Boat lifts for shallow water can be a boat owner’s best friend. If you’re like most boat owners, you love spending time on the water but you don’t love the idea of your boat sitting in the water for extended periods of time. This is where a boat lift comes in handy.
A boat lift allows you to easily and quickly get your boat out of the water and onto dry land. There are a number of different types of boat lifts on the market, but if you have shallow water, you’ll need to be careful about which one you choose. And if your location is shallow but has water levels that fluctuate (like most rivers and manmade lakes controlled by dams) a floating boat lift is a great option for boats and smaller watercraft and PWCs alike.
What Is a Shallow Water Boat Lift?
Shallow water boat lifts are engineered to operate in challenging water depth applications. Utilizing pneumatic poly tanks with an ultra-low profile, LOTO Lift’s Shallow Model can operate in as little as 24 inches of water and offers 3,000 lb – 15,000 lb lift capacity sizes.
Some boat lifts are not designed for shallow water and can actually damage your boat. That’s why it’s important to do your research and find a boat lift that is specifically designed for shallow water.
What to Consider When Buying a Boat Lift to use in Shallow Water
For some boat owners wanting a boat lift, shallow water presents a problem. Fortunately, these highly specialized designs are perfect for use where traditional lifts won’t work due to low water depth. There are different types of boat lifts, so you’ll need one that accommodates your dock slip size, your boat, and your lake. So here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re looking for a boat lift for shallow water:
The Weight of Your Boat
Lake lifts for your boat will have weight limits, so you’ll need to make sure that the one you choose can accommodate the dry weight of your boat. Make sure to figure in all additional weight including the number of passengers that will be in the boat.
The Size of Your Boat
You’ll also need to make sure that the boat lift for shallow water that you choose can accommodate the length, width, and height of your boat. Each type of boat lift typically requires its own installation criteria. Some are mounted on the water floor, some on seawalls, and others are mounted on docks.
Floating lifts are normally attached to the dock in your boat slip. Be sure to check with your boat lift dealer or manufacturer for installation requirements.
The Location of Your Boat
You’ll need to make sure that the boat lift you choose can be installed in the location where you want to use it. Marinas, boat storage ports, and other water access facilities have requirements that can impact your choice of a lift.
Also, and this is very important, determine whether you need a lift that can rise and fall with changing water levels. Or, if you often have rough water from large wakes or frequent storms be sure you mention that to your dealer.
Shallow Water Boat Lift Cost
As you research the market you will find that boat lifts can vary widely in price. So you’ll want to make sure you can find one that fits your budget.
Whether you’re checking out 4-post boat lift prices, side mount boat lifts, or pneumatic lake lifts you’ll find that when it comes to a shallow water boat lift cost, floating lifts are typically your best option. And even more so when you take into consideration the flexibility they provide for varying water levels, rough water, and their convenience in conjunction with a floating dock.
How much depth do you need for a boat lift?
You’ll need a boat lift for shallow water if you have less than 4 to 6 feet of depth at your dock. A shallow water lift by LOTO Lift can operate in as little as 2 feet of water. That’s the lowest water level requirement for any boat lift on the market!
Do you need a shallow water lift that can also handle rough water?
With so many things to consider, it can be difficult to know where to start when you’re looking for the right lake lift to buy. We’ll help you consider all of the factors listed above and more, so you can be sure that you’re choosing the best boat lift for shallow water that will fit your needs.
LOTO Lifts are designed to operate in as little as 24 inches of water, making them the perfect choice for fluctuating water levels and rough conditions. A LOTO Lift shallow water model can accommodate most pleasure boats and pontoons and is also compatible with floating docks, making it a great choice for any waterfront property.
Learn more about our boat lifts and how they can benefit you. Contact us by email or call us today to discuss your options with one of our friendly staff!
Want to see pictures of some of our popular products? View our boat lift gallery here.
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