Skip to content 
You have a boat. Now protect it!
One of the best ways to protect your boat and one of the best investments you can make for your vessel is the purchase of a quality boat lift. While helping thousands of boat owners find the perfect lift, we’ve come to understand the unique challenges that come with buying your first lift.
Need help with your boat lift search? Call us at 772-781-2556 or 888-847-3625
To simplify your search for the perfect boat lift, here are 5 recommended steps to take.
Step 1: Measure Your Boat
The size of your boat will determine what types of lifts will fit your vessel. The first measurement you need is the LOA, or “length overall.” To get the LOA measurement of your boat, measure from the tip of the bow to the stern in a straight line. Do not include anything past the stern, including motors or attached swim platforms.
The other measurement you’ll need is the beam, which is the widest part of the boat – the width. While standing inside the boat, measure from the left to right side where your boat is at its widest.
Step 2: Identify Your Needs
The size of your vessel is one important aspect that will determine what the right boat lift is for your vessel, but there are others. Your needs in a boat lift will revolve around the type and size of your boat, your dock, and the surrounding body of water.
For example, you’ll need to answer the following questions:
- What type and/or size of lift can my dock accommodate?
- How shallow is the water?
- What are the tides like?
- Is there a narrow canal that may make the installation difficult or impossible?
- What style of boat lift best fits my boat?
- What style of boat lift is best for my dock?
Identifying these needs will help you immediately qualify or eliminate types of lifts when you begin your boat lift search.
Step 3: List Your Preferences
Do you have boat lift preferences? In addition to what you need, consider what you want out of a boat lift. Common preferences include the following:
- Look/Style
- Lift Quality
- Expected Lifespan
- Speed
- Maintenance Frequency and Cost
- Turnaround Time from Order to Installation
Step 4: Set Your Budget
Would you put hubcaps on a Corvette Z06? Probably not, so using a poorly built or ill-fitting lift on a boat you’ve invested your time and money into is not the answer. Budget accordingly.
The average cost of a vertical boat lift ranges from $5,000 to $20,000 or more depending on the value, size, and style of your boat, as well as your other needs and preferences.
Step 5: Get to Know Your Lifts & Start Shopping!
Beamless lifts, elevator lifts, and cradle lifts, oh my! Do you know the difference between each type of lift? If not, now is the time to learn the basics and ask questions.
Now that you have your needs, preferences, and budget decided, it’s time to get to know about available boat lifts to determine the type that will best fit you and your boat.
Find your local HBL Dealer here!
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask! Contact us here!
Marinas Searching for Boat Lifts
Marinas around the world are upgrading their offerings to meet the changing needs of clients and to increase their revenue streams. If you’re representing a marina, your search for the right boat lift will be different. We’re here to help!
View Commercial Marina Lift Systems from Hurricane Boat Lifts here!
Quick Boat Lift Buying Tips
Boat lifts are not built to accommodate people riding up and down on the lift. Do not purchase a slightly larger lift with the intention of accommodating people riding the lift up and down.
- Make sure your boat lift is properly sized for your boat – not too big and not too small.
- Avoid piecing parts together to accommodate a boat too big for your lift system.
- Establish a relationship with your local boat lift dealer to answer any questions before making your purchase. We prioritize working with dealers who are responsive and provide outstanding customer service to their clients.
Need help during your search to find the perfect boat lift for your boat? Call Hurricane Boat Lifts today at 772-781-2556 or 888-847-3625 or find your local HBL Dealer here.
