A boat lift looks simple on the surface.
In reality, it’s a complex, heavy-duty piece of machinery.
The core purpose of a boat lift is to safely support and move tens of thousands of pounds. A boat can be as heavy as your average vehicle! That means this is no task for an amateur.
What are the safety hazards associated with installing a boat lift?
There are four safety hazards to worry about.
First, installing a boat lift means working in a marine environment! The waters may look serene, but you have to remember there are inherent dangers whenever you’re working in or over the water. These include drownings, slips, trips, and falls.
Second, installing a boat lift means handling heavy machinery. Crushing injuries and catastrophic machine failure are both extreme risks.
Third, the risk of structural and functional failures is high. Boat lifts have to be anchored differently depending on the terrain you’re working with. If the terrain isn’t handled correctly, the lift can tilt, shift, or collapse. If components such as cables, pulleys, and bunk boards are misaligned, then uneven stress, accelerated wear, and sudden failure are all possible.
Any miscalculations in regards to the weight of the boat can also cause structural failure. The total weight includes gear, fuel, and water. It’s easy to make mistakes.
Finally, a boat lift uses electricity. That means handling the lethal combination of high-voltage wiring and water. If you’d hire a professional to rewire your in-home electrical box or to install a new outlet, you should hire a professional to install your boat lift.
What are the financial consequences of DIY boat installation?
A failed DIY installation can result in:
- Significant damage to the boat
- Voided warranties
- Permitting and compliance issues
- Serious liability issues
If you want to avoid fines, the risk of forced boat lift removal, and legal trouble, it’s best to work with a professional.
Get the Professional Advantage with DreamBoat Docks
Dream Boat Docks developed the first aluminum, welded-frame boat lift over 40 years ago. We’ve engineered it for maximum stability and durability, and we’ve tested our lifts extensively to ensure maximum reliability and performance.
We’re experts in installing our own boat lifts to perfection, and the end result is a lift you can trust. We’re extremely adept at navigating permitting and compliance issues, and install lifts that protect your boat rather than putting it at risk.
Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish. Reach for the phone, not YouTube. Our team is ready to help!
