Common questions

Most of the lifts we install use air displacement. The lift bolts to the front or sides of your dock, and a motor pumps air into the tank or vents it out. The more air in the tank, the more weight it lifts out of the water. Venting the air lowers the boat back in.

If you've put thousands of dollars into a boat, a lift protects that investment. It keeps your hull clean, prevents water damage and algae buildup, lowers maintenance costs and adds years to your boat's life.

It depends on your boat's fully loaded weight. Start with the dry weight, then add the engine (if it isn't included), full fuel, water and ballast tanks, batteries and gear. Then add a 20–25% safety margin so you never go over the lift's capacity.

Our lift finder does the math for you, or call (205) 601-1009 and we'll size it with you.

Side mount lifts attach to the dock on both sides of the slip, and they're the most common. Front mount lifts attach at the front of the slip, for docks where side mounting isn't possible. With a front mount, the back of the boat lowers first, so loading feels like pulling onto a trailer. See how they compare.

Yes. The lifts we carry are built for rough water, and a rough water kit can cut movement and noise in your slip even more.

For the toughest spots, our rough water lifts have stronger, taller tanks, a frame 2 feet wider, double bushings and a V-shaped rear tank to soften wave impact. They come in 8,000 and 12,000 lb and need deep water.

Often, yes. Our shallow water lifts use low-profile tanks to give a full lift where standard lifts can't go. They come in 4,500 and 6,500 lb.

Yes. Our 4,500 lb side mount lift handles 2- and 3-log pontoons, and larger lifts like the 10,000 lb model can be set up for bigger pontoons and tritoons. If loading is the hard part, RapidLoad guides your pontoon straight onto the lift.

On Econo Lift models, the control box has two handles: a black one (raise and lower) and a red one (lower only).

To raise: from the hold position, turn the black handle to raise and switch the blower on. When the boat is at the height you want, switch the blower off and turn the black handle back to hold. The red handle must be in hold to raise the lift.

To lower: from hold, turn both handles to lower. Once the boat floats free, turn both back to hold. Don't run the motor to lower the lift.

See the step-by-step guide.

A lift keeps your PWC completely out of the water and stays steady in rough water. A port costs less and works well in calm water. On busy lakes, we almost always recommend a lift. See our PWC buyer's guide.

We always recommend professional installation. It's straightforward for an experienced installer, but it involves heavy, complex equipment. Our crew makes sure your lift is installed and working correctly.

Yes. The motor needs standard 110-volt power, only while it's pumping or venting air.

About 3½ to 4 feet for 4,500 and 6,500 lb lifts. Heavier lifts may need deeper water. For shallow docks, see our shallow water lifts, or call us for advice on your spot.

Yes. Lifts can be set up for pull-in or back-over loading.

Usually, yes. We do conversions, capacity upgrades, dock modifications, repairs and moves, depending on your setup. See dock & lift work, or send us photos and we'll tell you what's possible.

Yes. Our Econo Lift models can come with an optional remote, so you can even raise a PWC lift before you step off. The remote has to be ordered with the lift and can't be added to an existing lift later.

Econo Lift tanks have a safety valve built right into the tank. When you'll be away for a while, close it so your boat stays high and dry.

Not with proper use. Our PWC lifts use bunks instead of the rollers found on some "drive-on" lifts and ports, which can damage newer, lighter hulls.

With routine maintenance, an Econo Lift should last at least 25 years.

Clean and lubricate it regularly and inspect it each season. Every 5–6 years, check that all the nuts and bolts are snug and the motor is in good working order. We offer paid seasonal inspection and service packages if you'd rather we handle it.

On our Econo Lift models: lifetime on the polyethylene tanks, lifetime on the UHMW bushings for the original owner, 5 years on the hot-dip galvanized steel, and 3 years on motors, valves and hose.

Lakes and rivers across Central and North Alabama, including Smith, Guntersville, Martin, Wheeler, Pickwick, Weiss, Logan Martin and many more. See the full list and map. If your lake isn't listed, call us. We may still serve it.

Yes, we offer paid seasonal inspection and service packages to keep your lift running smoothly.

We usually reply within one business day. For the quickest answer, call (205) 601-1009 or send the quote form with your boat and dock details.