Boat Lift Recomendations

(toesideturtle) · (toesideturtle) **Join Date: Oct 2002** 08-13-2007, 9:40 AM

I have a 2005 Malibu VLX on a shallow lake--5 feet. I am looking for a freestanding boat lift that will go next to my dock. Any input on model/manufacturer/where to buy/vertical vs. hydraulic/ etc. would be appreciated.. Thanks

(c640947) · (c640947) **Join Date: Jan 2005** 08-13-2007, 10:21 AM

Well I have a Sunstream hydraulic and love it. Everyone who comes over loves it (most lifts on my lake are cable lifts - 5 minutes or more up and down.) Remote control, up and down in <15 seconds. Easily moveable and adjustable. Downside is price - most expensive type of lift.

My Dad owns www.tigerdocks.com, so that is a disclosure, but I got my pick of any lift available and that is what I choose for my personal lift.

Hope that helps.

(shredhead) · (shredhead) **Join Date: Jun 2003** 08-13-2007, 10:42 AM

My bud has a hydraulic and it's really nice.

I have an 18 year old Shore Station that's been great. But I really hate to crank that thing up.

Get a canopy, they really save your interior.

(bmartin) · (bmartin) **Join Date: Jan 2007** 08-13-2007, 12:09 PM

I have the Hydraulic Cantilever and have no complaints. Saved a ton having it shipped direct from factory and putting it together myself which took the better part of a weekend.

http://www.hewitt-roll-a-dock.com/lifts07/index.html

(prostartjh) · (prostartjh) **Join Date: Nov 2006** 08-13-2007, 12:15 PM

I have a Sunstream Float Lift. Thing this in amazing. It goes up and down in about 15-30 seconds. It will go in any depth of water. I use it in 3 feet of water with no problems. You can install it yourself. No need to hire a professional for $700 plus the time and effort of permits.

Downside: Expensive ($11K brand new).

(rrbooker) · (rrbooker) **Join Date: Feb 2003** 08-13-2007, 12:54 PM

http://www.summitmarine.com/

I went with a 6000 lbs hydraulic cantilever hoist for my xstar! the down side to a cantilever hoist is it needs a little more water. I have mine sitting in about 3ft of water at the front, and 4ft in the back. I'm thinking you will need to go with a vertical hoist, and IMO Shore station is the best!

http://www.boathoistdirect.com/browse.php?brand=Summit

(mdiddy) · (mdiddy) **Join Date: Feb 2005** 08-13-2007, 2:43 PM

no matter what you buy, get something with a electric or hydraulic lift. Cranking on the wheel for 5 minutes at the end of riding is horrible.

(c640947) · (c640947) **Join Date: Jan 2005** 08-14-2007, 8:41 AM

the sunstream floatlift is definitely the best lift you can get, but it pricey. For that shallow of water, and if you are sure you will always be in shallow -ish water, get the sunlift, which is a bottom-stander. a little cheaper, just as fast. Doesnt float so if you move to a deep water location you cant take your lift.

Hydraulics, no matter who you buy from, are the way to go. So much faster than the alternatives, and yes it makes a big difference and is worth the price.