Choosing the Right Lift
Front Mount Boat Lift vs. Side Mount Boat Lift
Both are great options — here's what you need to know to make the right call for your dock.
Know Your Options
Which Mount Type is Right for You?
Choosing the right lift is imperative to protecting your boat. No matter your situation, the decision between front mount and side mount comes down to your dock setup and how you use it. We're here to lay out both options clearly so you can decide with confidence.
Front Mount Boat Lift
A front mount lift attaches to the front of the boat slip by three dock brackets. The tank is located at the rear of the framework — so when air is vented out, the back of the boat submerges first. Loading is as easy as pulling onto a trailer.
Available in 4,500 lb and 8,000 lb models.
Best for:
- Wide slips that accommodate multiple boats
- Docks where side attachment is not possible
- Traditional, proven design with years of track record
- Some boat weight rests on the dock when raised
- More side-to-side motion in high-traffic or windy areas
Side Mount Boat Lift
A side mount lift attaches to the slip at 4 or more points along the sides of the dock, allowing even weight distribution across all attachment points. When the tank's air is vented out, the lift submerges completely.
Available in weights from 4,500 lbs all the way up to 20,000 lbs.
Best for:
- Narrower slips where front mounting isn't ideal
- Self-supporting — dock bears none of the boat's weight
- Even weight distribution across all 4 mounting points
- Less side-to-side motion — better for windy conditions
- Becoming the industry standard for good reason
Our Expert Recommendation
When it comes to the opinion of Econo Lift experts, the side mount is ideal in terms of stress distribution and ease of use in most situations. With weight dispersed evenly across 4 dock brackets and no load transferred to the dock, it's the more stable and modern solution. That said, every dock is different — contact us and we'll help you figure out exactly what works for your setup.
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Family-owned and American-made since 1984 — our team is ready to help you choose the right lift.