Boat lift install/removal

[captmello]

Although it will be a few months before the water will be soft enough to boat on around here, I'm thinking more and more about this up coming season. Two summer ago I bought a used but in good shape shorestation boat lift #40120 for my pontoon. Its fairly large, rated for 4000lbs and 10' wide. Its a vertical lift style. Anyway, the first season, the dock was already in at the cabin so the guys delivered it and dropped it right where we wanted it since we were there to guide them. They removed the lift from the water later that year.
The next year, last season, I arranged for them to install the lift again. Without getting into a long explanation as to why, they installed my lift on the neighbors dock! Even though I had given them sufficient instructions as to where the lift should go(It had been stored on a third neighbors beach for various reasons...again, long story. Anyway, they agreed they failed to follow simple instructions, basically did not communicate well enough with the install crew. So, after a call from the confused neighbor bringing it to my attention, etc, etc, they came back and moved the lift to the correct dock. but this time they installed the lift so the wheel was in a terrible spot making me reach out over the water to crank it up! Because of other life/work issues, we only made it up to the cabin twice last year or I would have had to have the lift moved again.

I had the company remove the lift again last fall but I'm pretty fed up with them.

Finally my question. Who installs their own boat lift? I've seen the wheel kits for them and I'm considering buying some. I would need 4 wheels i think because of the lift size along with the 26' foot canopy. Naturally they are not cheap and I'd have $500 into them if I go that direction. Our lake is rocky at the shoreline so I would have to be able to roll over rocks as well. Are others doing this? Hows it been working for you?

Thanks.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Boat lift install/removal

Ayuh,.... Is there any chance the lift could be wintered right straight forward from where it sits durin' the summer,..??

I ask, 'cause the distance, 'n direction moved will be quite important,....

 

[captmello]

Re: Boat lift install/removal

Ayuh,.... Is there any chance the lift could be wintered right straight forward from where it sits durin' the summer,..??

I ask, 'cause the distance, 'n direction moved will be quite important,....

yes. it can be wintered almost straight in. I put is on the neighbors beach because the lift would have blocked the dock from rolling in. And since the dock rolls in easily, i didn't want to pay the dock company to do it. So in order to have them install the lift, I had to install the dock ahead of them...if that make sense.

So If I am to do the install, I would need to roll the lift out 25 feet and about ten feet to the left to get it out of the way for the dock to roll in. Then, once the dock is in, I could roll the lift in position next to the dock.

Hope that helps, thanks for askin'!

 

[captmello]

Re: Boat lift install/removal

Heres a better pic of the shoreline

 

[pckeen]

Re: Boat lift install/removal

I do this every spring and winter on a similar shoreline (rocky) with a 2500 lb boat lift with a canopy - similar set up to yours, but our lift is quite a bit smaller than yours, with no wooden platform - so it must be a LOT lighter. We just use two strong guys to do it. We don't have wheels.

If two-four people can lift yours, you can do it provided you have enough buds. You may need to disassemble parts of it to make it light enough to move. You'll want to take the canvass off before moving it, as it adds a lot of weight.

Couple of hints....

When taking the dock and lift out in the fall, if you can roll the dock out first, and roll it up that beach...

Put some floats underneath your lift platform to help move it through the water with minimal effort. Make the floats out of large blocks of foam, about 12 inches thick, sandwiched between 4x4 sheets of 1/2 inch plywood. Put the floats into the water. Raise the platform so you can get the floats underneath. Lower the platform onto the floats. If you have enough foam, this will give your dock enough lift so that you can float the dock close to that beach, where you and your buds then move it (with or without wheels) into a place where it will be free of the ice. The foam takes a lot of the weight off the movers.

If this isn't clear, send me a pm with your phone number and I'll give you a call.

Good luck!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Boat lift install/removal

Heres a better pic of the shoreline

Ok,... Is the dock on wheels, 'n ya roll it in, 'n out,..??

Or is it a sectional that ya take-down, move, 'n put back up,..??

Have ya considered movin' it slightly to the right,..??

Have ya considered barrin', or winchin' a few of the rocks on the left outa the way, 'n expandin' yer beach slightly,..??

Reason I'm askin' is,...
The lift bein' able to roll, Straight in, 'n Straight out alleviates movin' the lift sideways, complicatin' mountin' wheels on it,...

I like pckeen's idea of floatin' the lift sideways,...

I'd use plastic drums, myself,...
Sink 'em with water to stuff 'em under the lift, 'n use compressed air to blow the water out, raisin' the Whole business,...

edit: How deep is the water,..??

 

[captmello]

Re: Boat lift install/removal

Thanks for the thoughts guys.

pckeen-I spent some time searching for specs on my lift but could not locate the weight. When the guys installed it originally I asked them what they thought it weighed. they thought around 500lbs. Its quite large and with the 4000lbs rating, fairly heavy duty. Also the canopy makes it a bit top heavy, even without the canvas installed. The cabin is 4 hours from home so its tough to get a lot of help to muscle it into the water. I really need to be able to do it with two guys. I think the floats are a good idea.

Bondo- yes the dock rolls in easily. I can roll it in myself since it is a slight downhill slope and I can roll it out with a little help. As you can see the opening at the beach is just wide enough to fit the 10' wide lift through. I cant really open it up any more. It has huge boulders on each side.

I think you guys are on to something here. While I would still need the wheels to get it up on shore, Once in the water, adding floats could help to move it side to side and help get over some of the rocks that are everywhere once in the water. The water is not deep. Maybe 3-4 feet at the end of the dock.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Boat lift install/removal

Thanks for the thoughts guys.

pckeen-I spent some time searching for specs on my lift but could not locate the weight. When the guys installed it originally I asked them what they thought it weighed. they thought around 500lbs. Its quite large and with the 4000lbs rating, fairly heavy duty. Also the canopy makes it a bit top heavy, even without the canvas installed. The cabin is 4 hours from home so its tough to get a lot of help to muscle it into the water. I really need to be able to do it with two guys. I think the floats are a good idea.

Bondo- yes the dock rolls in easily. I can roll it in myself since it is a slight downhill slope and I can roll it out with a little help. As you can see the opening at the beach is just wide enough to fit the 10' wide lift through. I cant really open it up any more. It has huge boulders on each side.

I think you guys are on to something here. While I would still need the wheels to get it up on shore, Once in the water, adding floats could help to move it side to side and help get over some of the rocks that are everywhere once in the water. The water is not deep. Maybe 3-4 feet at the end of the dock.

Ayuh,.... a couple more thoughts,.... The larger diameter the wheel, the Easier it'll roll over cobble,...

With 3'/ 4' of water, 3' or 4' wheels could be used,...
Ole steel wagon wheels are no longer a dime a dozen, but they Are out there,...

I've built a few for a couple dock projects, outa strips cut from big propane side sides, 'n rebar as spokes, with pipe hubs,...
Strips cut from big culverts can work too,... just abit more work weldin' galvanized,...

 

[pckeen]

Re: Boat lift install/removal

If the lift is 500 lbs, you will need a minimum of 8 cubic feet of foam to float it. 1 cubic foot of foam floats 62 lbs. I would go with 10 to 12 to be safe. The extra lift won't hurt.

I'm thinking my lift is 300lbs tops. The canopy frame is quite heavy, and can be removed with minimal effort.

If your lift is too heavy to move with two people by hand, get some 2x10 boards that you can wedge under the wheels or feet plates - they will act as slides. Attach a hand winch to a tree, and if you don't have a convenient tree, dig a 6x6 post into the ground to mount a hand winch to (it will need to be about four feet deep), then winch it up the beach.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: Boat lift install/removal

BigTractor inner tubes inflated work well and can be used for YEARS.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Boat lift install/removal

We just pick up my father in-laws shorestation and walk it in with 4 guys - it weighs about 800lbs.

 

[captmello]

Re: Boat lift install/removal

If your lift is too heavy to move with two people by hand, get some 2x10 boards that you can wedge under the wheels or feet plates - they will act as slides. Attach a hand winch to a tree, and if you don't have a convenient tree, dig a 6x6 post into the ground to mount a hand winch to (it will need to be about four feet deep), then winch it up the beach.

I do have trees or can even anchor to my truck if needed to winch it out at the beach. Its the rest of the moving, into the lake, over to the left, etc, into position once the dock is in.

BigTractor inner tubes inflated work well and can be used for YEARS.

This was also my thought...

We just pick up my father in-laws shorestation and walk it in with 4 guys - it weighs about 800lbs.

You and your offensive lineman buddies are welcome anytime. Walking the lift in over the 8-12" diameter rocks is not an option for me.


I Finally found the weight of the lift, 510lbs. Plus the canopy must bring it close to 600lbs.

 

[captmello]

Re: Boat lift install/removal

Ayuh,.... a couple more thoughts,.... The larger diameter the wheel, the Easier it'll roll over cobble,...

With 3'/ 4' of water, 3' or 4' wheels could be used,...
Ole steel wagon wheels are no longer a dime a dozen, but they Are out there,...

I've built a few for a couple dock projects, outa strips cut from big propane side sides, 'n rebar as spokes, with pipe hubs,...
Strips cut from big culverts can work too,... just abit more work weldin' galvanized,...

Ya...I'm just not set up nor skilled for that kind of fabin'.

 

[Canrider22]

Re: Boat lift install/removal

Ya...I'm just not set up nor skilled for that kind of fabin'.

What are they charging you to install or remove the boat lift?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Boat lift install/removal

Based on the pics, it looks like your dock is a set in section at a time. I would do the following:

put the lift in before the dock. Measure off of at least 2 or 3 places and sketch a map.

get a wheel kit, or make one yourself. The purchased ones are usually rotationally molded plastic wheels. the make it yourself are usually old steel wheels with near bald tires from the salvage yard. either foam filled, or cement filed, a welded hub and a pipe axle.

you will need about 4 people to move the lift by lifting/draging. even then, wheels make it much easier to move. we usually do a "dock party" weekend putting in about 15-20 dock in two days. we have 8 people, two dogs, and about 3 or 4 bottles of "anti-freeze" (especially helpful when you slip on a rock and fill your waders with 35 degree water). the 4 cabins worth of crew that make up the "doc party" do the 4 cabins first, then paying customers in order of difficulty and how nice the owners are. we usually charge 200-250 per dock to put in, and 100-150 to take out in fall. the proceeds usually going toward new hip waders for the season, fishing equipment, dock repair, or ice shanty fund. a few gratis installs for a couple of really nice elderly folk simply because they provide coffee and sandiwches.

 

[captmello]

Re: Boat lift install/removal

What are they charging you to install or remove the boat lift?

Last year it was $85 in, $85 out. It's not the money so much, just the hassle they caused last year has me thinking of doing it myself.

Based on the pics, it looks like your dock is a set in section at a time. I would do the following:

put the lift in before the dock. Measure off of at least 2 or 3 places and sketch a map.

get a wheel kit, or make one yourself. The purchased ones are usually rotationally molded plastic wheels. the make it yourself are usually old steel wheels with near bald tires from the salvage yard. either foam filled, or cement filed, a welded hub and a pipe axle.

you will need about 4 people to move the lift by lifting/draging. even then, wheels make it much easier to move. we usually do a "dock party" weekend putting in about 15-20 dock in two days. we have 8 people, two dogs, and about 3 or 4 bottles of "anti-freeze" (especially helpful when you slip on a rock and fill your waders with 35 degree water). the 4 cabins worth of crew that make up the "doc party" do the 4 cabins first, then paying customers in order of difficulty and how nice the owners are. we usually charge 200-250 per dock to put in, and 100-150 to take out in fall. the proceeds usually going toward new hip waders for the season, fishing equipment, dock repair, or ice shanty fund. a few gratis installs for a couple of really nice elderly folk simply because they provide coffee and sandiwches.

The dock is a roll out with a couple add on extentions on the shallow end. I can roll in the dock myself, and install the add ons myself as well. The placement is dictated by my FIL so Its not up to me. I may be able to coordinate with some neighbors for some help, but regardless Im going to need wheels. I'm also going to start looking for some big tractor tubes to help float it left and right once I roll the lift in the water.

I'm wondering if I could get away with two wheels...it would be much easier to turn if needed.

Thanks for the input guys!

 

[Canrider22]

Re: Boat lift install/removal

Last year it was $85 in, $85 out. It's not the money so much, just the hassle they caused last year has me thinking of doing it myself.



The dock is a roll out with a couple add on extentions on the shallow end. I can roll in the dock myself, and install the add ons myself as well. The placement is dictated by my FIL so Its not up to me. I may be able to coordinate with some neighbors for some help, but regardless Im going to need wheels. I'm also going to start looking for some big tractor tubes to help float it left and right once I roll the lift in the water.

I'm wondering if I could get away with two wheels...it would be much easier to turn if needed.

Thanks for the input guys!

2 Wheels will help you turn however it is much easier to move the lift with 4 wheel, This will allow you to tow the lift in from shore with a truck etc. Especially because you have a roof system that overhangs.
For $85 I would just try and communicate batter with the installation guys. Maybe mark the dock with tape example exactly where you want the lift to go and be sure that they know it is important to you to have it close for you to board the boat.
these things are heavy for $170.00 per year.

 

[captmello]

Re: Boat lift install/removal

2 Wheels will help you turn however it is much easier to move the lift with 4 wheel, This will allow you to tow the lift in from shore with a truck etc. Especially because you have a roof system that overhangs.
For $85 I would just try and communicate batter with the installation guys. Maybe mark the dock with tape example exactly where you want the lift to go and be sure that they know it is important to you to have it close for you to board the boat.
these things are heavy for $170.00 per year.

This issue is a bit more complicated than just installing the lift. Because of my limited beach area, I have to remove the dock first, then the lift, which then blocks the dock. The previous season, I had them put the lift on my neighbors beach, which led to more confusion and that option of putting the lift on the neighbors beach may not be there for long as they may be selling the cabin soon.

So, If I store the lift on our beach I am forced to also pay the Dock company to install the dock @ 3/ft. So that really adds to the expense. One year of paying for the dock and the lift to be installed and removed would buy my wheel sets.

I agree that four wheels will allow me to tow the lift out much easier.

Thanks for the reply.

 

[Canrider22]

Re: Boat lift install/removal

This issue is a bit more complicated than just installing the lift. Because of my limited beach area, I have to remove the dock first, then the lift, which then blocks the dock. The previous season, I had them put the lift on my neighbors beach, which led to more confusion and that option of putting the lift on the neighbors beach may not be there for long as they may be selling the cabin soon.

So, If I store the lift on our beach I am forced to also pay the Dock company to install the dock @ 3/ft. So that really adds to the expense. One year of paying for the dock and the lift to be installed and removed would buy my wheel sets.

I agree that four wheels will allow me to tow the lift out much easier.

Thanks for the reply.

Are the installers using that boat in the picture to lift the boat lift in and out of the water?
Ask them if they can reach onto the shore in front of the boat lift so you can do the dock first.
You also might be able to make a spot on shore in front of the lift so you can store the lift on. This might give you the ability to tow the lift in straight and push out. Possibly with ramps over the rocks depending on your shoreline.
If you have to take the wheels off to gain the water depth or to set the lift on its legs its really easy with a simple jack-all type jack.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Boat lift install/removal

there is no jack needed for wheel kits, you have 3 people pick up the one side, and one pulles the wheel off.

do not attempt to put a lift in by yourself. one wrong slip and your now under water pinned by the lift.