New Tri toon Lift

[Scott1]

After a year of using my converted boat lift for my Tri Toon, I am looking at a new lift.

I have looked at the new Floe VSD-5000 pontoon

I spec'd wheel kit, battery operated, 28ft Canopy

I did not think the prices would be this high, over 12k.  He will give it to me for 11k

I have an email into a company that sells ShoreMaster, all the same specs.  Waiting for a price back from them.  Not sure if prices will be that much different or not.

Does that price sound normal?  Any suggestions between the two different brands?

Thanks for any input you may have

Scott

 

[lakeliving]

I have a craftlander and really like it. It is a manual setup now but I do have a 28ft canopy. Was nowhere near 11. If say less then 8 even. The wife is in charge of purchasing so I'm not exactly sure.

 

[Scott1]

I have a craftlander and really like it. It is a manual setup now but I do have a 28ft canopy. Was nowhere near 11. If say less then 8 even. The wife is in charge of purchasing so I'm not exactly sure.

Thanks lakeliving.  This particular model they don't make a manual setup.  The motor, remote etc adds $1500 to the cost.  Still would be expensive though.

 

[TomS]

Thanks lakeliving.  This particular model they don't make a manual setup.  The motor, remote etc adds $1500 to the cost.  Still would be expensive though.

I had a chance to buy a neighbor's 3 year old Floe 5000VSD at less than 1/2 price. It was in perfect condition but it was just too narrow and I didn't like their guides. He also told me he needed to service something on it all 3 years. YMMV

 

[WinnebagoOshkosh]

I've also looked at new lifts, and found that the canopy frame and cover add a lot of cost (easily $3 - $4k or more.)  You might want to look at the same brand as you have now and see if you can move the canopy frame to the new lift - that can save you some significant money.

I have a battery-powered lift and frankly it's a pain in the butt - between the batteries slowly losing power, or looking at the cost of a solar charger, and having to replace batteries every 2 - 3 years, it's more of a pain than I want to have to deal with.  I'm looking at moving to a 120V system and running a 100 ft. heavy-duty extension cord (10 - 12 gauge.)

 

[Scott1]

I had a chance to buy a neighbor's 3 year old Floe 5000VSD at less than 1/2 price. It was in perfect condition but it was just too narrow and I didn't like their guides. He also told me he needed to service something on it all 3 years. YMMV

Yeah, this is the new pontoon version, wider and longer, so I think the size is not an issue, but the price might be.

 

[Scott1]

I've also looked at new lifts, and found that the canopy frame and cover add a lot of cost (easily $3 - $4k or more.)  You might want to look at the same brand as you have now and see if you can move the canopy frame to the new lift - that can save you some significant money.

I have a battery-powered lift and frankly it's a pain in the butt - between the batteries slowly losing power, or looking at the cost of a solar charger, and having to replace batteries every 2 - 3 years, it's more of a pain than I want to have to deal with.  I'm looking at moving to a 120V system and running a 100 ft. heavy-duty extension cord (10 - 12 gauge.)

I will look into this some more.  This new system they say you can use the lift 177 times before the batteries need charge.  I definitely do not want something that is a pain in the ass.  I may have to look at brands that I can go with manual.  I have no canopy now and my lift is only rated for 3000lbs, so I am over the limit

 

[Bill N]

Find a local dealer that will assemble, deliver & install.

Even if you don't think you need that level of service, you want a dealer who CAN provide it.

Someone who has been around a long time, so you know they will be around a long time.

Someone who keeps parts on hand, not some clown who can order it for you.

Does your lake level fluctuate? 

Get a lift jack, so you can adjust leg length as needed, or make sure the dealer offers that service.

I prefer a cantilever style, as when in the raised position the cables do not bear much load.

Better yet, a hydraulic, but of course more $$.

 

[goldnrod24]

Find a local dealer that will assemble, deliver & install.

Even if you don't think you need that level of service, you want a dealer who CAN provide it.

Someone who has been around a long time, so you know they will be around a long time.

Someone who keeps parts on hand, not some clown who can order it for you.

Does your lake level fluctuate? 

Get a lift jack, so you can adjust leg length as needed, or make sure the dealer offers that service.

I prefer a cantilever style, as when in the raised position the cables do not bear much load.

Better yet, a hydraulic, but of course more $$.

Excellent advice, Bill. Buy a lift the way you would buy a boat.

 

[TomS]

I used to have 120vac to my Hewitt lift at the end of 150' of dock and it always gave me the willies. My ShoreStation hydraulic has a single group 31 battery and a small solar panel. In 3 seasons it has never failed to raise/lower the boat multiple times some days and has never been re-charged other than via the panel. Worst case, I would jump it from one of the 2 boat batteries or the little battery starter pack I carry now. Never an issue here.