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I just bought a lake front cabin and need a boat lift so I wanted to make my own as they are quite expensive so was wondering if anybody has plans or know where I could get some, would like to acquire all the parts this winter.
Easiest thing to do is find one you like and copy it. Maybe a neighbor has a model you like you could examine it closely. My own experience is it's cheaper to buy a new/used one than risk ijury or damage to your boat (at least for a "heavy" boat, my boat is near 10,000lb wet and is on a floaing lift). I considered it, but the savings just was not worth the risk.
I completely ignorant of your building codes and / or laws up there but I'd be tempted to ask some questions first of the appropriate authorities. Never know, might just save you a headache or two down the road.
I just bought a lake front cabin and need a boat lift so I wanted to make my own as they are quite expensive so was wondering if anybody has plans or know where I could get some, would like to acquire all the parts this winter.
Make your own???cheaper?? lets see..a 8K from IMM is $4500.00 + piling install + 6 gauge wire for the length and misc parts so lets make it 6K.
buying the parts - aluminum "I" beams..welding on brackets and rollers $1500, stainless steel cable 80 - 100 linear ft.= $700. 2 boat bunks aluminum w/wood beds..weld on receiving pullys..$850...stainless steel rollers 4- $725.00...Motors two rated at 1.5 HP ea - $ 860.00. cam drive transfer case to pulleys - $ 550. control box w/ sync for lift motors - $680.00 = Total so far - $5865.00 THEN, Your time assembling it....for a lift shipped,my crew of 4 EXPERIENCED mechanics take all day,and never has a boat dropped. Buy a lift,have it installed correctly.