Lift Placement

Dub9

Well-Known Member
Messages
162
Reaction score
74
Location
: Michigan
I don't have my new 'Toon yet, but I do have an existing lift that has been modified from my previous V-hull.


What I am wondering is, what is the typical/ideal location for placing the lift.


Right now I have it at the end of my 40' dock, in as deep of water as possible  The water at the front is probably about 4', the back is 6'.  My non-lifting neighbor park their pontoons all the way forward, close to the seawall, probably 18" to kneed deep there.


So, my question is, should I leave the lift sit where it is, or bring it forward into more shallow water?  I understand there are variables (water depth, boat weigh, minimum lift height), but I wanted to know what the consensus is, in case I am missing something obvious that makes one position better than others.
 
Around here people place them closer to shore just because they can (low draft) and it's less walking to the boat.
 
I don't have a lift but from what I've seen, the most important thing is that the boat sits high enough on the lift and above the water that it won't get knocked off/around by storm waves. 
 
I don't have my new 'Toon yet, but I do have an existing lift that has been modified from my previous V-hull.


What I am wondering is, what is the typical/ideal location for placing the lift.


Right now I have it at the end of my 40' dock, in as deep of water as possible  The water at the front is probably about 4', the back is 6'.  My non-lifting neighbor park their pontoons all the way forward, close to the seawall, probably 18" to kneed deep there.


So, my question is, should I leave the lift sit where it is, or bring it forward into more shallow water?  I understand there are variables (water depth, boat weigh, minimum lift height), but I wanted to know what the consensus is, in case I am missing something obvious that makes one position better than others.

The only thought I have is does the lake elevation stay the same?  The 4' to 6' is more than enough if it cuts your walk and carrying items back and forth down.  If it drops any more than that you have to watch depth.  Even if it drops to 3' you will still be fine but wouldn't want to go much lower.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I would take into consideration trees on your lot as well. If they can hit the boat, further out on the dock is better. But, if you can get it in closer I would go that route and use the left over dock to do a wrap around or something. I have 50' of dock and the boat is all the way at the end due to shallow water.
 
You have a 2' wide dock???????
 
Ours goes out 150' and is 4' deep where the lift sits, so a lot of walking, but least we don't have a hill going down to the dock.
 
LOL, no, I meant I have 2 sections that are 20' long each (roll-ins).

so 2 @ 20'! That makes more sense! How is the lake bottom? If it is sandy closer to shore and would be easier to remove and place that is where I would put it, deep and mucky is no fun.
 
Leave it and save the money spent on moving it.Here in Md., we would be required to get 2-3 permits to do any water side work. Think of the extra steps a part of your exercise regiment. LOL
 
Back
Top