to buy a lift or not?

[Bigbartguy]

I've been debating on buying a lift for my side-console steering boat. It sits at the cabin dock during the week when I'm not using it.

I'm not super concerned about the waterline marks from leaving it sitting in the lake, but if I'm up there once every 1 or 2 weeks - do I need to worry about it sinking from heavy rain ? It has a bilge pump but it's not automatic.

thanks for the help!

[fivebucks]

I do not leave my boat at the lake because I don't have a lift. I wouldn't worry about it sinking but if a good storm comes in the boat banging against or pulling away from the dock could trash your dock. That would be my concern.

[nthomps66]

Boy I can't imagine leaving my boat tied to a dock unattended all week. If you had a beach to pull it up on that would be better.

It only took a ten minute high wind storm to rip my buddy's boat from a dock, slam it against the rocks and total it.

[Bigbartguy]

ok thanks guys. I've got some neighbors that leave theirs unattended so I thought I might be ok. I think pulling up on shore is best idea until I get a lift.

[LABS4ME]

Pull it up on shore with the bow pointing into the lake. Anchor it off both directions. I've had 2 boats get swamped by storms in my younger years. The 1st one was tied to the dock and filled with waves during a wicked storm and sank up to the gunwale line, the second time I pulled up onto shore in a mad dash during a pretty good sized storm, figured all would be well, being 50% of the boat was up on land. Came out the next morning and the boat had filled half way up from the wave action slamming over the transom. Neither boat had an auto bilge pump or wave wackers, but after that I'd pull the transom up on shore and tie off or anchor the bow off in both directions to keep the bow pointing into the waves and never had another problem. Now I have a boat lift and quit worrying about it! You won't regret it when you get it.

Good Luck!

Ken

[Norsk Fisker]

I dislike boat lifts, but I broke down and bought one at the urging of my wife. I have to admit it is handy. I had always trailered the boat rather than leaving it at the dock during the week. I rally don't miss waiting in line at the access but what I gained most is time. We can be boating in a matter of minutes. I bought ours from a nieghbor who builds them and sells them direct. I guess it is good to listen to the wife.

[Mike89]

bow out and auto bilge pump. If not it will swamp or sink someday!! I've seen it too! I have a lift with a cover. The boat still looks new and it's 17 years old. Good luck! Mike

[gofishingtom]

I have a place up in the alexandria area..and am looking for a used lift for my boat aluminum 2800/ 96 inch if anybody knows of one please let me know at [email protected] thanks in advance

[BillP]

When you get your lift if you want instructions to make an inexpensive 12V power conversion let me know. The ones they sell for lifts cost close to $600.00 you can make one for far far less. I recharge the battery once a summer but probibly wouldn't have to.

Bill

[email protected]

[Macgyver55]

I'd like to hear your power lift idea. I'm thinking of using a 12v winch motor to power mine.