COMMON QUESTIONS
What kind of boat can be used on a floating boat lift?
Our boat lifts will lift almost all types of boats. We can lift small watercraft, including Waverunners and Seadoos. We can lift fishing boats, ski boats, pontoon boats and performance boats. We also custom build lifts for larger boats such as cruisers.
What kind of dock do I need to be able to use a floating boat lift?
Our lifts can be installed on most types of docks, including steel, aluminum and wood, as long as the dock is structurally sound.
Do I have to have a floating dock?
Yes. Our lifts are designed to float with the dock. We have installed our lifts to fixed or stationary docks, but the water level must not go up or down more than 16 inches.
What size dock or what style dock do I need?
Our floating boat lifts have to be installed in a U-shaped or an L-shaped dock. We mount our lifts to the front of the dock and then we need at least one walk pier down one side of the boat. It does not matter which side, but we have to install a third arm on one side of the back section of the lift, so the lift does not put pressure on the front of the dock during rough water or storms. The back arm keeps the lift from moving side to side and also by having at least one walk pier, we can attach a galvanized stop chain that will let the lift stop just where the boat will fit the lift perfectly. We cannot install our lifts to small square, or rectangular docks that do not have at least one walkway finger or pier down one side of your boat.
Can I install the boat lift myself?
Yes. Assemble the boat lift on land. Then the lift can be hauled on a boat trailer, lowered into the water and towed to the dock for mounting. We send a detailed instruction sheet with every boat lift. The lifts can usually be assembled and installed in less than a day.
How is the boat lift constructed?
Our Boat Port lifts are built from 2-inch by 5-inch rectangular tubing that is 3/16-inch thick*. The frames are welded together and then we have the frames hot-dipped galvanized. The frames are not bolted together. This prevents them from coming apart during rough water times. We use polyethylene flotation tanks that are a minimum of 3/8-inch thick up to 1/2-inch thick. Our tanks are designed to be mounted at the top of the tank so there is no metal left in the water when the lift is in the up position.
How long does it take to operate the lift?
It is based upon the weight of the boat. The best way to figure the time is approximately one minute per 1,000 pounds of boat weight.
Do I need electricity at my dock?
Yes. The dock needs to have a 115-volt receptacle. It is possible to purchase a small, portable generator to use at the pump.
How safe is my boat during a storm?
We mount our lifts to the front so the lifts are secured well during rocking motions. We also use a side arm that is attached to the back side of the lift to prevent the lift from rocking from side to side. Our lifts are designed to lock into the dock and float with the dock, instead of working against the dock during rough water conditions.
Can I use the boat lift in salt water?
Yes. The metal frames are hot-dipped galvanized and the flotation tanks are made from UV-protected polyethylene that will not rot or rust.
Does my BoatPort lift carry a warranty?
Yes. See the details on our warranty page.

OPTIONS

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BOAT LIFTS

MODEL NUMBER	MAX. LIFT CAPACITY	MAX. BOAT LENGTH	BED WIDTH	MIN. SLIP WIDTH	MIN. WATER DEPTH
LOF20-15	2000LB	15’	7’0”	8’9”	5’0”
LOF45-20	4500LB	20’	7’0”	8’9”	5’6”
LOF60-23	6000LB	23’	7’0”	8’9”	5’6”
LOF60-25	6000LB	25’	7’0”	8’9”	5’6”
LOF75-26	7500LB	26’	7’0”	8’9”	6’0”
LOF75-28	7500LB	28’	7’0”	8’9”	6’0”
LOF10-28	10,000LB	28’	8’6”	10’0”	7’0”
LOF10-30	10,000LB	30’	8’6”	10’0”	7’0”
LOF10-32	10,000LB	32’	8’6”	10’0”	8’0”
LOF10-35	10,000LB	35’	8’6”	10’0”	8’0”

*Minimum water depth required at back end of lift (tank end)