How a Boat Lift Works
Boat lifts, or slip-in lifts are mechanisms for moving boats between water levels at two distinct elevations, the inclined angle and the standard locked-in system. These lifts can be used in a wide range of applications, from floating dry docks to floating bliarges, cruise ships to private yachts. Some of the more popular models include the Tug and Donut, DeWalt, Bell, Atlas, Golden Gate, Sundridge, Reitnouer, and Trojan. Each type of lift has its own advantages and disadvantages. Most are self-propelled, but there are a few that require manual operation from the dock.
The most popular and widely used boat lifts are generally those that are either self-propelled or are towed by a trailer. A small tug boat is used to lift a boat from the water or a small ship that is tied up to the side of the lift. Lifts with a single person, usually a deckhand, are useful for light duty lifting in small boats and personal watercraft. Lifts with three or four people are suitable for carrying larger boats and are recommended for larger cruise ships. The last type of boat lift has an increased turning radius and uses hydraulics or pneumatic power.
Smaller boat lifts have a number of applications, but the two most common types are those that are used to lift boats into a watertight vessel, such as a boat for touring or travel and personal watercraft. In this application the boat is raised so that the water level is below the boat's norm at the docks. Then the lift is lowered into the water and the lower section is left in the water, while the upper part of the boat remains in the water. This type of boat lift can also raise a boat into a dry dock, although this isn't as common. Most boat lifts are powered either by pneumatic power or hydraulics.
Lifts for larger boats are more often than not larger and made out of steel. These days they have electronic controls to make them even safer to use in salt water. The larger and more powerful boat lifts are most often used on cruise ships and larger boats that travel in and out of salt water. If you own a boat that is over 25 feet long and need to raise it into a dry dock then you will require a boat lift that is specially designed for this purpose. These types of boat lifts are usually extremely large and can easily raise a boat six or more stories into the air.
If you own a boat that is frequently used in or near a body of water like a lake then you may want to consider a small dock pump to power a small boat lift that can be placed on a trailer attached to your dock. There are two popular styles of lake lifts that you can purchase to keep your boat raised safely above the water while it is docked. First there is the boom style boat lift which is basically just a flat bed with a crane-type platform on the bottom to raise the boat up into the air. Then there is the ground or floating platform style of boat lift that just raises the boat by using braces and some deck parts that are raised by the boat's weight. You can as well get the best mooring whips here.
You will find that all boat lifts are made out of steel because metal is an excellent material for lifting heavy objects. Most have safety harnesses and straps that will hold the person securely in place, but you should never force the boat lift into someone if you do not have to. It is also important that you check with local laws before using a boat lift in salt water because some places have restrictions about using a boat lift in salt water. If you are considering purchasing a boat lift then the first thing you should do is take a look at different models and brands before making a final decision. There are many different makes and models available on the market today and each has their own unique features and advantages. Before purchasing a boat lift just remember to check the laws in your area and don't purchase one if you are unsure of how it works. You can find out more about this topic by reading here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boat_lift.
