I have a somewhat traditional lift and canopy set up (NuCraft tritoon lift and canopy, with cradles for each of the three toons). I do not have experience with a rail system, or know anyone with one. My initial thoughts reading through this thread, and reading up on the rail link above:
1) It seems like a very workable system. In the link above, there were 4 side posts on the rail system where the boats were docked in the pictures. I don’t see where that is significantly different than docking within the side posts on a lift other than perhaps the idea of the rails “guiding” you on as you approach them...? Now if they work as a nice guide, I could see that making the initial docking a bit easier, but in high winds, you’d still have to line up with them (if I am interpreting the rail system pictures correctly).
2) It does seem like you give up having a canopy with the rail system. Do they have a canopy option of some sort? Since both get you out of the water (lift and rails), they’d both be viable for doing that main task. Thus, price and canopy would be my next two factors.
3) For me, no canopy option would be a deal breaker. If I am going through the expense and trouble of getting my pontoon out of the water (lift or rail), I want it under a canopy for the ease, convenience, and protection that one provides. Being out of the water provides great protection for our boat dockside on our windy and at times very rough and large inland lake. However, the canopy is a huge convenience for us (shade, protection from environment loading and unloading), as well as physical boat protection (sun, rain, bird poop, etc...). I didn’t realize what a big deal the canopy would be until having one.
4) I think either option in high winds is going to be okay. If your boat is on a lift with a canopy, you are fine in high winds. Seems the only concern is if the boat is OFF a lift that has a canopy, and high winds blow in. In that sitaution, then the canopy could provide upward lift to move and flip the lift - but only when the boat is off it. Otherwise the boat’s too heavy and will weigh it all down. Thus, I think the only wind related concern is really canopy related vs. lift related.
I am looking forward to learning more about the rail system you are looking into. Good luck as you research and explore the two options. I’ll be following along with any posts that you make about it. Happy Boating!
