By: Olivia Hudak on May 5th, 2022

How to Choose the Right Boat Lift (5 Top Choices)

Are you thinking about purchasing a new boat but wondering where it’ll live if you choose to leave it in the water? Depending on where you boat, you may need to consider a boat lift.

A boat lift will get your boat out of the water and protect it against the elements better than if it was tied to a pier floating in the water. It will also save you the hassle of having to cover your boat after every use. 

A lot of people choose to purchase a lift for their boat because of how much it can protect against marine growth and hull discoloration. You get double the protection if you choose to add a canopy top to the lift. 

If you do decide you want a boat lift, how do you know which one is going to work the best for you? There are many different styles to choose from so how do you know you’re choosing the right one?

Many factors contribute to which boat lift is best for your boat. Factors such as the weight of your boat or habits of the water where the lift will sit. If you’re somewhere that gets a lot of wind and waves, you’ll want to make sure you get a very sturdy lift. Along with those factors, there are many others that play a role in how you choose the right boat lift.

A good thing to note is that most boat lifts can be crafted to fit the hull of any recreational boat. That said, you’ll want to make sure the lift can fit the hull of your boat before purchasing. The height of the lift should also be taken into consideration especially if you have a boat with a tower or bimini on it. 

Every boat is different so you might need a different life option than your neighbor. This article will go over the different kinds of lifts and accessories available. This article should help you decide which is the right choice for your boat. 

4-Post Conventional Lift

The first option I’m going to talk about is a 4-post conventional lift. These lifts are a great option if you store your boat in a place that receives a lot of strong weather.

That’s because the strong posts support the lift and make it extremely durable against the elements. Some circumstances require 6-8 posts to be put in to hold the lift steady which can be done if you’re in an area of really intense weather. 

These lifts can stand alone without a pier or sea wall which makes them perfect for certain locations. This is especially true if you’re in an area that often has moving water from wind or current. These lifts are perfect for withstanding those elements.

4-post conventional lifts are most suitable for small to medium-sized boats. Most recreational boats will fall into this category. If you’re interested in this type of lift, check out the weight limit and size to ensure your boat will be a perfect fit. 

Elevator Lift

The next type of lift you may come across during your search is an elevator lift. These lifts look a little different than your typical boat lift. That’s because they’re designed to utilize as little waterfront space as possible. 

A situation this lift would be perfect for is in a channel or small canal. These areas typically don’t allow for piers. An elevator lift would be a great choice for places like that. 

They also are a great choice for places with a hard bottom. The reason being is that elevator lifts can be mounted on a seawall or on pilings. So drilling into the seafloor is not necessary and you won’t have issues with the lift potentially slipping around due to the hard, uneven surface.  

These lifts take up little space which is why they are so popular in tight waterways. Be sure to check out this type if you have only a small area to house your boat in the water. It’ll keep the rest of the waterway open for other boat traffic. 

Hydraulic Lift

Hydraulic lifts are another option to consider if you’re looking for energy efficiency and speedy lift times. These lifts get your boat out of the water in no time with just the push of a button or the turn of a key. This makes it extremely easy and convenient for you.

These kinds of lifts are perfect for inland lakes or rivers. They are great for anywhere that is not affected by extreme weather. Hydraulic lifts are also nice because you don’t have to worry about any cables breaking and dropping the boat. This is because this boat lift is powered by steel tubes and pistons. 

Another favorable feature of these lifts is that they can lift your boat far up and out of the water. This is great when it comes to taking care of the exterior of your boat. Keeping it far out of the water will reduce the effects of oxidation or electrolysis on the boat.

Floating Lift

If you’re looking for a boat lift that will be stored in deep water, a floating lift would be the option for you. Some deep-water marinas have floating docks that lead to slips where people can. A floating lift would work well in this situation where the water is too deep to have a traditional lift. 

These boat lifts utilize large tanks of air to lift the boat out of the water. The simple design works perfectly in some areas where boaters are unable to access other lifts. They also work great in places that have fluctuating water levels. 

If this sounds like the lift for you, be sure to check it out. Research whether or not it can work for your boat if your body of water warrants a deep-water solution. 

Cantilever Lift

This is the classic boat lift that is most common for recreational boats. When you think of a boat lift, odds are this is what comes to mind. It consists of a crank wheel with a chain to hoist your boat out of the water.

These lifts will never go out of style simply because of their convenience and lower price point. A reason to consider a cantilever boat lift is that they are fairly easy to maintain. They typically work well with very little maintenance for a long period of time.

One downside of these lifts is that they can’t raise your boat super high out of the water. They can only raise your boat to a certain level. Most of the time they are able to get the boat high enough so that the hull is just above the water level, but sometimes in deeper water, this type of lift wouldn’t work for your boat. 

Boat Lift Accessories

The different types of boat lifts have accessories and add-ons you can purchase as well. There are many different additions that you can add to your lift to provide more protection from the elements for your boat. 

For most lifts, you can add a top, or what is called a canopy.  You can also get things like curtains that protect your boat all the way down to the hull. There are many different options depending on the type of lift you choose and the company that manufactures the lifts. 

Other options include a ramp for your boat lift if it sits higher or lower than your pier. This makes loading the boat much easier when it comes time to head out on the water. You can also get wireless remotes to lower and raise the boat to make your life easier. 

Most lift manufacturers offer accessories such as these so be sure to talk with your local boat lift dealer to figure out what is best. They will be able to help you figure out which accessories would be most effective for you and your boat. 

Which Lift is Right for You?

With all the different options for a boat lift, how will you choose which one is the right one for you? The best thing to consider is the geography of the area and what kind of weather the area receives. This information will lead you to narrow down your choices of which boat lift will best fit your needs. 

I also recommend talking with a local expert. Someone who is knowledgeable about the area and boat lifts will be able to lead you in the right direction. They will also be able to recommend any add-ons that may be beneficial to you and your boat depending on the specific area you will be boating in. 

It is always a good idea to do your research and learn about the different lifts available in your area. This way when you finally pick one for your boat, you can be confident that it will provide the protection your boat needs while offering the convenience factor you need.

If you plan on ordering a lift or trailer for your Barletta, use the official trailer and lift ordering guide here: Dimensions for Trailer and Lift Ordering