Boat lift - The Hull Truth

Reeltense · 08-14-2005, 01:07 PM

I'm having a tought one here, my lift rated for 7000# and the boat I'm thinking of getting with fuel and everything are 7050# is it okay, can I get by with it? Your opinion are appriciated

whsyrdddy · 08-14-2005, 01:09 PM

I wouldn't do it

Glen E · 08-14-2005, 01:20 PM

the guy that put my lift (east coast boat lifts) is one of the biggest in ft lauderdale - he would only put in a lift that was AT LEAST 20% over what my fully gassed boat with gear and 4 people caluclated to....That was about 11,000 - mine is rated for 16000 and still creaks on the wey up

you need 10K at least....it may be your family at stake here....screw around with somethng else like only using 20# test fishing line.....

mekut · 08-14-2005, 02:09 PM

I bought boat and lift used together. After the lift broke and in the process punched a hole in the hull, I found it was rated for 7500 lbs and boat fully loaded was 8000 lbs. I agree with don't do it.
Mark

Reeltense · 08-14-2005, 02:45 PM

Thank you gentlemen I guess new lift than.

Dry Rot · 08-14-2005, 05:46 PM

There has always got to be one dissenter.
IMO it depends on the type of lift. My lift has 5/16 cables, originally with 3/4 hp motors and was rated for 8,000 lbs. I did some homework on heavier rated lifts and found that the only difference on mine, a Dolphin stem winder, was 1 hp motors. I went down to the local Tractor Supply farm store and bought 2- 1 hp motors, spreaded the pillings, and bought a bigger cradle to allow a 10 1/2' beam and presto here it is, solid as a rock. So don't be so quick to write off your old lift:
BTW, the Pursuit weighs 14,000 wet:
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...rsuitHighh.jpg

Let the flames begin.

greyg8r · 08-14-2005, 06:05 PM

Quote:

mekut - 8/14/2005 1:09 PM

and in the process punched a hole in the hull
Mark

OUCH!

HDRyder999 · 08-14-2005, 06:30 PM

I had an 8000 pound boat on a 12,000 pound Dolphin lift, no problem. I bought a new 11,500 pound boat, dry.

Called the factory to buy a new lift, they said "no worries, you lift is under rated by 20 to 25%"

I've been using it ever since with not so much as a hicup. Boat weighs 13,000 pounds, wet, 14,000 pounds with passengers.

roaddogg4040 · 08-14-2005, 07:01 PM

I have a 20,000 lb lift that creaked with a 15,000 lb Sea Ray, creaked with a 4,000 lb Pursuit and creaks with a 12,000lb whaler. What this means is anybody's guess but it is still working.

Steve

Reeltense · 08-15-2005, 02:58 PM

So in another word I'm okay with 50lbs over the rate of my lift. Eighter that or I don't have to gas it up all the way.

whsyrdddy · 08-15-2005, 03:25 PM

There's only one way to find out and that's to put it on it......but my motto "better safe than sorry"

Ed P · 08-15-2005, 05:02 PM

Reeltense,

Where are you located? I'm looking to buy a 7000-lb lift, and would rather buy used than new (around here, used ones are half or less than new).

I'm in st. Petersburg, FL

Thanks,

Reeltense · 08-15-2005, 07:37 PM

Ed, I'm in St.Pete also I got to talk to the company of it first before making decision.

Should have known better 2 years ago shen I put it in.

Dry Rot · 08-16-2005, 12:17 PM

When you try to lift to the max, get several other people to watch how it goes and go slowly. My dockbuilder says when they do go, they usually just brake one cable then bind up. If you have any fraying of the cables, replace them first. And, if they are 1/4" that's a good time to replace them with 5/16. A $15-20,000 lb. 2" ratchet strap will get you out of trouble if you do break a cable.

Finally, I NEVER try to raise my boat with people in it.