As a homeowner living along the coast, you have probably noticed the benefit of being able to lower your boat into the water from your backyard.  

The convenience is undeniable, but it comes with its own set of challenges, including figuring out how to safely get the boat to the water and how to get it back up.  

They are used to transport boats from one water level to another and come in all shapes, sizes, and types. They can all lift vessels out of the water to pass over obstacles such as bridge piers or for storage. 

Boat lifts are used for various purposes, from small lifts used for maintenance and inspection to large ones used in marinas. 

Regarding your own home, every homeowner has a unique set of needs, so how do you choose the best boat lift for your property?

The first step is choosing a reputable manufacturer, which is easier said than done, especially in this particular market.

With that said, IMM Quality Boat Lifts can help you to choose the perfect lift for your needs by providing fantastic value with years of experience in making boat lifts.

The first step is to decide how you want to use your boat. If you have a boat that you take out to the lake or river a few times a year, an elevator boat lift, like those provided by IMM Quality Boat Lifts, is an excellent choice because they are very well-made and easy to use. 

However, if you have a boat that you use when fishing every weekend, a vertical-lift boat lift is the best choice because it is the most robust and most durable type of boat lift available.

The next step is to understand what capacity is needed.

Lift Capacity

First and foremost, you want to make sure you find a lift system with the right capacity. 

The first thing you need to do is determine your boat's weight based on its length, width, number of people, and the gear you plan to take with you.  

For example, a 20-foot boat can weigh anywhere from 3,000 to 10,000 pounds, a 30-foot vessel will typically weigh about 10,000 to 15,000 pounds, and a 40-foot boat will weigh about 15,000 to 20,000 pounds.  

Once you understand what capacity you need, you can move onto which type to consider.

Types of Boat Lift

There are four primary varieties of boat lifts that are used on docks and lakes. The three most popular types of boat lifts available to consumers are: 

1. Top Standing
2. Floating
3. Galvanized Boat Lifts
4. Hydraulic Boat Lifts 

Each of these types of boat lifts has its own set of advantages and disadvantages when compared with each other. 

Knowing which type of boat lift best suits your needs is critical in getting one for your boating needs. 

Top Standing Boat Lifts

As the name suggests, top standing boat lifts are the most commonly used ones around. They are mostly used in larger boats that need a lot of mopping up. 

These are the most sturdy types of boat lifts, which allow the user to elevate the entire craft while still sitting in the water. 

This type of boat lift is mostly made out of metal, which is a very durable material.

Floating Boat Lifts

Also known as cradle systems, floating boat lifts can either be electric or hydraulic operated. 

Most of the time, they are placed on top of floating pontoons to give users the perfect amount of clearance when getting in and out. 

These are some of the best boats lifts around, and they give users the most maneuverability when getting in and out of the water. 

Another advantage of using this type of lift is that it does not take any specialized training to use it, and anyone who has enough strength in their legs and wrists can use them.

Galvanized Boat Lifts 

These lifts are not made of any standard metal but instead are constructed out of high-quality galvanized steel. Although they are resistant to corrosion and rust, they may need to be painted or coated with a marine paint product depending on the water's contaminants. 

If you decide to go with a galvanized unit, you will want to make sure that it comes with a warranty of at least ten years, even though this type of lift rarely experiences corrosion.

Hydraulic Boat Lifts 

These types of boat lifts work using hydraulic pressure. The hydraulic power source is usually a drum located either on the dock or at the water's edge. 

These types of boat lifts can operate both on the water's surface and in a low water area, making them very versatile. Also, you can often find high-lift models that are capable of operating in very high winds.

How Do You Maintain a Boat Lift?

If you purchase one from a reputable dealer, they should have a lot of documentation that goes over the principal maintenance points.

Depending on who you bought from, their contractors may even train you to keep your lift in top condition.

Our Boat Lifts Worth It?

A boat lift is a standard option for boat owners looking to save space or plan on storing their boats on land. 

They are the most common option for storing boats over the winter months, as they ensure your boat stays in perfect condition and doesn't take on any water base damage from the elements.

It doesn't matter if you use your boat every day or plan to use it once in a while; a boat lift will keep your boat out of the water and in great shape when you want to use it. 

Oftentimes they will also increase the value of your home if you come to sell it.

Boat Lift Safety

Boat lift safety is crucial to your enjoyment of the boating experience, as well as your safety on the water. 

As a boater, you understand how important it is to safely launch and dock your boat to enjoy yourself on the water. There is nothing worse than getting off the boat and struggling to get back in while many other boaters are merrily sailing away. 

When safety is an issue, it is always important to take some time to make sure that all equipment is up to par and used correctly. This includes checking the boat lift for necessary maintenance.

You should check the boat lift weekly to ensure that all parts are in good working order, remove any malfunctioning elements, and replace them as needed. 

Do You Need a Permit To Install One At Your Property?

It is important to note that the presence of a boat lift at your house does not mean that you will not need a permit to install a boat lift at your home. 

A permit is still needed as the lift will have to be installed on public property (the water) and not private property.

However, this is only a very general statement as laws vary from region to region, and it depends on what jurisdiction you live in.

Summary

A boat lift is a fantastic option for those living on a waterfront property, but you must make sure that you choose the correct model for your type of boat.

It is also essential that you understand the basics of maintenance to keep your investment in good working order.