Pros and Cons of Owning a Boat Lift
Owning a boat lift offers many benefits, but it does have drawbacks too. Learning about the pros and cons of boat lift systems is well worth your time if you are considering this investment. Doing your research ahead of time can help you determine if a boat lift is the right choice for your watercraft.
Here are the Advantages of Having a Boat Lift:
Boat Maintenance
Boat lifts ensure that your watercraft isn’t left in the water, which helps to keep your boat in excellent condition. This helps avoid hull blisters and limits algae growth, barnacles, and other types of fouling. A boat lift reduces the need for frequent cleanings and lowers the risk of damage that could depreciate your boat’s value.
Convenience
A boat lift isn’t just for swift access but also for convenience. Inspecting, cleaning, and boat maintenance becomes significantly more manageable with a boat lift. The boat’s hull is readily accessible, and you don’t have to worry about transporting your boat to another location for cleaning or inspection.
Prevent Damage
Besides protecting against tides and floating debris, boat lifts can protect your boat from potential damage caused by harsh weather conditions and accidental bumps from other boats when docked in a crowded marina. You will feel much better and have greater peace of mind knowing that your boat is safely secure.
Here are Some of the Cons of Having a Boat Lift:
Cost
It’s important to consider that the price of a boat lift installation may extend beyond the initial purchase. The boat lift installation by a professional marine contractor can be an initial expense, and there may also be costs associated with permits, depending on local regulations.
Additional Maintenance
Boat lifts, especially the mechanical components, need regular checks and maintenance to ensure proper function. If these components fail, they can be costly to repair or replace.
Limitations
In addition to physical and regulatory limitations, boat lifts may also impose constraints on your boating lifestyle since not all destinations will have compatible lift facilities.
Larger Lifts for Larger Boats
Large boat lifts are excellent for storing larger vessels, ensuring that they remain dry and safe from water-induced damage. Dry stack boat storage is standard for large boat owners, but a large boat lift offers a more personalized and readily available solution. However, the cons of large boat lifts are primarily tied to cost. Typically, the bigger the lift, the higher the price.
Smaller Lifts for Smaller Personal Watercraft
On the other side of the spectrum, we have small boat lift options as well. These lifts are perfect for small boats and personal watercraft, providing the same benefits as their larger counterparts – protection from water damage, easy access, and convenience, but at a fraction of the cost. Small boat lifts are also easier to install, with some models being portable and adjustable. However, they have their drawbacks too. They might not be as durable as large lifts and sometimes require more maintenance.
The Bottom Line – Are Boat Lifts Worth It?
Ultimately, whether a boat lift is worth it depends on your circumstances, such as your boat’s size, your budget, and where you store a boat. It’s a big investment, but for many boat owners, their vessels’ increased lifespan, plus the added convenience make them highly valuable. Doing your research, weighing the pros and cons, and consulting with a professional marine contractor can help you determine the lift system that is right for you. Whether you opt for a large lift for your luxury yacht or a small lift for your jet ski, you’ll find that having a personal lift can improve your boating experience.