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Boat lift conversion

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Browndog

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I have to convert my ShoreSatation boat lift for my new 18 SVL tri-toon. Question is there are 3 types, tripple V bunks or 3 flat planks and ShoreStation makes one called Toonrail. Which type would be best for my Bennington pontoon and approved by the manufacturer.
 
Browndog said:
I have to convert my ShoreSatation boat lift for my new 18 SVL tri-toon. Question is there are 3 types, tripple V bunks or 3 flat planks and ShoreStation makes one called Toonrail. Which type would be best for my Bennington pontoon and approved by the manufacturer.
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All three are fine from a manufacturer perspective. So no worries there. Do you have shallow water depth concerns were it will be at, or plenty deep and no seasonal issues with shallow water depth?

The most optimal IMHO is triple V-bunks. HOWEVER, those cost you anywhere from 6” to perhaps a foot of lost depth depending on their set up. They are probably slightly more tricky when it comes to getting the boat lined up and resting on them compared to the other two options. Before we went with Sea Legs in 2019, we had this type of set up on a covered lift for two years. If not for the shallow lake depths, we would have kept that set up.

Flat triple bunks help mitigate any depth loss, provide a little more flexiblity with docking the boat (particularly if they are slightly wide plank bunks, and plenty of people go that route. So it’s an easy options and I suspect the cheaper of the three options. Works good.

Finally, I know a few people have commented very positively about the toonrial setup over the past few years. I am not familiar with it, but you can do a search in the upper right hand corner for key words to track down who has it, and what they’ve said about it over the years. If memory serves me will, I think people that have it consider it easier to dock with that than bunks.

I am also sure others will chime in, hopefully some with the toonrial system since the other two options are pretty much straight forward and more standard. But again, so long as shallow water depth is NOT a concern, any of the three will work. So you could go purely based on cheapest system, or a preferred system.
 
Welcome. I have a Toonrail system that was recommended by my Dealer and approved by Manufacturer. Installed it my self (very easy ). Search around your area I have seen used ones for sale. Youtube Shorestation Toon Rail System.
 
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I have the 3-bunk setup and it works great, but when I upgrade in a few years I'm going to go with the toonrail. The issue with bunk-style lifts (other than the depth issue mentioned above) is that the rubber guides mark up the sides of the pontoons. My boat has LOTS of black marks on the sides from landing on the lift - and they're near impossible to remove without buffing (I've tried everything I can think of). Luckily the marks are under the waterline when I'm out and boating.
 
Thanks for the replies. I think the 3 plank set up would be a very cost effective option for me. I would need to come up with guides. Although the toonrail system helps to guide the boat in from what I've read, but with a much higher cost.
 
We have the Toonrail system and it is great! Had it for 3 years now.
I did reach out to Bennington, prior to purchasing, to ensure it was approved. It was. They even sent documents with schematics/diagrams/measurements about our boat.
 
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