Every boat owner in Houston faces the same question. How do I best protect my investment from harsh Gulf Coast weather?
The choice often comes down to two primary options. Building a simple, efficient boat lift, or gaining the comprehensive coverage that comes from a boat lift, boathouse combo.
Here’s how you make the right call.
When should Houston boat owners consider building a boat lift without the boat house?
We always recommend a boat lift. But believe it or not, there are circumstances where we don’t recommend a full boathouse.
We recommend a boat lift alone when:
- You have a smaller slip
- Your community has strict HOA guidelines regarding covered structures
- Your budget is smaller
- You have a small, functional boat
- You have a shady slip that doesn’t get much UV exposure
With a boat lift alone, you still get significant protection. You get your hull out of the water, preventing algae growth, barnacles, and hull deterioration from constant submersion. It covers the most critical problems, even if you don’t get overhead protection from sun, rain, or hail.
When should Houston boat owners consider adding a boat house?
Homeowners should consider a boat house when they want full all-weather protection from the relentless Texas sun, heavy rain, bird droppings, hail, and the dangers of submersion. If you have the budget and the space to build one, the boat house with boat lift combo is often an unambiguously better choice.
This is also a great choice for people who are interested in adding value to their home, since a boat house with a boat lift can significantly increase the value of your waterfront property.
They’re also a great choice for anyone who wants to protect a high-end or luxury boat.
And, of course, a boat house offers options for adding firepits, seating, storage, and other creature comforts that can make waterfront living far more enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a boat lift protect my boat without a boat house?
Yes. A lift keeps the hull out of the water, which helps prevent algae, barnacles, blistering and corrosion caused by constant submersion. What a lift alone does not provide is overhead protection, so the boat is still exposed to sun, rain, hail and bird droppings. Many owners add a fitted boat cover or a canopy to close that gap.
Can I add a boat house to an existing boat lift later?
Often, yes, but it depends on the existing pilings, the position of the lift and the condition of the dock. A boat house roof adds weight and wind load, so the structure has to be designed to support it. Local permit and HOA rules may also apply. Have a contractor evaluate the existing structure before planning the addition.
Do I need a permit or HOA approval for a boat house?
In most Houston-area waterfront communities, a covered structure needs some level of approval. Depending on the location, that can include HOA architectural review, city or county permits and, on some waterways, approval from the authority that manages the lake or shoreline. Rules differ from one community to the next, so check the requirements before finalizing a design.
What size boat lift do I need?
A lift should be rated for more than the total weight of your boat, including the motor, fuel, water, batteries and gear, not just the dry weight listed by the manufacturer. The lift also needs to suit the hull type, the slip width and the water depth at your dock. Overloading a lift is a common cause of mechanical problems.
Protect Your Boat Today
A lift is a functional necessity, but a boathouse is an upgrade in protection and utility.
No matter how you decide to protect your boat, the team at Dream Boat Docks is here to custom create the perfect solution for your property, boat, and needs.
Ready to get started? Contact us for a free consultation and estimate. We’re excited to help you make the most of both your boat, and your gorgeous waterfront property!
