Econo Lift boat lifts work as an air/water displacement system. The unit bolts to the dock from the front or sides. An air tank pumps air in or vents it out — the more air in the tank, the more weight it lifts out of the water (ranging from 4,500 to 25,000 lbs.). Venting air lowers the lift back into the water.

If you’ve invested thousands of dollars in a boat, a lift protects that investment. It keeps your hull clean, prevents water damage and algae buildup, reduces maintenance costs, and significantly extends the life of your boat.

The size of the boat lift you need depends on the size, wet weight, and passenger capacity of your boat. The boat lift must support the total maximum wet weight of your boat plus the weight of any potential passengers. To calculate the wet weight, use the vessel’s dry weight, then add the weight of the engine, full fuel tanks, total capacity of all water holding tanks, batteries, and gear. You should then add a 20–25% safety margin to ensure the lift capacity is never exceeded.

To ensure you purchase the correct size and capacity boat lift, contact Southern Lake Lifts at 205-601-1009.

All Econo Lift boat lifts are designed and manufactured to withstand rough water conditions. However, if this is a particular concern, we offer a rough water kit upgrade that minimizes lift movement in your dock to help aid the life and reduce the noise of your lift.

Additionally, Econo Lift recently added the Surge Series boat lifts designed for exceptionally demanding conditions. The Surge Series is designed with specific structural enhancements including stronger tanks, wider frame, double bushings, and v-shaped rear tanks, engineered to reduce wave impact, improve balance, and extend the life of the lift in environments where standard models simply work harder than they were designed to. Currently, the Surge Series is available in 8,000 lb and 12,000 lb models.

We always recommend professional installation. For an experienced installer it’s straightforward, but for someone new to boat lift systems it can be difficult and involves heavy, complex equipment. Our team has experience installers who will ensure proper installation and operation of your boat lift. Contact us at 205-601-1009 to schedule expert installation of your boat lift.

Yes — only standard 110 volts are required for the motor when pumping or venting air.

Yes! Econo Lift boat lifts can be set up for pull in or back over applications.

Yes! All Econo Lift boat lifts can be purchased with an optional remote control feature. This option must be ordered at the time the lift is ordered and cannot be retro fit to an existing boat lift.

For 4,500 and 6,500 lb. lifts, you need roughly 3½ to 4 ft. of water. Heavier lifts may require deeper water. Contact us at 205-601-1009 for guidance tailored to your specific situation.

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

Regular cleaning, lubrication, and seasonal inspections will keep your lift operating smoothly for years. Additionally, check the lift every 5–6 years to ensure all nuts and bolts are snug and the motor is in good working condition.

Southern Lake Lifts offers seasonal inspection packages to ensure proper operation of your boat lift for many years.