Boat lift: Cantilever vs Vertical

[Big Unit]

Hi,

I would like to have your fair opinions on cantilever vs vertical boat lifts. I'm on a campground with a bunch of old man and they're all against vertical lifts claiming that cantilever is better. But no one can tell me exactly why.

I'm looking to buy a shore station vertical lift. The reseller told me that vertical lifts are very good lifts. But he's the reseller so.....

I don't know if it can help but I want it made of aluminum.

Thanks for sharing!

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: Boat lift: Cantilever vs Vertical

They are both perfectly acceptable means of lifting and supporting. The difference in performance will lie in their design and their materials more so than a particular type.
Generally, straight vertical lifts are simpler in their arrangement due to the ability of two means of support for their load. The cantilivered is a nice design to its clean access on one side but it generally requires more engineering considerations with respect to gusseting, materials, section size, etc.
If you are considering a cantilivered design I would stay with steel given the fact it is stronger and stiffer than aluminum so you can design with smaller sections.
My two bits.
BP

 

[Big Unit]

Re: Boat lift: Cantilever vs Vertical

Thanks!

 

[JBeeney]

Re: Boat lift: Cantilever vs Vertical

You may also want to consider the water depth and bottom conditions where you will be placing the lift. The lake where I have my boat and lift is fairly shallow (<2 feet) until the drop off, and it would be a PITA to get back of a vertical lift into the deeper water without having it slide down the drop off. A cantilever works perfectly to lower the outdrive out past the drop off and into deep water.

Also, vertical lifts have more cables and pulleys (cantilever lifts have 1 cable and 2 pulleys) so maintenance and repair can be more $$.

 

[caldwell54]

Re: Boat lift: Cantilever vs Vertical

I have owned an aluminum cantilever lift for about 15 years. I disagree with the comment about going with steel. You want to stay with aluminum since these lifts stay in the water for years. Mine is as good as new since Aluminum does not rust, and will last forever with some parts replacement along the way. I leave my lift in about 3-4' of water year round, even during winter in MI. I am in a protected cove where the ice does not move and have never had a problem with the ice crushing the lift.

Cantilever is better for shallow water and for simpler design and lower cost. However it also takes longer to lower and raise the boat than a vertical lift. If I was in somewhat deep water I would go with vertical for quicker raising and lowering. If in shallow water the cantilever will lower the boat lower into the water and I would stay with that.

Go with a major brand that will be in business for a long time. I have replaced parts a number of times through the years (cables, pulleys, etc) as needed and was nice to be able to order from the same manufacturer.

Good Luck

 

[NCLakeboater]

Re: Boat lift: Cantilever vs Vertical

One advantage that a cantilever lift has over a vertical lift is that when the boat is fully raised on a cantilever lift the frame is carrying the weight of the boat. On a vertical lift when fully raised, the weight is being supported by the lift cables, which over time will mean they will need replacing sooner.

 

[Big Unit]

Re: Boat lift: Cantilever vs Vertical

Nclakeboater, that's a good point!