Boat sliding on lift questions
 

replaced my carpeted lift bunks this weekend with the plastic boards used on many lifts nowadays. My bunks are set 6" higher in the front than the rear, so not a huge amount. After raising the boat up, I noticed it was sitting back further than it was less than a minute earlier.
The boat continued to slide back to where the drives where under my slip extension and the swim platform was sitting on top of the extension in a matter of seconds, so I could not go down with the lift. A boat pulling on the front, several guys pushing the boat and a board used as a prybar, we where able to slide it forward to lower the lift.

My slip sees rough water as the cruisers come in. Never had this with the carpeted bunks. I'm thinking of making the rear boards ( for the stepped hull) extend further forward so they will act as stops against the step in the hull. But this is figuring the boat will always slide back until it is against the stops. Not really my idea of right, more of a band aid. More risk of the lift coming up catching the step corner.

How do you guys prevent this that have the plastic boards? Gotta be tons of these used on LOTO that sees way more wave action than mine does.
Thanks

Re: Boat sliding on lift questions
 

Never had a lift, but how about just tie the boat with your dock lines once the lift is in its final "Full Lift" position?

Re: Boat sliding on lift questions
 

I've heard of this quite a bit. The Nortech that was dropped in the road had just done the same thing on the trailer(if memory is correct). I'm not sure if a stop at the end would work or maybe put the carpet back in a couple spots to help hold it.:confused:

Re: Boat sliding on lift questions
 

Why did you add the plastic sliders?
They're meant for trailers to make launching easier. They also let the boat slide off onto the ground easier too.
You're using a fixed lift at your dock, the sliders aren't needed. I'd take them off ASAP.

Re: Boat sliding on lift questions
 

I have never used them on either of our lifts, I have always just used indoor/outdoor carpet on our lift bunks. Can you adjust the bow up attitude of your lift? Our lifts have a pole and motor at the front and the back so I can adjust how high I want the bow to be up in the air. Sounds like you need to re-evaluate whether or not you need them. :cool:
good luck,
Dean

Re: Boat sliding on lift questions
 

He replaced the carpet covered bunks with the all plastic ones. Not those sliders you nail over the carpet.

Re: Boat sliding on lift questions
 

Ah, I see.
You,re right. I thought he added the sliders.
I've watched people launch with them on trailers. The boat slides off like it was greased.

Re: Boat sliding on lift questions
 

Perhaps extending the rear most supports and putting another piece perpendicular to them; to create a T is best. The to portion of the T would rest against the rear most step by design.

Re: Boat sliding on lift questions
 

A boat should be tied even if it is on a lift.

The USCG told me that after a surge of water lifted the boat off the lift during the night. It floated two miles out the channel and was found the next morning. Not one scratch.
USCG towed it back. :D

Re: Boat sliding on lift questions
 

I think US1 Fountain has a floating lift.