How Does a Boat Lift Work?

Boat lifts are used to store boats when not in use and to launch the boat in and out of the water. There are several different types of boat lifts, including front mount lifts, side mount lifts, shallow water lifts, personal watercraft lifts, and lifts for various boat weights. Most lifts work in the same way with either a hydraulic lifting system or a motorized system that raises and lowers the boat into and out of the water. However, it is always a good idea to speak to the manufacturer or installer about the correct operations of the particular boat lift you have.

Below, the boat lift experts at Econo Lift have compiled information to help you understand how our boat lifts operate.

How To Use a Boat Lift

Econo Lift boat lifts are an air/water displacement type of lift. This means that the system bolts to the dock (either from the front or on the sides) and air is either pumped in or vented out of the air tank. The more air capacity you pump into the tank, the more weight you can lift out of the water, ranging from 4,500 to 25,000 lbs. Alternatively, when you vent out of the tank, it will then sink into the water. 110 volts of electricity is used for the motor when pumping or venting air.

Boat lifts are very easy to operate. All you need is one handle and one switch and you’re good to go! Raising and lowering your boat each takes only about three and a half to five minutes.

How to Safely Raise Your Boat

• To put your boat on the floating lift, you must begin by getting your boat into position. Hold the boat about a foot away from the dock and try to get it aligned as close to the middle as you can.
• Once it’s in the best possible position, turn the black handle from the HOLD position to the RAISE position.
• Next, flip the switch to turn the blower on and start pumping air into the tank.
• After the lift is raised to the desired height, turn the blower off and turn the black handle back to the HOLD position.

*The red handle must be in the HOLD position to raise the lift.

How to Safely Raise Your Boat

• To lower your boat into the water, turn the red and black handles from the HOLD position to the LOWER position.
• The tank will vent the air and let your boat down on its own.
• After your boat is floating free, turn the red and black handles back to the HOLD position.

*Do NOT turn the motor on to lower the lift! The red handle is for lowering only!

Tips for Maintaining Your Boat Lift

When the lift is not in use (your boat is in the water or storage), it is susceptible to damage, so it’s important to take preventative measures. When the boat lift is not in use, make sure that it is not submerged or touching the water’s surface. To do this, turn the boat lift motor on and flip the switch to raise the lift above the water. This ensures that other boaters don’t enter your lift dock and cause damage and it will also eliminate the risk of unnecessary corrosion and algae growth on the lift itself.

Econo Lift uses only the highest quality materials in our boat hoists. We use a totally enclosed polyethylene tank with 100% virgin plastic for more stability in open or high-traffic water situations and durable, completely galvanized metal parts. Boat lift upkeep is simple. You will need to check your lift every 5-6 years, making sure all the nuts and bolts are tight and that the motor is in good condition. Minor maintenance work might be required over the years, but overall, your boat lift should last at least 25 years.