Econo Lift Meridian 4,500 lb — Side Mount
The Econo Lift Meridian 4,500 lb Side Mount is the starting point of our standard Meridian line, a 4-arm, single-tank lift built for deck boats, runabouts, pontoons, tritoons, and bass boats. A compact 6' by 12' frame and one full-size flotation tank raise and hold boats up to 4,500 pounds.
Side mounting attaches the lift to the dock along the side of the slip, and this model fits slips from 8 to 12 feet wide. That 8-foot minimum is the narrowest slip of any Meridian lift, so it is a natural fit for tighter slips. Reliable, consistent, and built for everyday use, it is the dependable foundation of the Econo Lift line.
Like every Econo Lift, the Meridian 4,500 lb Side Mount is built at our family-owned facility in Camdenton, Missouri, using USA-sourced hot-dip galvanized steel and our own rotationally molded flotation tanks. It is not imported.
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What boats fit on a 4,500 lb lift?
At 4,500 pounds of capacity, the Meridian 4,500 lb Side Mount is sized for lighter, everyday boats. Its 4-arm cradle supports V-hulls as well as 2- and 3-log pontoons, in slips 8 to 12 feet wide. It comfortably accommodates:
- Deck boats with open bows and roomy decks for family days on the water
- Runabouts and smaller V-hull bow riders used for cruising, skiing, and tubing
- Pontoons on 2-log setups, supported across the cradle
- Tritoons and other 3-log pontoons that stay within 4,500 lbs fully loaded
- Bass boats and other fishing boats kept ready at the dock
Size to your boat's wet weight, not its dry weight. Fuel, batteries, and gear all add up. This lift also handles personal watercraft; for dedicated jet ski setups, see our personal watercraft lifts.
Specifications
Specifications, explained
A single full-size rotationally molded tank supplies the buoyancy to raise a 4,500 lb load and hold it clear of the water. It is the same 7' x 8' x 2' tank the Meridian 10,000 lb uses two of.
Four cradle arms spread the hull's weight across the frame, the right support for boats in this weight class.
A compact footprint that attaches along the side of the slip and fits slips from 8 to 12 feet wide.
This is the entry point of the standard line. If your boat is heavier or your slip is 10 to 12 feet wide, the Meridian 6,500 lb steps up on the same 4-arm, single-tank side mount layout. Shopping for a pontoon? Compare models on our pontoon boat lifts page.
Built to Last
Engineering & Materials
Every Meridian 4,500 lb Side Mount 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.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What size boat fits on a 4,500 lb boat lift?
The Meridian 4,500 lb Side Mount is built for deck boats, runabouts, pontoons, tritoons, and bass boats, and its cradle supports V-hulls as well as 2- and 3-log pontoons. Size the lift to your boat's wet weight, with a full fuel tank, batteries, and gear, rather than the dry weight on the spec sheet, and choose a lift that clears that number.
What size slip does the Meridian 4,500 lb Side Mount need?
It is a side mount (Model 45HDB) for slips from 8 to 12 feet wide, and that 8-foot minimum is the narrowest slip of any Meridian lift. The lift attaches to the dock along the side of the slip.
How many tanks and arms does the 4,500 lb lift have?
One rotationally molded polyethylene flotation tank (7' x 8' x 2') and a 4-arm cradle with 2.5-foot arms, on a 6' x 12' hot-dip galvanized steel frame.
Can I put a pontoon on a 4,500 lb lift?
Yes. The Meridian 4,500 lb Side Mount supports 2-log pontoons and 3-log tritoons, as long as your boat's wet weight stays under 4,500 lbs. Longer or heavier pontoons may need more capacity, such as the Meridian 6,500 lb. Compare options on our pontoon boat lifts page.
What if I can't attach a lift to the sides of my slip?
Choose the Meridian 4,500 lb Front Mount, which carries the same 4,500 lb capacity and attaches at the front of the slip instead. Our front mount vs. side mount guide explains the difference.
What warranty comes with it, and where is it made?
Every Meridian 4,500 lb Side Mount 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. It is built in Camdenton, Missouri with USA-sourced steel. See our full warranty details.
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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