Boat Lift Question

[SLM_FL]

Hello all, new to the forum. Just getting back into boating after being out for several years and just purchased a '06 Regal 2000. I also recently moved to a home with a boat lift and have a question about it.

The width between my pilings is 9'. The lift cradle is 8.1' between cables. The beam of my boat is 8.6'

I was originally planning on having some extension brackets welded onto the existing I-beams as an alternative to having to replace them since they are still in good condition, which would allow me to move the cables out several inches on each side to not stretch them when moving the boat in and out. However, others are telling me that there is not enough room to put on extensions because the cradle itself needs to be able to move with the boat (side to side) instead of being closer up against the pilings. The other alternative is to add another pulley on each of the pilings, leave the cable attached where it is and run it at an angle of something like 40 degrees up to the pulley which will then allow the cable to run agains the piling up to the top. The only concern over this is that the angle at which the cable would have to go up to reach the pulley may still hit the side of the boat and I would prefer it not to be rubbing against the hull! Besides the width of the pulley is also going to take up room and could possibly rub against the side of the boat if it was to swing when the boat is raised.

Unfortunately having new pilings installed is not possible as I would also have to completely redo the roof of which all is just not in the budget.

I know its a semi-tight fit, but wonder if anyone would have any advice on the best way to proceed for the time being? Is it really a bad idea to weld on extensions to bring the beam within only an inch or so of the piling or would it still be better to just go with the angle and pulley option?

Thanks all!

 

[alldodge]

Have no direct dealings with cable lifts but your dimensions tells me you don't have enough room. Could get into it a bit further but would need to know which make model is it?

Assuming it something like this

 

[Grub54891]

After 3 posts, you can post pictures, random posts work for that, and we do like pictures from different angles to see what we can come up with. And welcome to the forums!

 

[SLM_FL]

Have no direct dealings with cable lifts but your dimensions tells me you don't have enough room. Could get into it a bit further but would need to know which make model is it?

Assuming it something like this

Very similar in terms of the cradle, except I have a roof over my lift where the cables attach to pulleys from the top. The lift is Boat Hoist. Will see if I can upload a pic here in a few minutes.

 

[SLM_FL]

Trying to add photos. I guess I need this 3rd post before it will allow me, so to explain the photos first, the back of the lift you can see the variance between the cradle and the pilings. Seems to be that I could weld an extension to move out the cable but I have someone else telling me no.

Hmm, still not allowing me to upload. I guess after the 3rd post, its not automatic?

 

[alldodge]

Should be able to post now

 

[SLM_FL]

Still getting not authorized to upload attachments error.

 

[alldodge]

Still getting not authorized to upload attachments error.

Well crud, how large is the file, if its to large it will not allow?

 

[alldodge]

I use this method

 

[SLM_FL]

Nope, I resized them. Am I allowed to provide Flickr link to photos?

Try this: https://www.flickr.com/gp/151356661@N05/371Pr4

 

[alldodge]

Who knows maybe the 3 post issue has changed, may need to check with iboats Tim (but cannot find him in the selection). Here are the pics

 

[SLM_FL]

Awesome, thanks for your help with uploading those!

 

[alldodge]

I understand what you want to do but do have concerns over the weight limit of the hoist. Your not able to extend the beam out further because this will put more stress on the hard ware. the lift is designed to lift with cable s straight and if the beam is extended on each side the will put more torque load above on the pulleys. If the bean was extended the upper pulleys would also need to be extended outward. Would also need some relocation of the load points.

It appears the main load points are directly above and inline with the pylons. This provides max support for the load. To extend the beam it appears it would come in contact with the pylons unless the hardware above is moved to either side. Another thought is what is the current load capacity of the lift and does it have at least 10 percent more then the weight of the new boat?

 

[SLM_FL]

The plan is to move the top pulleys over as well so that isnt a problem. Trying to see if I can upload a photo now with some drawings.

A pulley would be installed somewhere around where the black box is, the cable moved from where it is now at an angle to the pulley and then straight up to attach to the pulley at the top.

The lift motor is rated for 4,500 lbs and the cables are ok from what someone has told me. Boat is 3,500.

 

[alldodge]

Guess you could give it a go to see if it works. Moving both out would give you clearance. Maybe contact the manufacture to see if they have any comment.

Looks like your dry weight with full tank of gas is 3740, then add gear and you should be within limits. Don't let anyone ride up or down with the boat.

Some issues you may run into is welding galvanize. Most won't weld it, but could get other beams, but that is beyond your question.

 

[SLM_FL]

Thanks for your opinion AllDodge. In measuring again, the width from cable to cable is about 8'4 so we're only talking another 2" for exact clearance. However, assuming the boat is not likely to be driven in exactly straight, moving out the cables and pulleys another several inches may give me a bit more of a cushion. I guess it will just have to do for now until I can afford something bigger or to extend the pilings and roof out further.

 

[Scott Danforth]

that lift looks like its for a small fishing boat, not your 20' regal. Im with AllDodge, the lift doesnt look like its desiged to lift more than 2500#. I would look at the rating tag. you may need a new lift

stainless wire rope 1/4" in diameter will limit you to 1100# per rope if you follow the required 5.25:1 factor of safety for lifting cargo. the factor of safety goes higher for lifting people. For lifting your regal, I would be looking at 3/8" synthetic rope at a minimum.