Do we need a boat hoist/lift in a fresh water lake? | FerrariChat

Do we need a boat hoist/lift in a fresh water lake?

Discussion in 'Motorcycles & Boats' started by 11506apollo, Dec 3, 2018.

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  1. 11506apollo

    11506apollo Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 16, 2008
    2,484
    Tx Co Ca
    Hi,
    If a boat is going to be used in a fresh water lake, do I/we need to invest on a Boat Hoist/Lift to keep it out of the water? I am debating this need and would like to see your opinions on this, please.
    Other than some Calcium deposits and other slight growth and discoloration, I don't see harm (mechanical/electrical) in leaving the boat in the water. The disadvantage is more difficulties doing maintenance, but I assume the boat can be removed from the water using a trailer for the occasional lower unit flush/ anode replacement, etc.
    What you think?
     
  2. BoulderFCar

    BoulderFCar F1 World Champ
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    Dec 16, 2004
    12,115
    Asheville, NC/Ft Lauderdale
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    Tom
    I think the answer is a big "it depends".
    if you're on a northern lake where the boat may only be in the water Memorial Day to Labor Day it's probably fine to leave it in.
    On a southern lake with water temp in the 80°'s the bottom will get get snotty pretty quick.
    There's always more risk of the boat sinking if it stays in the water but on the positive side of the ledger, I don't know anyone that doesn't use a boat a lot more if it's just in the water and they can just get on it. I always bias toward what makes the boat easy to use.
     
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  3. boxerman

    boxerman F1 World Champ
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    May 27, 2004
    18,660
    FL
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    Sean
    In the NE now Zebra mussels are the big issue, they will clog intakes and attach to the hull.
    Personaly I am so OCD that I take my boat out the water and clean it up at the end of each y weekend and keep it on the trailer during the week. My folks and inlaws did the same so it just works for us, esp as the launch is half a block away. This also requires having a suttable tow/launch vehicle.

    Friends have lifts at their docks, in the NE that means a floating lift which pretty much then blocks one side of the dock, and its anotehr machine to take care of and remove in the winter..

    that all being said, there is many a sunday after big lunch that i wish the boat was just on lift and done. The upside though is I can have the ctatrtic experience of boat cleaning while my wife is busy packing up the lake house.

    Bottom line is keep your boat either on trailer or lift, it will last much longer, and be in better shape when you use it. .
     
  4. BoulderFCar

    BoulderFCar F1 World Champ
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    Dec 16, 2004
    12,115
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    Tom
    I forgot about the zebra mussels. When I left Colorado 8 years or so ago the park service inspected any boat going in the water than had been outside of the state.
    Agree on it being in better shape if it's out of the water. It lets the boat dry out too if you're using it for water sports.
     
  5. ronfrohock

    ronfrohock F1 Rookie
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Aug 16, 2004
    3,920
    MA
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    Ron Frohock
    I bought one used. I like the fact that I no longer need to cover the boat.
    Simply hit the switch, boat lowers into the water. Enjoyment...... and when I get back, raise the boat / lift up into the canopy. No longer need to spend times snapping. Big benifit.

    Now if I could only find one for my Pontoon......


    Sent from my iPad using FerrariChat.com mobile app
     
  6. Juan-Manuel Fantango

    Juan-Manuel Fantango F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Jan 18, 2004
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    Juan
    Image Unavailable, Please Login You should have one plus a covered dock. We get a thin brown coat of algae, that's all. Brushes off easily, but lifts are great for keeping the boat clean.
    And get black or brown in the float colors if available. Blue stands out too much.
     
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  7. jcurry

    jcurry Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Jan 16, 2012
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    Jim
    My Dad had his boats (fiberglas w/outdrive and aluminum inbd) tied up at dock in Lk Erie from Apr-Oct for yrs, even during the worst of the Zebra mussel scare. Would repaint bottom every season, but otherwise NO issues with corrosion, algae or mussels. He was in a wake protected anchorage.
     
  8. FerrariF50lover

    FerrariF50lover Formula 3

    Aug 12, 2005
    2,383
    Ohio
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    Nate
    100 Percent no question asked you need a lift.
     
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  9. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    Dec 6, 2002
    79,143
    Houston, Texas
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    Bubba
    A lift, or in my case I like the Drive On ramps...they float, the boat runs up and stays dry.

    Off season you trailer it out.
     
  10. Il Co-Pilota

    Il Co-Pilota F1 Veteran

    May 29, 2019
    6,023
    Hopefully some place nice.
    Full Name:
    A.B
    Yes. It's not just a question of salt and corrosion. Growth and all the gunk that sticks to the bottom greatly affects performance. It is generally also a good idea to flush the engines after an outing if raw water cooled w/o heat exchanger as is the most common with Mercruiser vnd Volvo sterndrives, as well as outboards. If it's a nice powerboat like a Fountain, Outerlimits, Formula Fasttech or the like with Mercury Racing engines etc. it is an absolute must.

    For me, it's a deal breaker if a boat that is either a weekend cruiser (e.g 30'-40' Formula SS, Searay Sundancer), dayboat (24'-29' Bowrider etc) or go-fast powerboat (Outerlimits, Fountain, Skater etc) has been stored in any kind of water and has bottom paint. Lift or trailer is a must if it's not a motor yacht or the like. Can't stand dirty and bottom painted boats unless it's in a larger size where having the boat in a slip is part of the fun.
     

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