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By: Mick Webber
President/CEO
Dockyard equipment at marina boatyards across the country have change significantly over the years, and one of the biggest changes has occurred with boat lifts. Anyone who has been in boating for more than 40 years or longer remembers some of the hassles that boaters encountered without boat lifts. The introduction of this unique product has made boat care, boat storage, and even boating in general a much more convenient and fun recreational activity.
Historical Perspective
Initially, the need for boat lifts came about not because of some technological breakthrough, but rather because of land space restrictions for boat storage at an Oklahoma lake. Boat owners were demanding convenience, and they wanted to use their vessels now, not later.
It was in this context that a local marina owner, Henry Rutter, designed and built the first boat lift system. It offered dry storage in the water for a price comparable to land space. Remarkably, some of those original hoists built for use on the lake are still in existence.
From that simple idea espoused by Rutter, boat lifts have evolved into sophisticated pieces of equipment that provide total boat care and extend worldwide. Now, there are lifts to accommodate everything from 900 lbs. personal watercrafts to boats weighing as much as 130,000 lbs. Boat lifts also play an important financial role for boat owners because their boats, frequently described as their most prize possessions, are second only to their homes as a person's largest investment. So, protecting this major expenditure is important, and this is where boat lifts come to the rescue. Boat lifts not only provide protection, but also convenience and security to boat owners. When a boat is securely dry-docked a marina, its hull and out-drive are safely protected from wind and wake damage and algae and troublesome marine growths that compromise the boat’s performance, value and appearance. Another benefit that boatlifts provide to marinas is reduced liability due to boat damage. Lifts also eliminate corrosion, protect crafts from harsh water conditions, reduce maintenance costs and time, and can give watercraft a higher resale value.
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