Boatlifts....so many which one to buy!

[diederich06]

Guys/gals..

I'm looking to buy a boat lift for my 2005 Lund pro angler 17 and was wondering what model everyone would recommend getting...

ShoreMaster

Shore station

Floe

Hewitt

Newman

Ridgeline

Daka

Porta dock

I'm sure I'm missing a few..

Any info would be great...

Thanks

[lawman]

I owned a Floe lift for years. I checked them all out. I liked all of the features. The high price of aluminum makes all makes a bit pricey. I miss having lift now that I moved to another seasonal place. The new models come with very lightweight covers....go with the battery powered lift. Cranking is a pain. Make sure you get a wheel kit and four wheels makes it easier to put in and take out than just two. I used the heck out of it and never needed repairs. Some makes tend to have the wheels come off in heavy waves. You get what you pay for.

[Macgyver55]

Don't overlook Vibo aluminum lifts. They are made locally in North Branch Mn and you buy them factory direct.

We have 2, one is a pontoon lift and the other is a bunk lift for a 19ft I/O with a canopy. Both have performed flawlessly for nearly 10 years so far. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another.

[diederich06]

I would rather buy from a local dealer in the Brainerd area so I have the service right there... I'm sure vibo makes a great lift but with no dealer support that I'm aware of in Brainerd that's a turn off for me.

Thanks for the recommendation.

[goose89]

I would rather buy from a local dealer in the Brainerd area so I have the service right there... I'm sure vibo makes a great lift but with no dealer support that I'm aware of in Brainerd that's a turn off for me.

Thanks for the recommendation.

I've noticed LOTS of Pier Pleasure lifts / dock systems on Gull. MN made (Mankato). With all the P.P. lifts / docks on Gull, I'm guessing there's good dealer support in the Brainerd area. I bought a 3000# cantilever from a dealer in Alex area, and have been happy with it. good luck...

[Walleye Guy]

I have a 3000 lb Hewitt Aluminum lift for my Lund Explorer 1800. Its been a great lift. I love the fact that it is all aluminum and don't need to worry about rust and corrosion. Its light enough to easily move for spring install or fall removal when I add a set of wheels.

Putting on the canopy is also pretty easy.

Make sure that you plan for any future growth in the size of your boat. I'd recommend buying one size larger than you need for your current boat.

I also have a hewitt all aluminum jetski lift and and all aluminum Hewitt dock which both have been completely problem free as well.

Hewitt is also a MN company.

[fivebucks]

One note on the wheel kit. If your lift goes straight in and out then 4 wheels will work fine. I went with 2 wheels in the center and that makes it much easier for me to jockey around. I cannot go straight in due to trees in the way.

[NCLaker]

Pier Pleasure - Definitely a premier brand. Almost completly welded construction, all hardware is brass or stainless. If you get a canopy, go with the Seamark fabric - it lasts forever.

[jerkbait]

Shore tracker. Made in Niswa. Drive the boat in, loop a couple of ropes and hit the button. Brings it right up on shore.