Posted on November 21, 2024

How Boat Hoists Increase Performance and Fuel Efficiency of Boats 

Fuel Efficiency of Boats: Do Boat Hoists Improve Performance

Written by HydroHoist Marketing

Boating enthusiasts are always looking for ways to enhance their time on the water, whether improving performance, boosting fuel efficiency, or maintaining the longevity of their vessels. While boat hoists are commonly associated with the convenience they provide for storing and launching boats, their long-term impacts on performance and fuel efficiency are often overlooked. 

Boat Hoists and Fuel Efficiency of Boats 

Leaving your boat in the water when not in use encourages marine growth, such as algae, barnacles, and other organisms, on the hull, propeller, and other critical components. This accumulation, known as biofouling, creates hydrodynamic resistance and reduces the boat’s ability to glide smoothly through the water, resulting in higher fuel consumption. 

A boat lift system minimizes unnecessary exposure to the elements by lifting the boat out of the water, effectively minimizing biofouling and keeping the hull clean. A clean hull glides through the water, requiring less fuel to achieve and sustain optimal speed and performance. While the resistance caused by marine growth may seem negligible, its impacts add up over time. According to Alberni Power & Marine, drag and friction can decrease fuel efficiency by 15-20% or even more (Alberni Power & Marine, 2024). 

Essentially, hydrodynamic resistance forces the engine to work harder to sustain speeds. On top of increasing fuel consumption, this puts more stress on the engine and other vital components, ultimately leading to higher maintenance costs and a shorter lifespan for your boat.

The Role of Boat Hoists in Improving Boat Performance 

Beyond improving fuel efficiency, storing your watercraft on a hoist can enhance its overall performance. Stability is critical to a boat’s safety and performance on the water. When marine organisms grow more densely on one side of the hull than the other, it can create an imbalance, which can compromise the boat’s weight distribution. A clean hull helps ensure the boat stays level, minimizing friction and allowing for quicker acceleration and smoother, more responsive handling.

Meanwhile, rough water impacts, corrosion, and marine growth can damage a boat’s propellers. As BoatingWorld notes, the first thing you’ll notice if your boat prop is damaged is a reduction in speed and efficiency. This can manifest in increased vibrations in the propulsion system, which can strain the engine and other components, potentially causing additional damage. On top of these, damaged propellers increase drag, effectively leading to higher fuel consumption and reduced range (BoatingWorld, n.d.). 

Boat hoists provide quick access to the underside of your boat, making it easier to perform routine maintenance tasks, such as cleaning the hull, inspecting the propellers, and clearing debris from the bilge pump. For meticulous boaters, a lift helps them keep their vessels in optimal condition, ready to perform at their best whenever it’s time to hit the water. 

Comparing Fuel Efficiency of Boats With and Without a Hoist 

Several studies have found a direct correlation between hull and propeller biofouling and increased fuel consumption. Even a slight increase in hull drag can significantly compromise fuel efficiency, raising consumption by 15-30% (Pavin, Knežević, 2023). To put that into perspective, a speed boat that averages 25 gallons per hour (GPH) can see that number pushed to 30 GPH. At $5 per gallon of fuel, that’s an immediate $25 increase in operational costs every hour you run the boat. 

Lifting vessels out of the water mitigates this issue. Boats can sustain speeds with less engine stress and improve fuel efficiency without the added drag. Over a long boating season or for those who use their vessels commercially, investing in a quality boat lift can lead to substantial fuel savings. 

Benefits of Investing in a HydroHoist Boat Hoist 

Since the introduction of the first hydro-pneumatic boat hoist in 1964, HydroHoist has dominated the boat lift and personal watercraft (PWC) platform market. Here’s an overview of what you get when you invest in a HydroHoist boat hoist:

  • Enhanced Protection: Biofouling, tides, inclement weather, currents, and other dramatic water fluctuations can cause significant damage to your vessel. A HydroHoist boat lift ensures protection from potential impact damage by keeping your watercraft securely above the water line.   
  • Convenience and Accessibility: By securely storing your watercraft by the dock, you no longer need to trailer it to and from the shore. This significantly reduces the rituals involved in launching and retrieving your boat, allowing you to make the most of your time on the water. In addition to saving time and effort, this accessibility encourages boat owners to perform regular maintenance tasks, which are crucial to preserving performance and reducing maintenance costs.   
  • Cost Savings: Preventable wear, repairs, and damage expenses due to prolonged water exposure can add up quickly. So, while a dime-welded aluminum boat hoist entails upfront costs, it will eventually save you money from reduced maintenance and repair costs. Should you choose to sell, owning a boat lift demonstrates your commitment to preserving your vessel, making it exponentially more desirable in the used market. 

At HydroHoist, we’re not just in the business of producing top rated boat lifts. We make it our mission to enhance our customers’ boating experiences. 

Choosing the Right HydroHoist Lift for Your Boat 

Here are the primary considerations for selecting a boat hoist that perfectly meets your specific needs:

  • Boat Size and Weight: Choose a hoist designed to handle your watercraft's fully equipped weight. We recommend adding a 20% safety margin to your boat's base dry weight to account for fuel, batteries, and other equipment typically stored onboard. You should also measure the vessel’s length and beam width to ensure the lift's bunks and cradles accommodate it.
  • Dock Configuration: Make sure the lift is compatible with your dock type, as some lifts may require specific dock and anchorage modifications to secure them properly. This may involve adding hardware and reinforcement, such as brackets and pilings, to increase stability and support. 
  • Environment and Usage: Consider the typical conditions at the installation site and your usage frequency. For example, boats in areas with significant water level fluctuations will benefit from the lifting height of vertical lifts. Meanwhile, a hydraulic lift's quick and easy operation might be preferable for busy boaters.      

At HydroHoist, we make things simple. Our boat lifts are fully customizable to fit any dock setup and can handle vessels from 5,000 to 32,000 pounds. Whatever your watercraft or waterfront environment, HydroHoist has the perfect lifting solution for you.

Contact us today, or visit boat lift dealers near me to learn more about the best protection for your boat. 

References:

and Emissions Based on a Simulation Model. Retrieved from https://www.athensjournals.gr/technology/2023-10-2-4-Pavin.pdf?form=MG0AV3 

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