There is a surge in the popularity of the pontoon boats. But with every purchase of the pontoon boat, there pops a question regarding their storage. The pontoon boat lifts help to keep the boat out of the water and will prevent any blemishing and tarnishing. After all, a boat is a prized possession and every likes their toys new and shining.
Pontoon Boat Vs Conventional Boat Lift
Traditionally, majority of companies modified generic boat lifts with equipment to accommodate the pontoon boats. Today, as the pontoon boats accounts for a good chunk of the boat market segment, there are special lifts being designed and sold specifically for pontoon boats.
Buying a Pontoon Boat Lift
The pontoon boat lift prices and the buying decision will directly depend on features and characteristics such as the build quality of the lift, the amount of weight it can carry and its design. The most important features while deciding on a boat lift include:
Installation and Ease of Operating the lift
If a pontoon boat lift requires assembly, it should either be easy to assemble or a company appointed technician should install the same. While purchasing, the sales person or the manufacturer should be asked regarding the same.
Another major factor to consider is how complicated the process of controlling the lift is. The lift should be easily operable and controlling it should not be rocket science. Some of these pontoon lifts might even feature a remote control making the task of operating the lift easy and expedient.
Manual lift vs Automatic Lifts
The pontoon boat lifts can either be operated manually or might be automatic. A manual lift will be hand operated while an automatic lift will require a source of electricity to power it. The pontoon boat lift prices of manual lifts will be significantly lower than the automatic ones. One may choose between these depending on the area their dock is in.
Carrying Capacity and Dimensions
Different types of lifts have different weight withstand capacity. ShoreMaster is one such brand that has different lift models with capacity from 4000 lbs. to 7000 lbs. While choosing the lift, a person must keep in mind the weight of their pontoon boat along with its dimensions. While going for pontoon boat shopping, it is wise that a person jots these down to purchase a lift that will house their boats conveniently.
Design and Durability
The quality of material that is employed in construction will also determine the pontoon boat lift price and whether a boat owner should buy it. Ideally, a lift that employs better quality material should be preferred as the lift will be exposed to untreated salty water that might corrode it and damage its structural integrity. Spending a few extra pennies for a better-quality lift made of stainless steel or even aluminum will be worth a lot in long run. In case of electrical lift, the motor and other equipment used must be waterproof and shock proof. Quite often the waters might get rough especially during monsoon or rainy season and they lift should also hold steady and sturdy. A lift should also be able to withstand strong water currents while bearing the weight of load. HydroHoist is one of the many manufacturers known for their durable boat lifts.
Other Features
A few other features that the lift has can make the pontoon boat lift’s price worth its cost. The nature of the soil at the bed of water body will factor in while purchasing the pontoon boat lift. Comparing the warranty cover on the lift and any electrical equipment that it employs will help in choosing the perfect lift. If a person is planning to switch their water ride in a couple of years, an adjustable boat lift should be opted that can accommodate any future boats they are planning on.
Considering all these points can help a boat owner decide on the right boat lift to buy.
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