that require the boat to be lifted high out of the water.

An example situation might be a boat dock that is subject to extremely high tides.  In this case, you’d want to lift the boat high out of the water so that the boat would not float off in the event of a deep high tide.

How Much do Pile Mount Lifts Cost?

Pile mount boat lifts are an economical type of boat lift, especially when dealing with heavy boats.  In fact, you can buy a four-post pile mount lift capable of lifting 10,000 pounds for less than $5,000.00.

Lifts prices can go over $10,000.00, but with a lift this expensive, you’ll be able to lift boats that weigh in excess of 20,000 pounds.

4) Floating Lifts

A floating boat lift is essentially a dock that you can drive your boat up onto.  This type of lift keeps your boat out of the water without the need for a pulley system.

Additionally, these boat lift systems generally require much less maintenance as they may not have as many moving parts.  The floats do get covered in marine growth, however.

On top of this, you never have to worry whether or not a floating lift will be high enough.  This lift will float higher as the tides come in, and it’ll float lower as the tides move out.

How do Floating Boat Lift Systems Work

A floating boat lift system will often use an airlift system to raise the height of the lift.  However, this isn’t always the case.

For lighter boats, the lift system may be as simple as a plastic dock with high buoyancy.  In this case, the dock is pushed down in sections while the boat is driven up onto it.  The dock then springs up and out of the water.  This dock then floats just above the water, keeping your boat out of the water until you push it back off the dock.

When to Use a Floating Boat Lift

Floating boat lifts are useful for homeowners who do not have a boathouse or space for a freestanding or pile mounted lift.  They’re also good for homeowners who want a boat lift that does not require a lot of maintenance.

Boat rental companies may also want to make use of floating boat lifts.  The reason for this is that they are quicker and easier to operate than more traditional boat lifts.  This is especially true if the company is renting out smaller boats and jet skis .

How Much do Floating Boat Lifts Cost

Floating boat lifts can be had for less than $2,000.00 and can cost well over $10,000.00.  The price will mostly depend on what type of floating boat lift is installed and how large the boat lift is.

Lifts with airlift systems will generally cost more than lifts without.  These types of lifts will also cost more money to maintain as there is an actual mechanical element to the lift.

Special Considerations When Buying a Boat Lift For a Sailboat

Some people are under the false assumption that sailboats cannot be put up onto lifts, but this isn’t true.

A sailboat can be put on a boat lift, but considerations for the mast must be taken beforehand.

For instance, you can’t lift or even drive a sailboat into a boathouse without taking the mast off.  In most cases, this makes using a sailboat in a boathouse impractical.

Even accessories like boat lift canopies should probably be left off as you won’t be able to use them while the boat is in place.

Tiny sailboats might be better off with floating boat lifts, while larger sailboats might need to take advantage of freestanding or pile mounted boat lifts.  In any case, you’ll want to choose a boat lift that makes using the boat easier rather than more difficult.

Why Get a Boat Lift At All?

Some people choose to forego getting a boat lift at all.  These people will either trailer their boat, or they’ll leave their boat tied up at their dock.

It is easy to see why someone would lift their boat rather than trailer it.  Trailering a boat is time-consuming, it’s inconvenient, and it usually requires the use of a boat ramp.

When it comes to lifting a boat instead of just docking the boat, it can be harder to see what the benefits might be.

However, there are a few thoughts you might want to keep in mind when choosing between docking and lifting your boat.

For starters, lifting your boat will help keep it from moving back and forth at the dock.  This reduces the chances that your boat will be scratched and dented while it is docked.

On top of this, having a boat out of the water helps protect it from any debris that might be floating by.  Many boats have been damaged from boards and other large materials floating into them while docked.  This is especially true just after a bad storm or hurricane.

Also, a securely lifted boat is easier to get in and out of.  The lift will keep the boat out of the water, and you’ll have a stable base to walk around on until you get seated.

Lastly, keeping the boat out of the water helps it last longer and reduces maintenance.  This is especially true if your boat is sitting in saltwater.

People who dock their boats in water have to treat the bottom of their boats, so that marine growth does not occur on their hull.

This treatment can be time-consuming and costly since it needs to be done every year or two at the most.

Final Thoughts

There are many different lifts that can be used to get your boat in and out of the water.  Each of these lifts has specific advantages and disadvantages associated with them.

The type of boat lift you choose will depend on your dock, the size of your boat, and your budget.

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RGC Marine boat lifts and docks are easy to use, easy to install and highly adaptable to suit any waterfront need. Our products are engineered for durability with the end user in mind—low maintenance and effortless functionality, because we understand that your top priority is to make the most of your time on the water.

STRENGTH & DURABILITY

Manufactured with marine-grade aluminum and the highest quality components, RGC waterfront products are durable, reliable and innovative. Designed to withstand the harshest elements and the heaviest use, yet extremely adaptable, our marine boat lifts and dock systems are suitable for both commercial and residential applications.

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There’s no room for compromise when it comes to protecting your investment. RGC Marine boat lifts and docks add an unmatched layer of protection and class, perfectly suited for your lifestyle. With over 75 years of experience manufacturing quality boat lifts and docks, you can rest assured that our products will stand the test of time.

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• FLEX Pontoon Boat Lift : Specifically designed for larger width boats, our Pontoon Boat Lift Kits and Tritoon Boat Lift Kits will have you on the water in seconds. This hydraulic boat lift features adjustable width bunks so you can get the perfect fit to your boat.
• FLEX Hydraulic boat lifts : The new and improved hydraulic boat lift is redesigned for peak performance and flexibility.  The FLEX hydraulic boat lift is fast, smooth, and easy to operate at the push of a button, and features standard upgraded options for efficiency and longevity.
• Boat lift canopies :  You'll never have to worry about sun damage again with an RGC boat lift canopy. Their marine-grade aluminum frame protects your boat against the elements while your choice of Sunbrella fabric or vinyl add a stylish scalloped or straight-edge flair to your boat lift.
• Floating Dock Systems : With endless configurations available, you can arrange our floating docks to meet your specific needs. Strong enough to withstand heavy traffic, yet lightweight so you can remove it at the end of the season, our floating docks offer a versatile addition to any waterfront.

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Our drive-on boat dock and lift options are the safest, most user-friendly and convenient marine products available on the market today. Our innovative drive-on floating boat docks feature an intuitive lift and buoyant design that is maintenance-free, so you can spend less time maintaining your equipment and more time having fun. Jet Dock also offers specialized jet ski docks and drive-on pontoon dock options, as well.

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Innovative engineering will get your boat, PWC, Jet Ski or other watercraft completely out of the water. Our static floating boat lift has no moving parts to bog you down with maintenance issues and requires no electricity to lift your boat out of the water.

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Our air dock unit lifts your watercraft completely out of the water via cleverly engineered air chambers located under the floating boat dock. This allows for easy lifting of heavier watercraft.

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Our floating drive-on pontoon docks easily lift your pontoon boat completely out of the water. Jet Dock offers drive-on docking solutions for twin-hull as well as tri-hull vessels.

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Our product is not simply a dock. The unparalleled Jet Dock drive-on boat lift system offers a number of amazing features and performs many useful tasks. It may be more accurate to say that our system is a floating boat lift apparatus with mooring and storage capabilities.

In addition to storing your boat, your new drive-on boat dock can be used as a fishing and swimming platform, a floating walkway or even an extension to your existing traditional walkway. Jet Dock’s innovative marine designs and drive-on docking solutions have been a cut above for years, allowing watercraft owners to spend more time enjoying their craft and being with friends and family out on the water.

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Whether you have a Jet Ski, kayak, 12-foot dinghy, powerboat or a 50-foot offshore performance boat, our drive-on floating boat docks will provide an easy drive-on method, maintenance-free construction and superior boarding and access, all while remaining both modular and portable. Our drive-on boat lift is simply the best solution for any docking situation.

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Jet Dock’s static floating boat lift system will lift your craft completely out of the water, contains no moving parts and operates without electricity. These floating boat lifts are ideal for outboard, inboard/outboard and jet-drive watercraft up to about 25 feet and 5,000 lbs. Our static lifts can be used in all water levels, with or without an existing structure.

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Our air-assisted floating boat lift raises your watercraft completely out of the water. It has air chambers under the floating dock that are better for lifting heavier craft or inboard craft. This lift is ideal for outboard, inboard/outboard and jet drive craft up to 50 feet and 40,000 lbs or for inboard craft up to about 25 feet and 10,000 lbs.

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Additional Benefits of a Drive-On Floating Boat Lift

As boats float close together and near pier structures, small electrical currents are produced between the various types of metals. This galvanic process, referred to as electrolysis, can cause pitting to your boat’s underwater metal components, such as the rudder, outdrive and propeller. Jet Dock's line of floating boat dock products was designed to eliminate this type of corrosive damage!

An additional benefit of our drive-on boat lifts is the prevention of impact damage caused by storm waves and wakes. No more rubbing against the dock. Not only will our product protect your boat, but also the mooring structures nearby.

The Most Important Drive-On Floating Boat Dock Features To Consider

Each of the floating boat lifts we carry has a standard set of features that make our boat lifts your best option. The following are just a few of the many reasons why you need a drive-on boat dock as part of your watercraft storage system solution.

• Assembled and ready to use
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Frequently Asked Questions About Floating Boat Lifts

What is a floating boat lift, and how does it work.

A floating boat lift is a versatile marine system designed to raise and support watercraft above the water's surface. It uses a combination of buoyancy and mechanical components to lift the boat out of the water. These lifts typically consist of an air-filled dock structure and a platform that can be raised or lowered using a winch or hydraulic system. By lifting the boat clear of the water, floating boat lifts help prevent hull damage, corrosion, and fouling while keeping your vessel easily accessible.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Drive-On Boat Dock?

Drive-on boat docks offer several advantages. They allow for convenient and safe boat storage by enabling the boat to be driven directly onto the dock's platform. This eliminates the need for complex docking maneuvers and reduces the risk of collisions or accidental damage. Additionally, drive-on docks provide protection against rough waters, inclement weather, and marine growth, extending the lifespan of the boat's hull and components.

Are Floating Boat Lifts Suitable for Different Types of Watercraft?

Yes, floating boat lifts are highly adaptable and can accommodate a wide range of watercraft, including boats, jet skis, kayaks, and even seaplanes in some cases. They can be customized to fit various sizes and weights, making them suitable for everything from personal watercraft to larger boats. This versatility makes them a popular choice for marinas, residential waterfronts, and commercial applications.

What Maintenance Is Required for Floating Boat Lifts and Drive-On Boat Docks?

Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of your floating boat lift or drive-on boat dock. This includes periodic inspections of the lift mechanism, cables, pulleys, and hull support components. It's important to address any signs of wear, corrosion, or damage promptly. Additionally, keeping the dock and lift clean from marine growth, debris, and contaminants will help maintain their functionality and appearance.

Jet Dock Systems manufactures specialized floating boat lifts and drive-on docking systems for a wide variety of watercraft in just about any marine environment. Our headquarters and manufacturing operations are located in Cleveland, Ohio.  We have an additional facility and staff in Fort Lauderdale, Florida as well as boat lift dealers all over the world.

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New interest in plan to link boats from Palm Beach County lakes to Intracoastal and ocean

• The Blueway Trail is a chain of freshwater lakes that runs like a spine down the center of Palm Beach County.
• There is renewed enthusiasm for the idea of connecting the lakes to the Lake Worth Lagoon, the Intracoastal Waterway and the ocean.
• Residents along the C-51 expressed concerns a boat lift would disrupt wildlife through increased boat traffic.

When he is not teaching science at Watson B. Duncan Middle School, Dave Aargaard can often be found on the  Blueway Trail,  the chain of freshwater lakes that runs like a spine down the center of Palm Beach County.

For about a decade, Aagaard heard about efforts to connect the lakes to the Lake Worth Lagoon, the Intracoastal Waterway and the ocean via a boat lift from the C-51 Canal. 

“There is just so much opportunity going from fresh water to blue water,” said Aagaard, a Lake Clarke Shores resident who also  organizes fish camps and captains charters aboard his 22-foot Sea Hunt. “You could go to the ocean, you could go fishing, you could go to all the restaurants and bars and sandbars. We love the chain of lakes, but having the best of both worlds would be a dream for all residents.”

Now there is renewed enthusiasm for the idea of connecting the lakes, with talk of possibly moving away from the longstanding boat lift proposal to digging a bypass around the flood-control spillway on the C-51. 

The bypass would work like a lock at Spillway Park, said Richard Pinsky, who stepped down as president of the Blueway Trail Inc. to dedicate himself to resurrecting this project. “Your boat would be walked through a little channel, and then with a boardwalk, you would come out on the other side and then there'd be a portage area there as well.”

In 2017, the boat lift at Spillway Park seemed like a done deal with the state Legislature allocating $250,000. But political winds changed amid opposition from some Lake Worth Beach homeowners, and the COVID pandemic appeared to put a stake through the project.

Residents along the C-51  expressed concerns  that a boat lift would disrupt wildlife through increased boat traffic. 

“They thought there would be hoodlums racing up and down the waterway,” said former West Palm Beach Commissioner Shanon Materio, an early proponent of the boat lift. “Then the cities lost interest.”

Lake Worth Beach Mayor Betty Resch said she is interested in hearing an alternative proposal to the boat lift at Spillway Park. “It’s a beautiful pastoral park,” she said. “If they propose something that made sense, I would certainly entertain it — but only if it makes sense.”

Why the opposition says a bypass is ‘not a smart idea’

On Friday morning after Independence Day, Carl Dahlborg and Joe Duval were fishing at the park. They are at least one generation apart but are aligned in the idea that a boat lift or bypass would ruin the oasis where they catch snook nearly a yard long.

“It just doesn’t seem like a smart idea,” said Dahlborg, 80. “I close my eyes and envision a day in August and they got the boat lift and there are 50 boats lined up in the thunder, lightning and rain.”

Duval said there is a tight-knit community of fishermen and nearby residents — they often throw Spillway parties — who fear a boatlift or bypass would be disastrous for the park.

He also said that only boats less than 24 feet long and can get under the bridges at Interstate 95 and Dixie Highway to access the lift anyway.

“See that bridge there? That ain’t going nowhere,” Duval points toward Dixie. “The only reason they're going to do it is to increase the property value for people in Lake Clarke Shores, so they can say they have saltwater access.”

Ocean access certainly would be a selling point. A  feasibility study found waterfront property values could increase up to 40% if a boat lift were installed. There is also an apartment complex planned  on the edge of the C-51 on Dixie that is touted as the new and improved gateway to Lake Worth Beach.

Chain of blue lakes in Palm Beach County is postcard worthy

The chain of lakes, aka Blueway Trail , is one of Palm Beach County’s greatest assets. 

Motorists on Interstate 95 going through Delray Beach might catch a real-time Florida postcard of a paddleboarder or a kayaker rowing north from Lake Ida along one of the connecting canals. Besides Lake Ida, the Blueway Trail includes adjacent Lake Eden, Lake Osborne in Lake Worth Beach, Lake Clarke and Pine Lake in West Palm Beach. It’s a 30-mile stretch.

Each lake offers something different. Personal watercraft enthusiasts enjoy Lake Ida on most sunny days. Some of the county’s best-known parks abut the lakes with picnic areas, playgrounds, dog parks and, in the case of Lake Osborne, adjacent golf.

Bass, bluegill and cichlids can be found among the cattails and hydrilla for anglers casting from the shore or boat.

“Peacock bass is the one that really keeps me busy. People from all over the world come to catch peacock bass,” Aagaard said. “They’re a really good fighting fish, and they're really pretty.”

Still, the ocean calls, certainly to the 3,500 residents of Lake Clarke Shores, who can get to the C-51 Canal the fastest. For anglers, man-made islands in the lagoon just off the Lake Worth Golf Course teem with snook.

An engineering firm had been selected and preliminary plans had been drawn up for the boat lift with the consent of the South Florida Water Management District. The lift would move the boat — sans captain and passengers — over the flood control structure to the Intracoastal, where it could be boarded again. The plan was to charge boaters to help maintain the lift.

ALSO: Jupiter divers who freed sharks from fishing line may have their theft convictions overturned

“There were a lot of impediments,” Materio said.

From a design aspect, she said, the canal banks around the spillway are steep. No municipality, nor the water management district, wanted to be in charge of operating the lift. And finally, there were homeowners on the Lake Worth Beach side protesting.

What about a public-private partnership for the plan?

Pinsky said the Blueway Trail Inc. was formed in 2018 — the name “chain of lakes” was already taken upstate — in hopes of getting a state designation of a paddleway. “Part of the feature and uniqueness of the trail would be the connectivity of fresh water to salt water, right?” he said.

The effort failed and the wind went out of the sails of the project. Materio lost  re-election by 183 votes in 2018 and former Palm Beach County Mayor Dave Kerner, another proponent, now heads up the department of Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles in Tallahassee.

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“We have just been unable to get the government financial backing and support that is needed,” said Paul Shalhoub, who succeeded Pinsky as president of Blueway Trail. “So right now, we're switching our focus to see if we can bring a public-private partnership to the table.”

Shaloub, a former mayor of Lake Clarke Shores, said the boat lift is still the dominant proposal because the engineering design and feasibility study is complete.

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“We're at the point where everything is back on the table,” he said. “We need to find a way to get the project done, to connect the chain of lakes, and if that's a bypass or boat lift, we're going to figure it out.”

Val Rodriguez, another former Lake Clarke Shores mayor, said there are 1,100 houses on the water in the town with owners who might want a bigger adventure than just the lakes. “You can take a nice long boat ride and end up at Peanut Island — and it promotes the ecosystem,” he said.

Rodriguez pauses, adding, “Obviously, it makes all the houses on this side much more desirable.”

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .