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Understanding Step Hulls and Choosing the Right Boat Lift Bunks

Boat lift installation at residential dock, sunny waterfront setting.

When it comes to protecting your boat, one size does not fit all. Every boat has a unique hull design, and understanding how your hull type interacts with your lift is crucial for proper support, safety, and performance.

What is a Step Hull?

A step hull is a design feature built into the bottom of certain boats that reduces drag and improves performance by allowing air to flow beneath the hull. This helps boats plane faster, reach higher speeds, and improve fuel efficiency. However, these unique shapes mean the hull requires specialized bunks on your boat lift for proper support.

Why Hull Type Matters for Boat Lifts

The bunks on a boat lift are the support system that cradle your boat when it’s out of the water. Using the wrong type of bunk can:

  • Put unnecessary stress on your hull. 
  • Lead to long-term damage or warping. 
  • Make loading/unloading your boat more difficult. 

Choosing the right bunk style ensures your boat is lifted evenly, safely, and securely.

Types of Bunks for Step Hulls

Depending on your boat’s make and model, you may need:

  • Catamaran V-Hull Bunks – Designed for twin-hull boats, offering wide, even support. 
  • Single Step Hull Bunks – Custom-shaped to align with one step in the hull design. 
  • Double Step Hull Bunks – Built to match more complex hulls with two steps for even contact and stability. 

The Hurricane Boat Lifts Difference

At Hurricane Boat Lifts, we understand that every boat is unique. Our team designs and installs custom bunk systems to perfectly match your hull type, whether you have a standard V-hull, a catamaran, or a high-performance step hull design.

With the right lift and bunk system, your boat is not only safer, but your entire docking experience becomes easier and more efficient.

Ready to Protect Your Hull?

If you’re unsure which setup is right for your boat, our experts are here to help. From pontoons to step hulls, we’ll guide you to the perfect solution.

 Contact Hurricane Boat Lifts today to learn more about custom bunks and lifts tailored to your boat.

Dan Michels

Dan Michels is President of Hurricane Boat Lifts with 50+ years of engineering experience. He designs durable, high-performance boat lift systems and shares expert insights to help boat owners choose the right solutions.

8 Responses

  1. I just bought a 2021 Invincible 36CC and need a set of bunks for my elevator lift in the florida Keys. Do you sell these bunks? Please let me know, thanks

  2. I have a dry storage facility and houses a couple hundred boats. I am starting to get more people buying these stepped hull boats. I am concerned that the edges of the steps will wear faster each time we put the boat on the bunks inside the building. Have you designed anything for stepped hull storage

  3. I have recently purhased a 2024 sea born 25fx with single stepped hull. I am in need of a custom bunk to fit my boat.

  4. I just purchased a Caymas 341cc and have an existing 4 post 16000lb lift. Do you guys manufacture custom bunks? It is a Synergy lift about 5 years old in Brick NJ

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