Boat lifts and PWC lifts
A lift keeps your boat out of the water, protecting the hull and making it easier to use. Here's how to choose one.
Keeping a boat in the water all season leads to hull growth, staining and wear. A lift raises the boat out of the water between trips, and a PWC lift does the same for personal watercraft. Lifts can go on new docks or be added to existing ones.
Types of lifts
- Hydraulic lifts raise and lower smoothly with electric or hydraulic power.
- Cable lifts use winches and cables, either manual or powered.
- Floating lifts move with the dock and the water level, a good match for floating docks.
- PWC lifts and ports drive-on platforms for jet skis and similar craft.
Sizing a lift
A lift is rated by weight capacity. Add up the boat, motor, fuel, gear and water in the bilge, and leave a margin. The builder also checks your slip width, water depth and how the lift will mount to the dock.
Lift repair
- Frayed or rusty cables
- A motor that hums but won't lift, or trips the breaker
- Bunks or cradles that are cracked or out of alignment
- Hydraulic leaks or slow lifting
- A lift that sits unevenly
Electrical safety
Powered lifts need properly installed wiring with ground-fault protection. Have a licensed electrician handle dock electrical work, and turn off power to the dock if you suspect a problem.
Prices come from the dock builder after they've seen your shoreline. We don't quote prices ourselves, and a phone estimate is only a starting point.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Can I add a lift to my existing dock?
Often, yes, if the dock and slip can support it. A builder can check your dock's structure and slip size.
Floating lift or fixed lift?
Floating lifts move with a floating dock and the water level. Fixed lifts suit stationary docks with stable water. Your builder can recommend one.
Related services
- New boat docks
- Dock repair and storm damage
- Boathouses and covered docks
- Seawalls and shoreline protection
More background: Hot Springs lake dock guide.
Planning a new dock or fixing an old one?
Call now and a local dock builder will look at your shoreline and quote the work.