Lift guides

[rdy2go]

I have an Alumacraft 165 that I keep on a cantilever lift. On and off, when I dock on the lift, I have trouble estimating the positioning of the stern with relation to the cradle beam. I have been thinking to install something like a hydrant marker on one of the entry corners of the cradle. There is already a drilled hole that could take it. Then it occurred to me that PVC guides would provide the positioning reference while also helping to enter on windy days.

I called the marina store but they said they don't make them and that many people make their own. I think I can build them from a 24" piece of aluminum 2" O.D. pipe with a square u-bolt for the beam, and then slide on a 5' piece of 2" PVC pipe.

I wonder if any one has gone through this. Any comments will be appreciated

 

[Bob_VT]

Go to the iboats store and look up Trailer Guides and I think you will fine something that may work.

 

[Chris1956]

The guides on my lift are galvanized steel pipe with a pvc pipe over it. I pull the boat against the guides and hit the up button.

They are bolted to the lift with hook bolts, as the lift beams are I beams.

Check out the "High Tide Lifts" web site, as they likely sell them. Making your own would not be hard.

 

[rdy2go]

Thank you, I'll take a look.

 

[rdy2go]

The guides on my lift are galvanized steel pipe with a pvc pipe over it. I pull the boat against the guides and hit the up button.

They are bolted to the lift with hook bolts, as the lift beams are I beams.

Check out the "High Tide Lifts" web site, as they likely sell them. Making your own would not be hard.

Do you mean you have the guides setup to stop the bow?

 

[Chris1956]

No, the guides are for the gunwales of the boat, to center it over the cradle. On my cantilever-style lift, I need to move the boat front to back to center the weight, and then pull it up against the guides and then lift it..