Re: Have pier, need boat lift advice
Ok, I'll comment because nobody is posting what I think. I've had two different boat lifts on the same dock for a total of 37yrs. It's hauled various boats up to 22' and approx 5k lbs. The first was built by me except for having the pilings installed by a dock builder. It was manually operated using (2) 2 speed trailer winches. big galv pulleys and SS wire. Winch one a little, then the other. Not really a big deal to raise and lower and was dead nuts simple and cheap. I liked it a lot, never worried about anything on it and kept it for about 20yrs before upgrading(?) to electric power...without remote and no manual backup. All electric is ok and no way do I feel the desire to have a remote. One lingering thought that has crossed my mind many times is to go back manual when the electric one dies...but get one of those large wheel types instead of trailer winches.
More thoughts. The lift is on open water. Open enough to slam the boat hard on cradles and break stuff. I would never use a cradle where it gets rough enough to slam the boat up and down on it. Most of my neighbors have hard cradles and their boats get the crap beat out of them when it's rough. I hear the pounding 300' away and they have to scurry to get the boat up. Those who use straps or slings don't have those problems. I use a cable with hook at each corner of the transom and one or two at the bow depending on whether its a traditional bow or pontoon hull. This style lift requires more effort to hook up than a cradle though.
Regardless of budget, if I wanted a simple, efficient and reliable lift at the lowest cost it would be a manual winch with slings. Electric is fine and dandy but doing it manually is so simple for small boats.
bp
