How Many Pounds Boat Lift is Needed?
When choosing a boat lift for your waterfront property, there are a variety of factors you’ll need to consider. For example, you’ll want to ensure you choose the right lift type and configuration for your vessel to avoid placing stress on the hull. However, one of the most important determinations you’ll need to make is the correct weight capacity of your lift system.
Choosing the correct capacity will prevent unnecessary strain on the lift system, ensuring it operates safely long into the future. To determine the lift capacity you’ll need, consult the manufacturer specifications for your watercraft’s “dry weight”. Typically this includes the hull and, in some cases, the recommended power. To determine the total “wet weight” you will need to add the fuel, gear, water carried in livewells, waste, and other factors. Of course, you’ll also need to account for any non-factory additions you’ve made to your boat, as well as loose items, such as coolers. Make sure you are meticulous in calculating the weight of these objects, as even smaller items, such as fishing gear, can add up. Also, if you plan to perform maintenance tasks on your boat while it is lifted, be sure to factor in your own weight as well.
It is best to select a lift system with a capacity that exceeds the maximum weight of your vessel, as this will leave you some breathing room in the event that you’ve forgotten to factor in the weight of a certain item or make changes to your vessel in the future. Additionally, when you are taking your boat out on the water, it is best to lower the watercraft all the way into the water before people get on, as this will help prevent strain to the cradle and other components.
At DECO Boat Lifts, we are proud to offer lift systems in a wide variety of configurations and capacities to suit virtually any type of watercraft. We would be happy to help you determine the ideal lift system for your needs.