New nor tech needs a new lift. Try for help again??
 

:cartman:Well, I finally pulled the trigger on a new 34' nor tech trips. I asked several months ago about help with a lift for it. Well, I am getting down to the wire now and still don't have any good info.

I need help! I boat at lake erie and have a shallow water canal. Not crazy about spending 30k for a new lift. I don't know anything about lifts. I did have a hydro hoist at norris lake and it was great but water depth was never an issue. The new nor tech weights in around 10K. so I need a lift around 13-15k.

The airdock seems very reasonable but have not heard or seen much feedback on a lift of this size. I am working with 4-6' in water depth.

Do you know anyone in or around the area that can install?
Do you know of any used lifts in this size?
Do you recommend the airdock lift?
What kind of lift do you recommend in this size and shallow water?

Thanks for your help!

this is what my friend had done for like 20 k,,it was all new and jeff was soppose to paint the canopy part but never got around to it..he wants to put a deck on top..its a 15k lift and works odd 220 v..also he is in like 3' of water..its a cradle type with a hand held wireless remote..

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d1...ps8aef92b5.jpg

I've probably said it before, but the airdock worked for me.
Mine did get a slow leak, but you can patch it.
What's the bottom like where u keep the boat?

I have a cradle lift and no more water than you. Don't think mine is ever 6ft deep. Bout chest high on me an I'm 6'2. Mine works well. You can find lifts like mine for sale everywhere in the 4-5k range.

I keep my 34 super Hawaii on an Air Dock. Shallow water it should work just fine. All you need is enough water to float the boat. They can configure several different ways depending on if you are between 2 docks, dock end, Lshape or whatever.

Thanks for the replies! The bottom is about 2' of muck! Can't really excavate it either. The canal is to shallow to get barge back there and lot is really to narrow to get equipment in to tear **** up.

I have looked into elevator lifts but man they are like 25-30k. I am not spending the kind of money.

The airdock system is around 6k new but I am still not a huge fan of it. It just doesn't look real dependable to me. I would hate to come back and see one side fail and boat sink.

Has anyone seen an airdock used on a 13-15,000 lbs boat?

My uncle had a similar bottom situation. Like the post earlier if you had 4 tall pylons he had cables coming down and straps that went under boat due to shallow bottom. Straps would just replace cradle on cables. Works well.

http://fortmyers.craigslist.org/col/boa/3655950487.html

Something like this but taller pylons and replace cradle with straps might work well.

Maybe a davit system also.

I've read that the sling lifts long term are not good for the gel. Don't know if they still say this but witnessed growing up on ski boats that it affected the windshields etc as it would compress the hullsides. I think a cradle of some sort with bunks to accommodate the steps are a necessity as I've seen the air docks do as well.

I have seen many boats damaged with slings. Oops I'm old. LOL :lolhit:

Ive got a 16000lb Level Lift Hydrohoist for sale and its in Cleveland as well. Its in great condition as well.

Soft muck is not the problem for the airdock... it would be broken mussel shells or broken glass that could nick it.
Also, if the airdock deflates, the boat would slowly slide off and land level... at least that is what i was told by Ken @ airdock. You can call him for more info, as he was VERY helpful when i had mine.

Also, you could call this guy for feedback on his airdock.
http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1975.../United-States

And not a fanboy... i just see it may be one of your better/only options.

I have one of these that works well. They are out of Oxford Michigan

MarineHydraLift.com

Also a friend has a 12000 lb two post Marine Hyrda lift that I think he is selling.

Fixed it...

http://marinehydralift.net/Adjustability.html

Best USA made boat hoist period...
 

Not the best solution when u have a 12'-15' tide swing, but then again, we aren't talking about the Baltic either....

IMM Quality Boat Lifts

They own the most patents in the industry. Engineering is unparalleled. I have intimate knowledge of the biz, and I refuse to allow my customers to choose another. Non negotiable.

The owner is Mike Nanda. His number is 239-454-7020.

Tell him Rich from the cape sent you....and be honest about your inquiries so far, concerns, expectations....

You can easily get into a 16k all aluminum lift with wireless remotes and top- bottom auto stop with aluminum bunks, guide poles and rubber skids on the bunks (not wood with carpet) for under 10k.

As far as the under-muck....rent a 3" trash pump and fashion a nozzle out of PVC from depot reducing from 3" to 2".....about 4-5' long....

Blow that crap outta there.....

fixx
 

could you get away with a elevator lift? look through this and see which style may suit your needs..

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=...lectedIndex=81

Thanks

Yes, I could go for an elevator lift but the few I have checked on are about 25-30k. Not going to spend that kind of money.

My other question which I'm sure I could find out by terry. Is, with the boat being a step hull do I need the bunks to be stepped as well or would a straight bunk be ok?

If, I do a step bunk....would the boat drag on the step up bunk backing off?

Hey spoke to the Timmermans they seem to be very nice people.

Considering a few lifts. Thanks

Still looking for a few others options.

Considering a hydraulic lift that would sit on the bottom priced around 15-18k new.
Considering Marine hydra lift, Hewitt lift and sunstream

http://www.goldenboatlifts.com/

We have used the golden lifts and they work AWESOME.

On Rich's suggestion I am using IMM for 2 elevator lifts (one for me and one for my father). Been working with Mike and he's been good to work with. I should have the lift in my hands sometime next week if you'd like pictures. Feel free to PM me if you would like some.

Thanks Rich,
I put a call into Mike this morning! Waiting on a return phone call! THis thread has been helpful. I think I am getting close with a choice.

With my situation I need a hydralic lift that sits on the bottom. I have gotten a few prices in the 16-18k lbs lifts that are basicilly 16-20k plus install.

Thanks for the info.

I've got a Sunstream Cantilever lift in very shallow water for my ski boat. Suprisingly it has a stepped hull and it works fine. I think a custom would be the best but the cushion pad that the Sunstream has works very well. It has a built on canopy that is very high quality. The whole thing is very well engineered.
As to the black muck, check out my own design Port o dredge. You don't want a typical trash pump as the vanes in the centrifugals are easily clogged by leaves, weeds, etc... The pump is a 3in. Honda diaphram trash pump which is amazing, it will pass 2inch solids and pump thick muck 75 ft. easily. It is no fun to operate but it's worth it. You can pump the stuff into a trailer and haul it off. You could connect 2 in series if you want more power. I made the little barge with wheels on it so I can pull it out easily. The muck will migrate back in but I look at it as an annual job.

What type of performance increase have you realized with the tongue out method?:lolhit:

For me, the gains are amazing!

Wtf? Fill me in!