Posted on October 3, 2024

Boat Hoist Installation: How to Select Best Boat Hoist Location

Written by HydroHoist Marketing

Introduction to Boat Hoist Installation  

While there are numerous DIY tutorials online walking you through boat hoist installation, we always recommend hiring a professional to tackle the project, especially if it’s your first install. Boat lifts are complex systems with several moving parts. Incorrectly setting up a boat lift can pose safety hazards that can damage the lift and your boat or cause injury to yourself and others. 

Trained professionals have the necessary skills, experience, and familiarity with hoist designs to ensure safe installation and flawless operation. As such, many boat lift manufacturers require professional installation to maintain warranty coverage. Although DIY installation may seem like a way to save money on labor, it could result in costly repairs and a voided warranty if something goes wrong due to improper setup. 

However, if you feel confident in your mechanical skills and have some experience with similar installations, HydroHoist’s boat lifts are some of the easiest to install. With intuitive hardware and installation guides that include detailed instructions, illustrations, and safety considerations, our products come with all the information needed to guide you through a safe and successful boat lift installation. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Location  

Boat lifts are designed to make accessing, storing, and launching boats easier and more convenient. To help you achieve this, here are a few primary considerations to keep in mind:

• Waterfront Conditions: Before purchasing a boat lift, assess your waterfront conditions, including water depth, bottom composition, and other environmental factors affecting installation. These conditions will help you determine the most suitable type of boat lift and the appropriate anchorage solutions. For instance, while a vertical lift may be easy to install in more shallow waters, floating boat hoists are better suited for deeper or fluctuating water levels.
• Dock Structure: Your dock must be able to support the weight and movement of the hoist. An old or unstable dock could compromise the system’s integrity, potentially leading to damage or injury. Check the dock condition before installation and, if necessary, reinforce it or make any repairs beforehand. 
• Accessibility: If you're installing a motorized boat hoist, consider how easy it will be to access your lift from the shore and how close the installation point is to utilities like electricity. The location should allow easy access for boarding, disembarking, and boat maintenance, with adequate space for maneuvering your boat and other relevant equipment. Ideally, you also want a location that provides shelter from strong waves and winds to avoid straining the equipment and your boat.

Finally, it's essential to match the size of your boat’s draft to the lift type and water depth to ensure the hoist can safely and efficiently raise and lower your vessel without risk of damage. Properly aligning these factors helps ensure optimal performance and longevity of your boat lift and dock system.

Essential Boat Hoist Installation Equipment  

Always wear protective gloves, eyewear, and shoes. We also recommend keeping small parts and hardware in a box until needed so you don’t lose track of them. While the specific tools and equipment will depend on the boat lift model, having the proper gear helps ensure smooth and safe installation. 

Proper gear includes different-sized hand tools, including sockets, wrenches, and drivers, as well as power tools, such as drills, drill bits, and rubber mallets. Meanwhile, additional tools like ratchet straps, pry bars, and foam floats help facilitate various installation steps. 

Step-by-Step Boat Hoist Installation Process  

Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines and specifications, using it like a GPS to keep you on the right path. Here’s an overview of the typical boat lift installation process:

• Planning and Preparation: Begin by understanding the specific installation requirements. How will you transport the boat lift parts? What space is available for assembly? Are there any necessary permits or certifications? Once that’s sorted, prepare the installation site, clearing the dock area of any obstacles or debris.
• Assembly: Review all the parts, hardware, and required tools listed in the manufacturer’s instructions to familiarize yourself with the product before assembly. Pay attention to details like bolt placement and alignment, double-checking that all components are securely connected. 
• Anchor Installation: Place the dock anchors accordingly to secure the boat lift. The specifics will depend on your waterfront conditions and lift system. For example, piling brackets are popular anchorage options for those with existing dock pilings. Meanwhile, helix anchors are commonly used for floating boat lifts installed in softer or sandy bottoms.      
• Lift System Installation: Install the boat hoist according to the manufacturer’s specifications. This may involve setting up the pulley and winch mechanism, mounting hydraulic pumps, or assembling air tanks, bunks, cradles, and guide rails. 
• Power Connection: This typically involves connecting the boat lift to your waterfront's electrical system or installing a dedicated electrical connection for the lift. When using AC power, ensure the electrical circuit can handle the amperage required by the lift (TrickyFish, 2023). We recommend consulting a licensed electrician to assess your system and perform the necessary adjustments. 

Once the installation is complete, test the lifting mechanism without the boat to ensure everything functions properly. If everything looks good, perform a test lift with your boat, checking for stability and ease of operation. You will likely need to make final adjustments and security checks to ensure everything is in place and ready for use (Boo & Maddie, 2024).

Maintenance Tips for Your Boat Hoist  

A well-maintained boat hoist can last for many years. Here are some boat lift maintenance essentials to keep your lift in prime condition season after season:

• Regular Inspections: Inspect the hoist regularly, checking for any signs of wear, damage, or corrosion. Depending on your lift type, this can involve inspecting the power source wiring, hydraulic fluid levels, or flotation tanks. 
• Lubrication: Regularly lubricating moving parts prevents rust and corrosion. When moving parts dry out, they start to rust, ushering in a host of potential issues. For cable-operated hoists, greasing can extend the life of cables and chains by over a decade.  
• Periodic Cleaning: Periodically clean your lift to remove dirt and grime. Even if you have an aluminum boat hoist designed to withstand marine environments, regular cleaning prevents potential issues caused by saltwater residue and marine growth. 

Contact us today to learn more about boat lifts and to find a HydroHoist dealer near you. 

References:

• TrickyFish (Bennet, June 29, 2023). How Much Power Is Needed for a Boat Lift? Retrieved from How Much Power Is Needed for a Boat Lift? - Trickyfish
• Boo & Maddie (August 19, 2024). Guide On How To Install A Boat Lift. Retrieved from https://www.booandmaddie.com/guide-on-how-to-install-a-boat-lift/ 

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