Boat Lift Question

[Kansas Bound]

I recently purchased a 20 year old econolift for our dock. It works fine except for the fact that the bunks are more vertical than hortizontal. I was told this was the old style.

So my question is, would this hurt my 18' crownline or should I replace them with the new style that would have the boat lay on the entire bunk (flat) instead of the top of the 2x6.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Boat Lift Question

as long as the are place in the right position with the boat structure, should not make a difference. the 2x6's have less give, and provide more support on edge than when flat. you could also use the 2x6 on edge, and a 2x4 on top flat to spread support.

 

[marine4003]

Re: Boat Lift Question

That depends..I am a Marine Contractor by trade and install lots of lifts,when you say old style..20 yrs old, the bunks are less prone to give if installed vertically,but being the lift is that old have you had the cables replaced? and how are the bunks supported? and do you know the lift capacity? i repair lots of "old " lifts and in a few cases portions of the lift have collapsed,or cables snapped...bad stuff. Have it checked throughly prior to putting the boat on it.

 

[Kansas Bound]

Re: Boat Lift Question

Thanks for all the help. It is an airlift. The lift raises and lowers just fine but I was concerned about the boat being held up by 1 1/2 inches on each side instead of 5 1/2 inches (ie the 2x6 is vertical instead of flat). It will not poke throught the bottom of the boat will it. Sorry maybe I am just paranoid.

Should I space the bunks the same as the trailer?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Boat Lift Question

boats have been trailered for many years on the 1 1/2 side of bunks.

 

[marine4003]

Re: Boat Lift Question

Thanks for all the help. It is an airlift. The lift raises and lowers just fine but I was concerned about the boat being held up by 1 1/2 inches on each side instead of 5 1/2 inches (ie the 2x6 is vertical instead of flat). It will not poke throught the bottom of the boat will it. Sorry maybe I am just paranoid.

Should I space the bunks the same as the trailer?

Yup, make sure the bunks go all the way and past the transom,thats the important part.