If you've invested in a new boat lift recently or are in the market for a new one, you may have a few questions. Here are six common questions about boat lifts that can help you gain a better understanding of how boat lifts operate.
Related Blog: The Benefits of Storing Your Boat on a Boat Lift
Common Questions People Asked About Boat Lifts
1. What Capacities are Boat Lifts Available In?
Boat lifts can range between 1,500lbs to 25,000lbs in capacity. Determine your boat's wet weight which includes fuel, water, engines, batteries, and anything else that you have added to the boat. You can find out what size will best accommodate your boat by contacting Duncan Seawall.
2. What Types of Boat Lifts Should I Consider?
There are three types of boat lifts you may consider: “4 or 8-Post Beam Lift” is the largest selling and is one where the boat lift beams are above the deck, “3 or 4-Post Beam-less Lift” has no top beam above the deck giving a cleaner look, “Elevator Lift” is used in narrow canals, embankments or where pilings cannot be used.
3. What are the Warranties?
The structural integrity of the cradle beams and top beams of the 4 and 8 Post Beam Lifts are warranted for 15 years and elevator lifts are warranted for 5 years. The drive systems have 5 or 10-year limited warranties depending on the drive system.
4. Can I Increase the Capacity of My Lift?
The majority of lifts available today can be upgraded to handle a higher capacity load. To be certain, always ask if the lift you're interested in buying or currently own can have its lift capacity increased.
5. Are Remote Controls Available?
A wide variety of remotes are available for boat lifts. However, GEM offers the highest-rated remote controls on the market today. A GEM boat lift remote is equipped with a 30 Amp control relay. These outstanding remotes can control boat lifts with up to 4 motors.
6. How Many Amps Does the Motor Draw?
For boat lifts that operate with a ¾ horsepower motor at 110 Volts, it will typically draw 12.5 Amps, and at 220 Volts it will typically draw 7.5 Amps. For boat lifts that operate with a 1 horsepower motor at 110 Volts, it will typically draw 14.5 A, and at 220 Volts it will typically draw 8.5 Amps.
For a boat lift with multiple motors, these numbers can be simply multiplied by the number of motors to determine how many Amps you can expect the boat lift to draw when operating.
If you are looking for boat lift solutions for your residential dock or commercial marina, Duncan Seawall Dock & Boat Lift is a name you can rely on. Being among one of Southwestern Florida's largest marine contractors, we provide our valued customers with dredging services and a wide selection of waterfront structures as well. We have served clients in Manatee, Charlotte, Sarasota, Pinellas, and surrounding counties for years. Contact Duncan Seawall Dock & Boat Lift today to get answers to any questions you may have.
