Econo Lift Meridian 20,000 lb — Side Mount
The Econo Lift Meridian 20,000 lb is the highest-capacity lift in our standard Meridian line, an 8-arm, 3-tank side mount engineered for the largest recreational boats on the water. With a 12' by 24' frame and three flotation tanks, it raises and holds boats up to 20,000 pounds with capacity to spare, so the lift is never working at its limit.
Side mounting makes it the right fit for slips measuring 14 to 20 feet wide, where the lift attaches to the dock on the slip side rather than the front. Dual control units drive both sides of the lift together, so a fully loaded cruiser rises level and fast, with no winching and no waiting.
Like every Econo Lift, the Meridian 20,000 lb is built at our Camdenton, Missouri facility, not imported, using USA-sourced hot-dip galvanized steel and our own rotationally molded flotation tanks.
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What boats fit on a 20,000 lb lift?
At 20,000 pounds of capacity, this is the lift for the big, heavy, and wide boats that smaller hoists cannot safely handle. The 8-arm cradle spreads the hull's weight across more contact points, and the 14 to 20 foot slip range leaves room for a wide beam. It comfortably accommodates:
- Center consoles with heavy outboard packages and full fuel and gear loads
- Cabin cruisers and larger day cruisers that sit deep and carry their weight aft
- Wake boats that take on heavy ballast for surf and wake performance
- High-performance bow riders with bigger power and longer hulls
- Larger tritoons whose three tubes need a wide, well-supported cradle
- Catamarans and catamaran-hull performance boats with a wide stance
One tip before you choose: size to your boat's wet weight, not its dry weight. A full fuel tank, water, batteries, gear, and ballast can add thousands of pounds to the number on the spec sheet.
Specifications
Specifications, explained
Buoyancy is what does the lifting. Three full-size tanks generate the displacement needed to raise a 20,000 lb load smoothly and hold it clear of the water.
More arms mean more cradle contact under the hull, distributing the weight so no single point carries too much. That protects both the hull and the lift over thousands of cycles.
The footprint is sized for the largest boats, and side mounting attaches the lift along the sides of a 14 to 20 foot slip, the most common setup for boats this size.
The Meridian 20,000 lb is the top of the standard line. If your slip is narrower or your boat is closer to 14,000 lbs, the Meridian 14,000 lb (1438) shares the same 8-arm, 3-tank build in a tighter footprint.
Built to Last
Engineering & Materials
Every Meridian 20,000 lb is backed by a lifetime original-purchaser warranty on the polyethylene tanks and bushings, a 5-year warranty on all hot-dip galvanized steel, and a 3-year warranty on the motors, valves, and hoses. Compare that to the 10-year tank warranties common elsewhere.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What size boat fits on a 20,000 lb boat lift?
The Meridian 20,000 lb is built for the largest recreational boats, including center consoles with heavy outboard packages, cabin cruisers, wake boats carrying ballast, high-performance bow riders, larger tritoons, and catamarans. When you size a lift, use your boat's wet weight, with a full fuel tank, water, batteries, gear, and any ballast, rather than the dry weight on the spec sheet, and pick the lift that clears that number with room to spare.
What size slip does the Meridian 20,000 lb need, and how does it mount?
It is a side mount (Model 2038HDB) sized for slips measuring 14 to 20 feet wide. Side mounting attaches the lift to the dock along the sides of the slip, which is the most common configuration for boats in this size class.
How many tanks and arms does the 20,000 lb lift have?
Three rotationally molded polyethylene flotation tanks (7' x 13' x 2') and an 8-arm cradle. The three tanks provide the buoyancy to raise and hold a full 20,000 lb load, while the eight arms spread the hull's weight across more contact points to protect both the boat and the lift.
How deep does the water need to be for a 20,000 lb boat lift?
Minimum water depth varies by boat, because it depends on your hull's draft and how deep it sits when fully loaded. You need enough depth for the flotation tanks to submerge and for the boat to float on and off the cradle. Your local Econo Lift dealer can confirm the right setup for your slip and water level.
Where are Econo Lift boat lifts made?
Every Econo Lift, including the Meridian 20,000 lb, is built at our family-owned facility in Camdenton, Missouri, using USA-sourced hot-dip galvanized steel and our own rotationally molded polyethylene tanks. They are not imported.
What warranty comes with the Meridian 20,000 lb?
It carries a lifetime original-purchaser warranty on the polyethylene tanks and bushings, a 5-year warranty on all hot-dip galvanized steel, and a 3-year warranty on the motors, valves, and hoses. See our full warranty details for what is covered.
Need More Than 20,000 lbs?
We Build Special-Order Lifts for Larger Boats
The Meridian 20,000 lb is the top of our standard line. For cruisers, cat-hull boats, and yachts that need more, Econo Lift builds special-order lifts up to 32,000 lbs — same lifetime warranty, same American-made construction.
Industry-Leading Protection
Our Warranty Promise
As of 2024, Econo Lift offers a lifetime original purchaser warranty on all bushings, ensuring long-lasting durability. Compare that to competitors' 10-year tank warranties!
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