Anybody go OVER on lift capacity?

[btcruzr]

We are looking for a "new" boat. We had a 20' bow rider and are now looking for a deck boat. I would like 22'-24' for a better ride. Alas, these tend to be" to heavy" for my 4000 lb lift.Can't do a boat and anew lift. Does anyone go over the rated capacity on their lifts? I'm guessing it would be 500+lbs over(fuel, me ,etc.) Or is this just a stupid idea, thanks.

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Anybody go OVER on lift capacity?

Over means over. It's your boat, your risk. I'd agree there's a margin above the rating that the lift might really do, but it's not much. My 23' is easily 4800 lbs sitting in the water ready to go. That means close to 20% over your rating for your lift. Me, I wouldn't bet on it.

 

[DaNinja]

Re: Anybody go OVER on lift capacity?

I guess worst case, you'll trash the lift and maybe damage the boat in the process.
Our last lift was 4500 lbs. for the deckboat but it had to be pulled for the shallow water.
We'll probably replace it with a shallow 6K lift.

 

[veritas honus]

Re: Anybody go OVER on lift capacity?

Have you thought about the possibility of a trade-in for a lift with higher weight capacity? You may be able to upgrade without the full expense of a new lift. Check out ebay and Craigs List. You never know what kind of steals/deals you may luck into. I wouldn't exeed the weight rating on any lift, trailer or tow vehicle. It's an invitation to trouble, and safety should never be comprimised. Good luck. Hope you get a great new boat.

 

[DaNinja]

Re: Anybody go OVER on lift capacity?

Have you thought about the possibility of a trade-in for a lift with higher weight capacity? You may be able to upgrade without the full expense of a new lift. Check out ebay and Craigs List. You never know what kind of steals/deals you may luck into. I wouldn't exeed the weight rating on any lift, trailer or tow vehicle. It's an invitation to trouble, and safety should never be comprimised. Good luck. Hope you get a great new boat.

Our old lift was removed by the manufacturer and it's on their lot for resale.
Hopefully it brings a couple of grand to add to the cost of a shallow water lift.

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Anybody go OVER on lift capacity?

It would be interesting to know what the rating is based on. Cable size? Motor capacity? If you could find out, and it was something that could be (relatively) easily upgraded, maybe you could do it for less than a new lift.

Now, if it's a question of the structure itself (metal composition, gauge, etc.) i.e. something you can't change, then I'd upgrade. You don't need that thing letting go suddenly or collapsing.

 

[dellsboater]

Re: Anybody go OVER on lift capacity?

Was in the same boat...haha...
I was told it is the cable size that matters. My lift is a 3000lb lift, but actually Shoremaster told me it has the same diameter cable as a 4000 so I could exceed the 3000 the 300lbs i needed to without a problem. If you check your manufactures website see if they list the specs and see what is different between the two....just a thought

 

[jopes]

Re: Anybody go OVER on lift capacity?

Just about everything manufactured has a rating to it, yet the manufacturers build it stronger because most people exceed what it is rated for. Is this safe to go over? Nope. If you work around cranes and rigging, you will learn alot about this stuff.

Even though you think you can go over by a few hundred pounds or what ever, Just remember if it fails and breaks your new toy you only have yourself to blame.

 

[btcruzr]

Re: Anybody go OVER on lift capacity?

Thanks for all the replies. Replacing the lift is not really an option. Right now, I have to replace the boat, a big tree fell on ours during a storm in Dec. Insurance paid, but not as much as the boat was worth- to me. They did give me NADA " high retail" for everything, so I guess I can't complain.So, I need to spend more $$$ than I have to do the boat. Don't want to go backwards on the boat, would like to get something at least as new and hopefully bigger. The lift is a hydraulic, vertical 4000 lb ShoreStation. S S isn't forthcoming on their website, that I can find.I will call them and see what they say. Maybe just a cable, but I doubt it. I work construction and actually ran a hydraulc crane years ago, so I have some understanding on capacity issuses. I know these are enginered to probably +50%. I REALLY don't want to hurt the boat, lift or, especially my family, if it should fail. Just grasping at straws. Like everyone, I want a bigger boat for less money