Boat On Dock Lifts

[Billfo]

I have been reading other threads & occasionally- I get the impression that I SHOULD NOT have left my boat up on the lift at our covered dock over the winter. Any comments on this ???

Thanks, Bill

[rps]

I do it every year. Actually better there than in my driveway.

[Billfo]

I have read some stuff about low water on Table Rock & something about the weight of snow & ice on the dock..perhaps that was a different type of dock...

I do it every year. Actually better there than in my driveway.

[skeeter]

Like anything else it depends on the circumstances.

First, is there anyone who lives there full-time and has their boat on the dock or is hired to regularly look after your dock ? If not, then I would definitely not leave my rig on the lift over the Winter if I were not present.

Low water can prevent lift-floats, depending on the bottom contour under your dock, from dropping down far enough, preventing launching of the boat but your dock doesn't seem to be the type affected by that. High water can prevent access to the dock. All docks on floats are affected by snow and ice loading, you only have to look at pictures of the dock damage in Oklahoma posted on the site to see this. Then there are the wind storms to worry about.

If I had a choice, no, I would not leave my boat on a lift if I weren't living here. On the trailer, well-covered and, if possible, in a garage or under a carport with a reputable, on-demand, trickle charger hooked up to the batteries.

[Billfo]

Good advice, I will take it next season !

Thanks, Bill

Like anything else it depends on the circumstances.

First, is there anyone who lives there full-time and has their boat on the dock or is hired to regularly look after your dock ? If not, then I would definitely not leave my rig on the lift over the Winter if I were not present.

Low water can prevent lift-floats, depending on the bottom contour under your dock, from dropping down far enough, preventing launching of the boat but your dock doesn't seem to be the type affected by that. High water can prevent access to the dock. All docks on floats are affected by snow and ice loading, you only have to look at pictures of the dock damage in Oklahoma posted on the site to see this. Then there are the wind storms to worry about.

If I had a choice, no, I would not leave my boat on a lift if I weren't living here. On the trailer, well-covered and, if possible, in a garage or under a carport with a reputable, on-demand, trickle charger hooked up to the batteries.

[rps]

They have given you good advice. My comment actually fits with theirs. My slip is supervised, and I can see it if I walk across the street. Guess I'm lucky.

[Billfo]

Oh my slip is supervised continiously by the fulltime residents, it is in my neighbors backyard. It is a 10 unit slip shared by our association. Someone is always designated to let the dock in & out with water levels.

They have given you good advice. My comment actually fits with theirs. My slip is supervised, and I can see it if I walk across the street. Guess I'm lucky.