Posted on November 3, 2022
The Benefits of Storing Boats on a Boat Lift
Written by HydroHoist Marketing
Just because you use your boat in the water doesn’t mean that you should store your boat in the water, at least not full time. Keeping your boat in the water when you’re not using it might seem convenient at the time, but it will prove to be a hassle in the long run when you’re trying to repair unsightly and performance-affecting damage to your boat’s hull. Storing your boat on a lift offers five benefits that far outweigh any upfront costs.
Better Boat Condition
All boat hull materials can be damaged by prolonged water exposure, often in the form of scum and slime buildup. Materials like aluminum can stain easily, which can reflect this water damage. Fiberglass boats have a shiny gelcoat cover that looks sleek, but is porous, which means it can collect buildup and stains. Storing your boat above the water can keep your boat looking and performing better for longer.
Utilizing a boat lift for storage offers significant advantages, primarily by reducing wear and tear. Water is a natural environment for boats, yet extended docking can cause damage such as hull blisters, corrosion, and algae accumulation. Research by Asmara & Yudo, and McCauley highlights that the innovative design of boat lifts ensures gentle handling of boats, minimizing contact with damaging elements. This crucial protection not only maintains your vessel in excellent condition but also cuts down on maintenance costs and prolongs its usability. Boat lifts act as a vital shield, keeping your boat elevated and away from damaging moisture, thereby protecting your investment and preparing it for your next journey. (Asmara & Yudo, 2020; McCauley, 2018)
Storing a Boat Safely
A moored boat is a boat that’s in a very vulnerable spot. Rainstorms, high winds, and other inclement weather can damage your boat inside and out, potentially pushing it up against the dock or shore. Wet storage also means that you’re relying on the bilge pump to take care of any water that enters your boat and increasing the chances of it sinking. Keep your boat out of the water so that the elements can’t hurt it.
Faster, Easier, and Safer Boarding
A boat that’s stored on the water is very easy to access at a moment’s notice. You won’t have to untie anything, load and unload a trailer, compete with other boaters for launch ramps, or worry about storage lockers. A turn of the handle, flip of a switch, or push of a button is all you need to set out for the day. Finally, a boat lift ensures stable footing, which is safer and more comfortable.
Making Cleaning a Breeze
Boats that are stored in the water could accumulate algae, corrode in saltwater, or otherwise gradually take on damage to the hull. Store your boat above the waterline to not only avoid damage from biological matter and the water itself but also make cleaning what gets on your boat much easier. Because your boat is above the water, you can access the bottom more easily, and while it’s up there, it’s not accumulating damage. Just make sure to use a boat lift canopy to keep the top of your boat clean, too.
Big Savings
Wear, tear, and corrosion can get expensive, so a boat lift saves money you would otherwise have spent on repairs and routine maintenance. Investing in a boat lift will keep the bottom of your boat clean, which means better performance, increased range, saved fuel, reduced gas mileage, eliminating recurring costs of painting, a boat that looks as good as new, and an increased resale value.
Are you in the market for a fixed or free-floating boat lift to keep your boat out of the water? A HydroHoist dealer in your area can help with your boat storage needs and peace of mind.
References
"Asmara, I., & Yudo, H. (2020). Evaluation of Boat Lifting System Using A Multiple-Drum Winch. Kapal, 17, 7-14. https://doi.org/10.14710/kapal.v17i1.26425.
McCauley, J. (2018). Hydrodynamic Lift on Boats.. arXiv: Popular Physics."