Leaving your boat sitting in the water during the off-season can cause all kinds of corrosion and algae growth. We know that cleaning and preparing your boat for the summer boating season can be a tiresome task if the boat was not well maintained in the off-season. Lifting your boat above the waterline will keep it dry during the off-season and significantly reduce the amount of damage done.
Boat lifts have all kinds of supplementary accessories like remotes for motor pulleys and boat lift covers. The boat lift cover would significantly help with the maintenance and upkeep of your boat in the off-season. Before you can get to those accessories tho, the guide below will help you find the boat lift that works best for you and your boat.
What type of boat lift should you choose?
Bottom Standing (freestanding lift)
A bottom standing boat lift works best in lakes and bodies of water that have softer sediments. The lift would be attached to a fixed dock in water that is three to ten feet deep.
Floating
Floating lifts are usually required in deeper waters. The floating lift adjusts to the fluctuating water levels and keeps your boat from putting too much pressure on the lift.
Suspended
Suspended boat lifts should be used in average water depths and can be built into your existing dock.
Materials: Stainless Steel vs. Galvanized Steel
Stainless steel and galvanized steel are the most commonly used materials in boat lifts. Choosing the right material for your boat lift is important when it comes to trying to limit the amount of UV damage, corrosion, and cracking.
Stainless steel is more resistant to corrosion or rusting and works best for boat lifts in Florida’s saltwater. Galvanized steel corrodes at a faster rate in saltwater, so it performs best in fresh bodies of water.
Manual or Electric
Electric
Electric boat lifts are convenient and very easy to use, however, they require a power source to the dock, which is not always allowed.
Manual
Manual boat lifts are the perfect solution when a power source isn’t available or allowed. You may have a harder time working with the spinner wheel to operate the lift.
Length/Width Of Your Boat
The length and width of your boat will determine the kind of lift that will work for you. The boat lifts strength and weight capacity needs to be able to hold your boat, and the beam and the weight of the lift should match your boat.
Buy A Boat Lift Cover To Match!
Once you’ve purchased the boat lift that works for you, it’s time to buy the perfect boat lift cover to match.
Waterway’s boat lift covers are custom-made to your boat and are able to withstand Florida’s summer heat, hurricane winds, beach air, and thunderstorms. Our frames and canopies are wind and water resistant and will help your boat stay clean and dry no matter the season. Boat lift covers make the maintenance of your boat a lot easier so that you can keep enjoying the water with your family and friends. Contact us to get a free quote today!
