Lifts

[fishinhunt]

Vertical or cantilever?

Getting alot of different opinions?

[goose89]

Depends on how deep the water is where it wil sit. Generally, cantilevers will allow you to get on the lift in shallower water. Cantilevers generally cost less too, from what I found when I was in the market.

I've got a cantilever, and like it, but would rather have a verticle. Once your boat is on the cantilever, it's recommended that it be cranked all the way up, to take load off the pivot point and cable. With a verticle, it doesn't matter how far you crank it up. The load is the same no matter how far it's cranked up.

I like to be able crank it up enough to keep secure and be able to drop it down quickly without taking it all the way down, like "should" be done with the cantilever.

If you've got deep enogh waer, and the extra $$, go verticle. If you've got shallow / varying water depths, go cantilever. good luck.

btw-I've got a Peir Pleasure, and like I said, happy with it. It lays down VERY LOW (considerably lower than other cantilever brands), if low water is an issue for you.

[LegattoAD]

Depends on how deep the water is where it wil sit. Generally, cantilevers will allow you to get on the lift in shallower water. Cantilevers generally cost less too, from what I found when I was in the market.

I've got a cantilever, and like it, but would rather have a verticle. Once your boat is on the cantilever, it's recommended that it be cranked all the way up, to take load off the pivot point and cable. With a verticle, it doesn't matter how far you crank it up. The load is the same no matter how far it's cranked up.

I like to be able crank it up enough to keep secure and be able to drop it down quickly without taking it all the way down, like "should" be done with the cantilever.

If you've got deep enogh waer, and the extra $$, go verticle. If you've got shallow / varying water depths, go cantilever. good luck.

btw-I've got a Peir Pleasure, and like I said, happy with it. It lays down VERY LOW (considerably lower than other cantilever brands), if low water is an issue for you.

+2

I was in your position last year with searching out/purchasing a lift, Fishinhunt. We went with a cantilever because the chain that we were on has the potential to be either very high, or very, very low depending on how rain fall went.

Another thing you want to consider is how easy it is to adjust as the water levels vary and again once it settles into the bottom if it is muddy. You don't want to be putting 1500# of boat on a lift that is off kilter because the boat won't sit on the pads correctly-bunks would be a help there but any joints would still be stressed on a cantilever as you raise/lower it.

Anyway, some companies have options that allow you to adjust the pad depth from the top of the leg by turning a screw type deal with a drill and some use bolts and set screws that are below the water line. The lift my wife and I bought has the latter of the two and let me tell you, making those adjustments sucks in 60 degree water, especially when the water is unexpectedly deeper than your waders are tall.

[pureinsanity]

Have a vertical lift and love it! leave it close to the water when we are at the cabin for the weekend, crank it all the way up when we leave.

good advice above as well!

[solbes]

Lots of good discussion about lifts here:

http://www.hotspotoutdoors.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/2509590/1

[NCLaker]

More information about your situation would be helpful (e.g. price range you are targeting, type of boat, type of lake, etc). I have/do own both, all Pier Pleasure (2 cantiliever for pontoon & runabout, 1 vertical pontoon).

If money were know issue, typically Vertical is the way to go.

** PROS: Best if you have water levels that tend to fluctuate (so don't have to move it), typically better for lower water levels, if using a canopy you can crank it higher into the canopy, can handle heavier boats and less work to crank it up. No problems keeping it cranked at any height (unlike canteliever as mentioned above)

** CONS: More expensive, They are much more complicated in construction,so there is more to go wrong, maintain, costly to fix. Heavier for when you have to move it.

If you have a smaller boat and/or want to save money, typically much cheaper with cantiliever, or if want used, typically easier to find.

[NCLaker]

Brand wise, would definitly recommend Pier Pleasure. They are a premium brand and cost more, but their design & construction is top notch in my opionion. Fewer parts to put together because most are welded, all aluminum framing, and hardware is either stainless steel or brass. So no rusting parts or plastic to break.

If your going with a canopy, pay attention to how deep they are. You want deeper so it provides better protection from the elements. Spend the extra oney and get Seamark fabric canopy instead of vinyl. Stuff lasts forever, does not fade, and will look awesome for years. Will require power washing periodically to clean it.

[fishinhunt]

Thanks for all the info everyone! Went with a Pier Pleasure 40120 verticle with solar panel, winch, seamark upgrade. Should be loaded. We have a 08 620 vs ranger

[NCLaker]

I have the pontoon version of that exact same setup (just a little longer). Spendy, but you will love it. If you put it in/out yourself, do yourself a favor and buy their winch lift tool. Makes it sooo much easier if you have to adjust the legs in the water, or put the lift wheels on for removal (wished I would have had one years ago).

Only thing left to figure out is how to keep the seagulls and eggrits from purching on top of the canopy and making a mess on it. I think I know what I have to do, just need to figure out how to rig it. Got a fix for the swallows making nests under the canopy, cheap and easy - been working great for 2 years.

Congrats on the new purchase!