A boat is no small investment. For many, it's a prized possession. Therefore, proper storage and protection from the elements are essential to extend your boat's lifespan and ensure it remains clean, functional, and in great condition both when in use and between outings on the water.
Boat lifts are a great way to store and safeguard your investment, but you might not be able to determine which type of lift is right for you and your setup. Discover three of the most common types of boat lifts to help you make a more informed decision.
1. Freestanding Boat Lift
A freestanding lift, also called a bottom-standing lift, is ideal for bodies of water that are shallower (less than ten feet deep). The foundation of this lift stands or is erected on the ground beneath the water. These lifts are highly versatile in that they can go in a wider variety of locations than other lift types. Freestanding lifts can go under the water near the shore or adjacent to a dock, but they can also go on land - even on sandy, fine grained areas.
Because these lifts are on the ground, you must drive or lift your boat onto the lift. The rise and fall of the water may affect whether your boat can access the lift during times of water level fluctuations. However, if the water level remains steady, this is a simple, easy, and economical method of boat storage that you can customize with coverings or posts to further protect your vehicle.
2. Suspended Boat Lift
A sturdy, more permanent, and more durable option, suspended boat lifts are best for boat owners who have access to established structures that can house a hanging cradle lift. Suspended boat lifts can go in an existing boathouse or building or anywhere a vertical lift system can go, such as a garage or covered dock structure.
These lifts work through a cable and pulley system to hoist your boat above the water, which is ideal for a wide variety of boat types and sizes. A suspended boat lift is also a great choice for those who store their boat near bodies of deep water or those with water levels that fluctuate.
Because you need an overhead structure to mount this system, the actual cost of the lift can be fairly inexpensive if you already have a boathouse or building. These lifts also ensure your boat has thorough protection both above and below thanks to the surrounding structure.
3. Floating Boat Lift
As the name suggests, this lift floats atop the surface of the body of water. Floating boat lifts can be relatively portable because they're typically secured temporarily to a nearby dock or piling. This option is ideal for bodies of water that vary in depth throughout the seasons as the boat lift will rise and fall along with the tide or water level. This means you can typically drive your boat right up onto the lift with ease.
Though your boat remains free of marine growth and buildup, your floating boat lift will not and will often need cleaning and regular maintenance to ensure it remains in good shape. However, this is offset by the fact that floating boat lifts are simple and have fewer mechanisms that require upkeep. This makes them a great option for boat owners who need a convenient, durable, and versatile lift.
Ready for a boat lift of your own? The experts at Edgewater Marine Construction, Inc., can help you to determine the right boat lift for you and your property.
Call us today to discuss the options available to you so you can keep your boat safe, secure, and pristine for years to come.
