Hi Guys,

did some searching but couldnt find any newer threads about this topic. I am finally going to install a boat lift and would appreciate any insights or recommendations.

So, we have a vacation home on a canal in Pompano Beach FL. We have 70 ft of water, but the canal is kind of narrow and therefor I am 99 % sure the city only will approve an elevator lift. The neighbors who has lifts have all 2 pole elevator type. This is too bad, since it means the rails has to be under water. I would rather have a 4 pole but it will be to narrow to fit a nice boat.

I am definately going to get a permit, so I can't really buy a used one since the permit is around $2500 anyway. The savings on the used one would only be 25 % of the total cost, and I think a warranty is worth that much. So new it is.

First question is aluminium or galvanized steel? Aluminium looks better, corrodes less, and are lighter but more expensive. Steel corrodes faster from what I understand, but are cheaper. And, one lift guy told me that it is waaaay easier to re-weld a corroded steel rail part than replace aluminium. And, aluminum flex more, and might crack eventually. So, any thoughts?

Then there are the question about manufacturers and installers. I have met SE Custom boatlifts http://www.secboatlifts.com/ who are just down the read from us, and got a good impression of them. The owner (Mitch?) also own a sea piling company that did a great job with my batter pilings, to a more than fair price. So I am biosed towards them, but you never know if the employees are the same in both companies.

Then there are high-tide http://www.mooringproductsworldwide....sp?cid=1&n1=10 sold by mooring products just 5 minutes from the house. The guy owning the shop seems great, he is an older gentleman that really takes pride in what he sell. As it seems, I have just bought some dock hardware there.

Are there any other lift companies I should consider? I am not that familiar with the rules and regulations, but I think they need to be licensed in Pompano Beach to get me permits? Or?

I want a low maintenance lift that will work for many years to come. The lift might be unused for some time, since we only go to the house twice a year. We have a maintenace crew that could run it up and down, but it won't se everyday use.

I would also like a flexible system; I am thinking a 12 k lift now, even though I rarely have a boat that weigh in over 6 k. I would also like to be able to fit our jetski on it, so some kind of flexible bunk system would be great!

Any thoughts would be very appreciated.


Regards,

Johan

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/g...oat-lifts.html

I recommend IMM boat lifts. See my link above

Buy the product from your local installer......then no finger pointing when it doesn't work!

Used lifts are 95% rusty junk.....unless it was like 1 year old, guy is moving or knocking the house down type deal then forget it.

The "Hi Tide" lifts are pretty nice. The gearing is also 2:1 so they are pretty fast.

There were a few things I noticed some have that are nice too like the cable alignment jig - nice feature.

I always liked these but don't know if it would work in your application.

http://noprofileboatlifts.com/

Those are nice if you have the right application. Wouldn't have worked on my canal but they sure look killer!!!

Now those are nice.

I missed that thread. Quite a lift!

I just ordered a sunstream float lift. simply ties to your existing dock, is movable, solar powered battery charging, and only 11 ft wide when up.

http://www.sunstreamcorp.com

Try these guys at Admiral Boat Lifts. Go through Lighthouse Point, Pompano or Lauderdale and look how many lifts and docks have their install plates on them.

Owner is Greg Valley, 2nd generation at this from NJ originally. I ONLY recommend them to my waterfront clients.

http://admiralboatlifts.com/