Pontoon boats are currently one of the best choices for spending time on the water. They effortlessly glide and are easy to navigate, durable, comfortable and safe. They are also the best choice for onboard entertainment and fishing trips since they have abundant deck and storage space.
After using the boat, it is imprudent to leave it resting on the water for a prolonged period since this puts it at high risk of damage or corrosion. The ideal solution you can get from Michigan stores offering pontoon boats and accessories is a lift. The lift will also prove beneficial when you are transporting the vessel.
There are different elements you should consider when buying a lift for your pontoon boat. These include your vessel’s slip width, capacity and storage location, and the depth of the water. Here are the types of lifts you can select for the protection of your boat.
Cantilever Lifts
These are freestanding boat lifts that have a full-length cradle. Therefore, these can support the full length of your boat’s tubes efficiently, protecting them from damage and stress. These lifts are ideal for sandy bottoms or shallow waters where there is minimal water depth fluctuation. Cantilever lifts only have one cable for their movement, so they are cheaper. They are also easier to maintain compared to others with many moving components.
Vertical Lifts
These are also freestanding lifts. But they have adjustable legs and spreader beams, making them suitable for uneven bottoms and waters with fluctuating depths. The mainframe of a vertical lift is sturdy and protects your boat from buffering waves and strong winds. This type of lift, however, has many moving cables, which increase its maintenance needs and expenses.
Water/Air Displacement Lifts
These are floating lifts. They are quieter compared to freestanding ones and work best for salty waters since their parts are above water, thus minimizing the risk of corrosion. Floating lifts are also easier to install since they require no construction or piling like freestanding ones. Water/air displacement lifts are inflated using water or air to lift them and lift your boat from the water. They can be used on very shallow waters and are cheap and versatile. Water/air displacement lifts, however, do not offer much stability.
Hydraulic Lifts
These are also floating lifts that are mounted to floating or fixed docks. Hydraulic lifts can be used in much shallower waters than water/air displacement lifts since they require at least 12 inches of water compared to the latter, which require four feet. They are, however, expensive to buy and maintain because they need electricity or solar power for their operation.
Pontoon boats are among the most expensive currently. The above lifts are guaranteed to protect your investment and enhance its durability. Rather than being an extravagant accessory, the lift is an essential one. Before settling on a lift type, evaluate your boat’s draft and height with its bimini included. These values will determine the ideal lift style and weight that will accommodate your boat.
