Boat Lift vs. Boat Hoist: Which is Right for You?
There’s a simple truth about boats that often seems counterintuitive to first-time boat owners: boats tend to live longer when they’re not stored in the water. It seems a little odd, doesn’t it? After all, boats are literally referred to as “watercraft,” so why wouldn’t water be the best place to store one?
As it turns out, designing a boat that can indefinitely withstand the constant motion, wear and tear, and marine growth of a body of water is really difficult. In fact, leaving your boat in the water exposes it to environmental dangers that will probably never be entirely avoidable, such as:
- Environmental damage from waves, rain, wind, and sun
- Algae, barnacles, and other marine organisms
- Wear and tear from the constant ebb and flow of the waves
With these factors in mind, the natural conclusion seems to simply remove your boat from the water when you’re not using it. But that said, boat owners who want to do so will find themselves facing a question: is a boat lift or boat hoist better?
In this month’s blog post, we’re exploring the pros and cons of boat lifts and boat hoists for your boat.
The Boat Lift: Stationary, Reliable, and Secure
While the terms “boat lift” and “boat hoist” are often used interchangeably, there are some meaningful differences to keep in mind. For boat lifts, the primary difference is in their stationary, permanent design.
Designed for long-term usage, boat lifts are generally permanent structures that are often installed at private docks. As a result, you’re most likely to see a boat lift at a residential dock or a marina. Homeowners and marinas prefer boat lifts because they generally only have to buy it once and because they’re just so reliable.
Boat lifts also very easy to use once installed. Simply lower the boat lift’s supports into the water and steer your boat right in. Then, the lift will raise your boat up from below, positioning you (and your boat) perfectly at dock height.
Drawbacks: though boat lifts are much longer lasting and serve their purpose very well, they’re also a bit more difficult to install, and often require the help of a professional.
Our Recommendation: Boat lifts are perfect for anyone with a property on the water who wants simple dry boat storage for decades to come.
The Boat Hoist: Versatile, Portable, Seasonal
In contrast to the permanent, straightforward use for a boat lift, a boat hoist is generally much more mobile and versatile.
Boat hoists come in all shapes and sizes, but generally they’re known for their ability to lift boats out of the water from above and transport the boat to a new location. As a result, hoists are generally used by folks who don’t have properties on the water or who provide boat storage or transportation.
Drawbacks: While boat hoists are very versatile, they’re generally not optimized for long-term storage, and should generally only be used to transport or seasonal storage instead of as a permanent solution.
Our Recommendation: If a boat lift isn’t an option for you, then a boat hoist will allow you to get your boat to your preferred lake, river, or other body of water. That said, we most folks prefer a boat lift whenever it’s practical.
Boat Hoist and Boat Lift Installation from Pier Perfection
Whether you’re interested in getting a boat lift or a boat hoist, making sure you have the right one and getting it installed correctly is essential. Don’t take a chance on you and your boat’s safety—click here to contact our installation professionals at Pier Perfection today!
