Buying a boat lift is a lot like buying a car. It’s an investment that will last you for many years to come if you treat it right, but it’s important to do your research and know what you want (and more importantly, what you need) before you commit to anything.
When it comes to boat lifts, there are lots of options out there in different price ranges, so it can be hard to know what’s right for you. And that’s what we’re here for!
Here at R.J.’s, we’re committed to helping you get the highest-quality product that will last you for years to come, no matter your price range. And in this guide, we’ll discuss how much a boat lift generally costs and what factors go into determining that cost, so you can be as educated as possible as you begin looking for a lift.
Here are the three things that will determine your lift’s cost:
So let’s get started!
1. Boat Weight and Type
Before you begin looking for a boat lift, it’s important that you know a few things: among the most important is your boat’s dry weight, and dimensions. This will determine which lifts you can or can’t buy, what type of power the lift will need, and what style of lift will best suit your boat.
The type of boat you have will also determine what lift will work best for you. Pontoon and tritoon boats require different supports (called toonrails) than a standard v-hull boat to lift it safely. These can be added to a free-standing lift or a boathouse cradle lift.
Pontoon and tritoon boat lifts are supported by toonrails as seen on this free-standing lift.
A bass boat weighing between 2,000lbs and 4,000lbs will work with a wide variety of lifts with either manual or hydraulic power options, ranging anywhere from $2,500-$7,500. However, a boat coming in closer to 10,000lbs will need a boathouse and a heavy-duty lift to lift it safely, running you closer to $10,000.
Be sure to give your boat lift dealer your boat’s correct dry weight and specifications. This will help them know what lifts will work for your boat and help you find the best option for your budget.
2. Dock Style
Your existing dock and lake setup will help determine the kind of lift that will work best for you. If you already have a boathouse, for example, you can shop for a strap kit or a cradle kit that hangs from the roof of the boathouse and supports your boat with heavy-duty polyester straps or an aluminum cradle. Your boat’s weight will determine how much this kind of lift will cost you.
For example, if you have a boathouse and a boat weighing less than 4,500lbs, you can get a strap kit or cradle kit for around $3,000-$4,800 installed, while a boathouse lift capable of supporting a boat weighing closer to 10,000lbs will run you around $12,000 installed.
A cradle kit hangs from the roof of your boathouse, storing your boat safely and securely.
If you don’t have a boathouse and don’t want to build one, a free-standing lift is a great option. This kind of lift sits right next to your dock or shoreline, requires no external power, and is operated by either a wheel (called a manual lift) or hydraulics.
If you have a smaller boat weighing between 2,000lbs-4,500lbs, you’ll do just fine with a manual free-standing lift that you can raise and lower with a wheel. This lift starts around $7,500. However, if you have a pontoon boat weighing between 5,000lbs-7,000lbs, you’ll need a hydraulic free-standing lift with toonrails in order to lift the boat safely, which runs around $13,000.
Whatever your lake setup, there are numerous options for you to choose from. Just be sure to mention your existing dock, boathouse, or shoreline to your boat lift distributors. Our team at R.J.’s will schedule a custom estimate to come and take measurements to make sure you’re getting the perfect lift for your setup!
3. Add-Ons
When looking to install a new lift, it’s important to consider what added protections and accessories you might like to include to help shield your boat and make docking a breeze.
A Power Curtain, for example, is a great way to protect your boat from the elements. Our customers prefer it to traditional boat covers as it raises and lowers with the touch of a button and allows airflow to prevent mildew build up — and many say they only have to wash their boats once or twice a year!
A Power Curtain protects your boat from the elements, whether you have a boathouse or a free-standing lift.
These cost about $7,500 installed, depending on the size of the boathouse or the canopy, and can be paired with boathouse lifts or with canopies (~$3,500-$5,500), which are essential for free-standing lifts as they keep your boat out of the sun (which is a big deal in Florida where we’re located).
Other products like Bow Stops (~$650) and Post Load Guides (~$200) make docking easier than ever, helping guide your boat safely onto the lift every time. The Gem Remote (~$800 installed) is another great addition, and allows you to operate your boathouse lift with the touch of a button.
Whatever you’re in the market for, our team at R.J.’s Boat Lifts is here to help! If you have questions about any of the products we mentioned, want advice on what will work best for your lift, or want to schedule an estimate, feel free to call us at 352-394-5666 or email our head of office at pam@rjsboatlifts.com. We’d love to hear from you!
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