I'm not real comfortable leaving my hydro hoist in the water over the winter - I'm looking for idea's on how to take it out of the water. Has anyone done this before? One brain-wave I had today was to float it over my boat trailer at the ramp & pull it out - than block it off on land - what do you think ? any other suggestions?

I use a travel hoist. Take it out very slowly as to you want the water to drain out of the tubes.

that would be ideal but - no travel hoist available anywhere near me.

Ran Dom 32-- I suggest you check out the Hydro-Hoist web site under FAQ's. I've left mine in the water the last four winters. For piece of mind, I put a de-icer(bubbler) between the pontoons to minimize ice build-up. I had one older Hydro Hoist pulled out about five years ago and one of the tanks got cracked. I repaired it and had a crane drop it back in the water. Just my .02 Lou

Ran-Dom 32,
There are 20-30 Hydro Hoists at Hammond Marina and no one pulls them in the winter. This is my first year with one so I'm keeping the fingers crossed.
Dan

Mine and a few others in our marina have made it through quite a few winters with no problems caused by freezing in.

Just blow the tanks real good so she rides high. There's PLENTY of room for ice expansion in the tanks and in the lines. If there is a really HARD freeze in the water, it still can't crush the tanks if they are riding high.

I've had my 10k lift in and out of the water three times and I'm convinced that it is harder on the unit to be "handled" like that than it is to sit in the water.

A few years ago we had a quick thaw & a whole lot of rain, this caused the ice to buckle & rush out of the river I live on. A neighbor's hydro-hoist got destroyed along with several lifts & docks. This is the only concern I have - most likely won't happen again but don't want to take the chance.

If you decide to move it you must install service plugs in the bottom holes. Otherwise the thing will nose dive when you disconnect it. Personal experience. Beyond that I would leave it in the water, 99% chance it will be just fine.

I did not read the "River" part before. If it was me I would put it high and dry! Moving ice flows can't be good for anything.