Considering buying a boathouse lift, but aren’t sure if it’s the right fit for you? Our team of experts has compiled this guide to help you make the best decision for you and your boat!
But first, let’s cover the basics: what is a boathouse lift?
As the name implies, a boathouse lift is a boat lift that is built into a boathouse. It consists of a motor and pipe (sometimes called a boat hoist kit), and four cables that hang down from the roof of your boathouse and attach to a pair of straps or a cradle for your boat to sit in. These lifts are extremely sturdy, and can be built to lift boats up to 10,000lbs!
A boathouse lift may be a good fit for you, if…
- You have (or want) a dock/boathouse.
- You’re tired of trailering your boat.
- You want easy access to your boat.
- You might want to upgrade your boat down the road.
- You want versatility.
Let’s get started!
1. You have (or want) a dock/boathouse.
If you have an existing boathouse, this lift might be the perfect fit for you. Or, if you have an existing dock or are wanting one, this kind of lift will be a great incentive to build your dream dock setup!
If you’re in the Central Florida area, our team of experts work with a number of reliable dock builders that we 100% recommend for your build out — so don’t hesitate to reach out for our recommendations!
2. You’re tired of trailering your boat.
For many of our customers, before they had a boat lift, they had two options: either float their boat beside their dock or trailer it after each use.
Over time, leaving your boat in the water can cause undue wear and tear from wave action against the dock and even leave it more prone to rust, depending on your water’s salinity. And trailering it, while effective, can be a pain if you’re using your boat often.
So if you want to store your lift safely, without the added time of trailering it, a boathouse might be the perfect option for you!
Want more on if a boat lift is right for you? Check out the full guide here!
3. You want easy access to your boat.
Having a boathouse lift is a great way to store your lift safely where you want it — at your dock!
It’s ready when you want to use it and safely out of the waves when you’re not using it. Many of our customers find they actually use their boat more with a lift, as it gives them easy access to their boat — all at the flick of a switch (or touch of a button)!
If you’re ready to have easy access to your boat and enjoy more time on the water, a boathouse lift may be just right for you!
4. You might want to upgrade your boat down the road.
Boathouse lifts, unlike free-standing lifts, can be easily modified to accommodate larger boats. By upgrading the motor, cradle, and cables (by adding snatch blocks), you can increase your boat lift’s capacity up to 13,000lbs!
So if you’re thinking of getting a larger boat in the near future or down the road, a boathouse lift might be the perfect option for you.
A quick side note: If you’re considering upgrading your boat’s weight capacity, remember: your lift is only as strong as its weakest link. So when the time comes, be sure to upgrade all the essential parts. Otherwise, you risk damaging your lift and your boat!
Want to upgrade your existing boathouse lift? Check out our full guide here!
5. You want versatility.
Boathouse lifts are a great option for storing your watercraft, no matter what size, type, or style!
At R.J.’s, our team will custom-build and install your boathouse lift to suit your watercraft. We’ll adjust the height to allow for your boat’s canopy or tower, and even test docking your boat on the lift to make sure everything sits right where it needs to!
Boathouse lifts are tailored to fit your boat, whether you have a pontoon, bass boat, or anything in-between.
You can add Toonrails to safely accommodate your pontoon or tritoon, and even convert the motor to operate off solar power. You can also get added protection from the elements with a Power Curtain, or add a Gem Remote so you can operate your lift with the touch of a button.
Still not sure if you want a boathouse lift or a free-standing lift? Check out our complete guide here! You can also call our office for more information or to set up a free estimate at 352-394-5666. We'd love to help you find the perfect lift for your watercraft!