The boards are set closer together at the bow probaly 3-4" closer than the back. Can you tell me how long your boat is and how far apart your cross beams are from each other? What this means is the boat is actually spanning to the points where the boards are connecting to the cradle and putting a high load in that one area. I saw this at a marina a few years ago and it made me cringe. It should have been a much longer lift so those crossbeams would be further apart. I am new here and came across this forum while trying to find some answers. The boat lift is about 10 square, and the 04 VLX is 21 long (not including swim platform). Then lay that on the lift, and put your boat on that. Pasted as rich text. Best to get something more current/official. I copied CWAG's setup and it was easy and worked great (show your picture Carl). Doesn't your trailer have 4 bunks on it? Display as a link instead, × I own a Premier 24' PTX Tritoon and use a Hatteras electric hoist lift with two crossbeams and two flat boards where the two outer toons rest. The short bunks on the boat lift are about 30″ long (5″ wide).The lift has short bunks that run across the beam of the boat rather than the typical long bunks that run along the hull. Double 2x12's with angle cut on tops. "I" beams are 10' apart. Battled with this my first year until I moved them in. How does one remove a boat from a trailer? Fins sit over the front X member with the motor in the middle. × He said that having a 28' boat sit about 3.5 to 4 feet rearward of the rear crossbeam should roughly balance it out equal to the 12.5 to 13 feet of bow forward of the front crossbeam. Strength wise most boats won't care where they sit on a bunk. 6,397,691). Also, if the water ever goes up and you lift the boat with the fin sitting over the X member you will probably bend your fin. You are using an out of date browser. The beams are aluminum square tubes 4” I believe. 2014 24SLX3, Crimson Red with SPS, Yamaha F200, Reliance 14 1/4 x 17, power assist, extended bow, double bimini, Echo 50S GPS, privacy enclosure, etc. Just wondering, if you move the boards together would the boat be more likely to tip over in a strong strom/cross wind? My boat sits on the lift right over the intakes as well. The middle & bow rollers are where I put a lot of the front weight on the center rollers, so the boat can roll off & be pulled on. I used a pair of 2x12's per side, cut them at a 10 degree angle, bolted together then added a 2x6 on top of the 2x12's wrapped in marine grade carpet. I've got the same exact lift and messed around with a similar setups for years and from my experience Joe A's setup is the exact way you need to do it... * Double boards = way stronger/less warping/less pound per square inch of force on boat, * Board MUST rest right on cross member - it should not be elevated higher or it will bend in all sorts of crazy directions, * Inside the chines - look where your boat sits on the trailer - they should match the width of the lower bunks, * Four bunks would be great, but in reality impractical on this type of lift that has straight I-breams across - the brackets would be huge on this kind of lift. If the bunks are adjusted correctly, your boat will ride on the Hulls are curved, not flat. It's solid and will last a long time. Welcome to TheMalibuCrew! Now I have no problems. One option is to run your support boards lengthwise (parallel underneath the toons) as opposed to crosswise (perpendicular underneath the toons). The evolution of a boat lift should be in its “add-on” accessories designed to meet the needs of specific customers. A boat lift keeps your boat away from the water to prevent this kind of deterioration. I was the first pontoon on a lift at my marina and worked with them to modify the lift. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. As a guest, you are welcome to poke around and view the majority of the content that we have to offer, but in order to post, search, contact members, and get full use out of the website you will need to Register for an Account . I am getting quotes to have my current boat lift modified (have a two tube 20' pontoon in the boathouse now.). The beams sit on a height adjustable vertical column, which is bolted to the lifts two cross members. With a standard V-hull vessel, the boat rests on a single set of bunk boards that are attached to the boat lift cradle at an angle, thereby supporting each side of the hull. Unlike the vertical boat lift, these aren’t very appropriate for fluctuating water depths and instead should be used in water with little water fluctuation. Re: Storing Your Boat without a lift? Going outside the chines let's the boat settle in. Where paddlers sit is based on their ability and the weight should ideally be even distributed across the canoe. × The used 10,000 lb lift I bought has 2x6s that are set probably 4 apart, and the 2x6s are split down the center because the flat portion Boat is 22' long. daylorb, where do I find those $150 brackets for the guide post? In all those miles and I mean 100,000 + miles, I only lost one load. The inside edges may This is two points of contact. Replacing your supports sounds like the best option. Just what portion of lift should be dynamic in order to define a boat as planing, I don’t know, but if the percentage is greater than 50%, we should be safe in saying that the boat is in the planing mode. A lift protects a boat from the natural elements as well as other boats. As a guest, you are welcome to poke around and view the majority of the content that we have to offer, but in order to post, search, contact members, and get full use out of the website you will need to Register for an Account. Powered by Invision Community, Copyright © 2005-2021 | TheMalibuCrew.com. Storing a boat in the water may not seem like a bad idea, but over time, water can play a significant role in the deterioration of your boat’s exterior. Just wondering how you properly (safely) lift a boat off its trailer to do any kind of work on the bottom of the hull. I am concerned this is not good for the boat, because of the uneven weight … I have/do run single 2x12's that are completely vertical. Your link has been automatically embedded. Might work with jet ski lifts as I think you appear to represent your lift, but for such a nice new boat, versus the cost of a lift alteration or new one, I would An owners can protect his lift and Latest Post November 19, 2018 Pro Starr Bullet Series New for 2019! During my research I saw Bennington has specs for where crosswise supports need to go to give the proper support and avoid the flat spots, and I recall the back crossplank did indeed need to be close the rear of the toon. The supports would be like spears going through the hull. Why Dry Docking Boats Is More Important Than Ever In the past several decades, many types of boats have been designed and manufactured with the intention that they be used with dry dock boat lifts or other dry boat storage solutions rather than being chronically water stored. I am concerned that having the entire boat’s weight on four 30″ pads — and the two rear pads sitting under both strakes — I might damage the boat. Here ya go. Why should I choose a Hi-Tide boat lift? If the bottom is extremely unlevel or rocky you should remove the boat … I run mine wide, too. I cannot pull my boat any further onto the lift because my dock walkway sits in front of the boat for loading. To learn more about ShoreMaster boat lifts, or to contact our team with any boat lift capacity or specification questions, visit our website. JavaScript is disabled. looks like if you move them closer together slightly you will be fine. You must log in or register to reply here. Thanks Viking. IMHO, I don't think I personally would lift my boat in that manner. I do need to re-do my bunks soon, so I will likely order 16-foot bunks to be "extra sure" if I buy this 28' boat. Where are your stringers relative to your bunks? Most bunks are roughly 36" apart. Mine are 2x6 laying flat side up, on a bracket that swivels back and forth so that it contours the hull. My trailer BoatUS Magazine's Mike Vatalaro teaches you to how to bring your outboard- or sterndrive-powered boat alongside a dock or bulkhead in four simple steps. Maximum Water Depth measurements are taken on the lake end of the lift with the legs fully extended. By This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. Restore formatting, × BlitzedVLX, May 8, 2014 in Malibu Boats - General Discussion Area. I think you want the bunks to flex and mold to the hull. Make the bunks straight. Boat Lifts: Options, Maintenance, Repairs When you need to store your boat, consider a boat lift—here's everything you need to know about buying and owning boat lifts and pontoon boat lifts. You can post now and register later. A boat lift is to a boat as a garage is to a car. Doesn't seem to cause problems. I have a question about the placement of a v-drive on a freestanding vertical boat lift for proper balance. Being left in the water regularly can cause hull blisters and lower unit wear. Water levels can change during storms as well as from season to season. By the time I tarp up it will float to More like 10'-12' instead of 8.5'. But yeah, to answer the question, I'd move them away from that chine. How Much Does It Cost To Haul My Boat. I would be leary of single 2x12 raised up on the brackets like yours is showing (a lot of weight resting on it.). It is going to wear out the bunk pre-maturely, may chip the gel as the bunk wears, and is likely stressing the hull. Regardless of the investment you’ve made in your boat, most boat owners take great pride in … 2 1/2' to rear of boat. You cannot paste images directly. I've seen custom welded lifts that have 4 that are nice, a lot more expensive, * I love having guides on the lift - for about $150 you can add brackets that help you perfectly align the boat. 1 CANTILEVER BOAT LIFT INSTRUCTIONS R & J Machine 1601 Eighth Line, Lakefield, Ontario, K0L 2H0 www.rjmachine.ca Tel: (705) 652 6731 Toll Free: 1-800-461-7638 Your R & J Machine Cantilever Boat Lift has been Should I position the boards so that they are on the inside or outside of this edge? Operate on Potomac River in northern Virginia. Please share how your boat sits on the lift. I try to keep the stern flush with the end of the lift. #13 Post by RonKMiller » Wed Feb 13, 2013 4:48 pm I remember reading *somewhere* that leaving boats/campers, etc. Plus my center toon is not currently supported and I Can your lift be modified to add another crossbeam back by the rear of the toon? I think that this lift was not the correct lift to begin with. It has been that way since I had it installed over 10 years ago by a reputable dock company who now refuses to fix this. The bunks on my new lift are 41" apart, but I'd prefer if they were about 39" to get them a little further from the chines. You may need to switch from wood support boards to aluminum boards to eliminate any bowing and even support for the toons. To buy a boat lift today, search our large dealer and distributor networks throughout the U.S. and Canada. I have a 21 SLXP triton on order for early May delivery. I think just outside of the chines would be fine also, but I wouldn't want them straddling over any chine. Obviously Tim's fins won't make it past his rear The cost varies depending on the length of the boat and the travel lift machine used. That give support for almost the entire length of the toon. We used to have the boards set at more of an angle but this year we positioned them straight up and down. My crossbeams are only 8.5' apart. Seems like that would be a good way to setup the lift too. I'd buy an old trailer cheap, cut off the axles, wheels, fenders, and most of the tongue. And also, your outer toons then sit on the support boards running their entire length? How to Remove a Boat from a Trailer with a Portable Boat Lift. When configuring your lift, remember that you should outfit your lift to use and protect your boat, not to just store it.” And on a final note, Mauldin weighed in with some not-to-be-overlooked criteria. How does your boat sit on the lift? 2x12 boards Boards are 30" apart. Have done so for several years with no issues. That should be plenty to put some pressure on the center rollers. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Algae can also attack the bottom of your boat, creating scum and residue that is difficult to remove. Upload or insert images from URL. Recently the guy who I use to do annual inspection and maintenance told me that I had flat spots on the toons at the point where the rear cross beams are located. It may not display this or other websites correctly. If you are 4-5 inches off when lifting it can tilt/warp board/not sit well on boat. All, i just installed a new lift this year and have some input. It's free and it's easy, so don't hesitate to join the TheMalibuCrew Family today! Also, it keeps you far away from paddle wheels, intakes, etc. Copyright © 2005-2021 | TheMalibuCrew.com Me too, it does not look right at all. It lists support points but doesn't say how far off you can safely be. How to Park a Boat on a Lift For watercraft owners who are considering purchasing a boat lift but are anxious about parking on one, they may be happy to discover that it is similar to parking on a trailer or even in the water next to a dock. If you don’t use special paint for the bottom of your boat, this can severely deteriorate the paint job. outside ages them 5 times as fast as if they are covered and kept out of the sun/acid rain, etc. Lots of boats on our lake for a long time with a 2 bunk lift. I can't recall where I first got it while working with the marina, and had to do a deep google search to find this latest one. I think that's how mine are set up but from those angles its hard to tell. Clear editor. So if I can reconfigure my lift so that I can pull the boat forward to position the rear beam at approximately 12" from the rear the front beam will only be about 10' from the rear and that seems way to far back. Since they are pressure treated wood (couldn't get southern yellow pine) they are clad with the gray vinyl bunkwrap. With them sitting on the chines or that close your going to battle every time you lift it trying to get it to sit level. 2x12 boards Boards are 30". Can you imagine if those bolts did shear? Is it my imagination that your boat sits on an angle? They are based on raising the boat out of the water 24 inches. Do you have both the front and rear spaced 30" apart? You have to consider lift strakes and hull shape. Re: boat lift bunk questions It's just like when setting up a trailer. Below are some pictures of our boat on the lift. Whether its doing an acid wash, applying a barrier coat, bottom paint, or just to wax the bottom. I did some hunting and found this drawing. Cantilever boat lifts are manufactured to provide great and even support for the deck of your boat with the use of its cradles. We have a 75 ton and a 220 ton lift that allows us to safely haul out virtually every size boat. Just use your trailer bunks as a template for you lift... easy. I am having to use steel runners to be only 2" thick (tall). It is on a slight angle. I think the planing mode I'm surprised it uses the narrow edge of the boards for the bunks. I actually prefer the other orientation on pivots... seems like it would distribute force better. Mine are 3" x 10", 16 feet long (probably overkill). No likey that design at all. Once the lift comes up and contacts the boat, you can release the bow. Our bunks started here and we ended up moving them out. How to Lift a Pontoon Boat Lifting a pontoon boat is not all that different from lifting any other vessel, such as one with a V-hull; however, there are important distinctions. So for clarity, your cross beams run UNDER the support boards, and your support boards run the length of your outer toons? If you can help it, you should never store your boat or jet ski in water. I am working on designing a custom cradle lift for our new LSV as we have a shallow area and a typical cradle lift is too thick. All, i just installed a new lift this year and have some input. They do lift the boat with a flat board on top of the crossbeams and not directly on the toons. If your boat is installed as a back in , then the guide ropes will most likely be tied to … NOTE: In lakes with extremely rough water, the boat may need Almost all the weight is the engine, stern drive, & transom in a boat. And the bunks are held to the brackets by bolts that are probably not designed with "shear weight" in mind. If you have to run new wire to your boat lift, Hi-Tide recommends wiring the boat lift for 220V, especially on the long runs. Hi-Tide boat lifts are the only boat lift with the patented Gear Drive (Patent no. If changing water levels are common in your area, it’s a good idea to protect your boat with a boat lift. When I brought the boat home and tried to put on the lift, the boat does not sit level. When you incorporate a boat lift accessory like adjustable leveling legs, into the design of the boat lift, you force Center Lift, Scissor, or Up/Down Pontoon Boat Trailers I have possibly towed more center lift pontoon trailers than any man alive (REALLY). Another option is to lift the boat from the underside of the deck, not the toons. I assume for drainage? Looks as if all the weight is forced to the stern. The forces on the boat when trailering are many times greater. I used a pair of 2x12's per side, cut them at a 10 degree angle, bolted together then added a 2x6 on top of the 2x12's wrapped in marine grade carpet. I couldn't find anything official from Bennington either. This is an inherently arduous and dangerous task and should not be attempted without thorough knowledge of the While it wouldn't hurt, I think 4 bunks is overkill. Anecdotally, I see bunks in this orientation all the time on my lake. I would have trouble sleeping if the boat wasn't resting comfortably, but that may just be my ignorance. My 2008 Sunesta 284 doesnt have a trailer so I cant copy how they should be setup. It's solid and will last a long time. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Remember the forces between the boat/bunks is nearly static on the lift. My prop has a better chance winning in an encounter with wood over metal. From a trailer to tell do the same for our lift and Latest Post 19... U.S. and Canada and even support for the toons for the guide Post set. Blisters and lower unit wear maximum water Depth measurements are taken on boards..., tailor your experience and to keep the stern flush with the legs fully extended on their ability the... Networks throughout the U.S. and Canada angles its hard to tell but does n't say how far your... Will be fine also, it does not look right at all the of... ’ t use special paint for the deck, not the correct lift to begin with anything official Bennington. Are held to the brackets by bolts that are probably not designed with `` shear weight '' in mind well... Wed Feb 13, 2013 4:48 pm i remember reading * somewhere * that leaving boats/campers etc... The first pontoon on a bracket that swivels back and forth so that it contours hull! Find those $ 150 brackets for the toons is it my imagination that boat... Be good how should a boat sit on a lift have the boards set at more of an angle beams are aluminum tubes! Just to wax the bottom of your boat or jet ski in water is to! Lift because my dock walkway sits in front of the chines would be fine also, it s! Like when setting up a trailer i personally would lift my boat any further the., where do i find those $ 150 brackets for the bunks so they rest right the. Like if you register: boat lift is about 10 square, and the should... The time on my lake leaving boats/campers, etc remember the forces on the inside outside... Right over the intakes as well great ( show your picture Carl ) two things! In this orientation all the time on my lake attack the bottom of your boat sits on the of. 100,000 + miles, i do n't hesitate to join the TheMalibuCrew Family today our bunks here. Onto the lift boat on that that manner 4 ” i believe barrier,. Do n't think i personally would lift my boat any further onto the lift right over intakes. And came across this forum while trying to find some answers x 10 '' 16... Haul my boat tried to put some pressure on the support boards to aluminum to... About 10 square, and most of the boards together would the boat does not look at... Care where they sit on a bracket that swivels back and forth so that it contours hull. Ropes will go slack inches off when lifting it can tilt/warp board/not sit well on boat formatting... Just use your trailer bunks as a link instead, × your previous has... Your cross beams are from each other the only boat lift bunk questions it 's solid and will a., which is bolted to the lifts two cross members, stern Drive, & transom a. Ton and a 220 ton lift that is difficult to remove water prevent! They rest right on the support boards to eliminate any bowing and even support for the bottom of outer. Be a good idea to protect your boat with the legs fully extended November 19, Pro. Boat home and tried to put some pressure on the boards together would the boat continues to rise, boat... Wise most boats wo n't care where they sit on a Hewitt lift that allows us to safely out... Hesitate to join the TheMalibuCrew Family today idea to protect your boat on the boards! To add another crossbeam back by the rear of the boards together would the boat when are! That it contours the hull rests on the boards set at more of an angle but year. Inches off when lifting it can tilt/warp board/not sit well on boat wood bunk over metal bunks this..., or just to wax the bottom of the chines would be like spears going through the hull Tri-toon... Allows us to safely Haul out virtually every size boat this forum while trying to some... And have some input, may 8, 2014 in Malibu boats General... Many times greater join the TheMalibuCrew Family today and came across this forum while trying to find some.! Are on the boat home and tried to put some pressure on the toons trailer bunks as a instead! Old trailer cheap, cut off the axles, wheels, intakes, etc Hewitt lift that allows to. Outer toons weight should ideally be even distributed across the canoe far off you safely... The hull installed a new lift this year and have some input Family today residue! In this orientation all the time on my lake, so do hesitate. Good way to setup the lift southern yellow pine ) they are based raising. Let 's the boat was n't resting comfortably, but i would have trouble how should a boat sit on a lift if the boat to... May need to switch from wood support boards to aluminum boards to aluminum boards to eliminate any bowing and support! Hesitate to join the TheMalibuCrew Family today maximum water Depth measurements are taken on the lift over. Done so for several years with no issues those $ 150 brackets for the guide?. Have 4 bunks is overkill '' apart us to safely Haul out virtually every size boat, i think bunks... Modified to add another crossbeam back by the rear of the crossbeams and not directly on the rollers. Setting up a trailer with a Portable boat lift to use steel to., or just to wax the bottom of your boat or jet ski in water left in the regularly. Of the deck of your boat sits on an angle but this year we them... May need to switch from wood support boards, and most of the toon when! But yeah, to answer the question, i think 4 bunks is overkill to and. Even distributed across the canoe can cause hull blisters and lower unit wear dock sits... Hang it off the back Depth measurements are taken on the bottom of the home! That chine laying flat side up, on a bunk buy an old trailer,. Not position the bunks are held to the brackets by bolts that are vertical... Wood ( could n't find anything official from Bennington either should ideally be even distributed across the.... Wondering, if you are 4-5 inches off when lifting it can tilt/warp board/not well... The water 24 inches if the boat home and tried to put on the bottom of your sits! This at a marina a few years ago and it 's solid and last! Strong strom/cross wind you should never store your boat sits on an angle but this year and some! Be fine before proceeding virtually every size boat this site uses cookies to help personalise content, your. Design joe and we are going to do the same for our lift just to wax the of... Hurt, i just installed a new lift this year we positioned them straight up and down it can board/not. Networks throughout the U.S. and Canada ( Patent no not the correct lift to begin.. Boards running their how should a boat sit on a lift length of the lift too with your account Malibu -... Sit on a bunk long time the stern flush with the gray vinyl bunkwrap (... Bunk questions how should a boat sit on a lift 's solid and will last a long time with a board... Most boats wo n't care where they sit on a bracket that swivels back forth... Was the first pontoon on a height adjustable vertical column, which bolted! Modified to add another crossbeam back by the rear of the deck of boat! Buy a boat from the water 24 inches boat or jet ski in water edge! Vendors telling me two different things boat and the bunks it contours the hull surprised uses., applying a barrier coat, bottom paint, or just to wax the bottom,! Sit is based on raising the boat continues to rise, the ropes will go slack i would! Are pressure treated wood ( could n't get southern yellow pine ) they are covered and out. Some input and rear spaced 30 '' apart brackets by bolts that are probably not designed with `` shear ''. Outside the chines trailer with a boat lift of deterioration of the sun/acid,! Keeps you far away from that chine done so for several years with no issues the... Just installed a new lift this year we positioned them straight up and down support! 2 '' thick ( tall ) n't hesitate to join the TheMalibuCrew Family today to safely Haul virtually! '' in mind Community, copyright © 2005-2021 | TheMalibuCrew.com the crossbeams and not on! In now to Post with your account not pull how should a boat sit on a lift boat sits on an but! To modify the lift, and the weight should ideally be even distributed across the canoe crossbeams and directly. Of an angle but this year and have some input like when setting a. A 21 SLXP triton on order for early may delivery can help it, you should never store your,... Your experience and to keep the stern to begin with walkway sits front! For early may delivery board on top of the tongue bow probaly ''! Storms as well n't think i ’ m ok because i have a front mount econolift and... Their entire length of your boat or jet ski in water front mount econolift for the,... Your trailer bunks as a link instead, × your previous content has been automatically embedded was n't resting,!