Tips On Buying A Used Boat Lift

When looking for a used lift, the first and most important step is to get the specifications on your boat.  You can do an internet search using the make and model of your boat/motor, then look for specifications.  How long is the boat, how wide is the boat, how heavy is the boat including motor, gas, batteries and gear.  This will determine the weight capacity and width of lift needed and if you are looking for a canopy how long it needs to be.  Most boat lifts come in widths of 7’, 8’, 9’ and 10’ and weight capacities in 1000 lb. increments.  Especially when buying a used Boat Lift, you should look for a lift that has at least 20% more capacity than your boat when fully loaded and if you are getting a lift with a canopy, it should be at least 1-2 feet longer than your boat including your motor.  ​

Types Of Used Boat Lifts

In the used boat lift market today, the most common types of boat lifts are vertical or cantilever.  Cantilever lifts pivot out and down while vertical lifts raise straight up and down.  Vertical lifts have become more common in the marketplace as they are more flexible in that they can operate in shallower water and have more lift height, giving you more flexibility when water levels change.  If you are in a shallow water lake the best choice for you is a vertical, if you are in a lake that has deeper water, 2-5 feet and the water does not fluctuate much, a cantilever lift may also work for you.  If you are in deep water 5’ or deeper, you will want to make sure the lift has long enough legs to accommodate or find the cost of longer lift legs. ​

Where To Find Used Boat Lifts

After determining what size and kind of boat lift you need the most efficient way to begin your search is on the internet.  You will want to find a lift close to your lake place as they can be difficult and or expensive to transport over the road.  The best place to start looking for a used boat lift is at Dock and Lift Dealers near your lake place, starting with their web site to see if they have a lift that looks like it may meet your needs. For instance, you can search through the available used docks and lifts on the Lake Area Docks & Lifts website on the Used Equipment page. There are a few advantages to purchasing a used lift from a dealer. First, most reputable dock and lift dealers will back up what they sell to you, if the lift has some issue, you did not uncover, they typically will be able to help in the repair.  They can also move the lift to your lake and install it {keep in mind if the lift is 10’ wide or over you should have an oversize permit.  You can also find out what used lifts are available in the weight and the size you need, and what price used lifts are selling for in your area.  Other places to look would be sites like Craigs List, Facebook Marketplace, and any other site that provides local listings. ​

Inspecting Used Boat Lifts Before Purchasing

Carefully inspect the used boat lift, raise it up and down, check to be sure the winch runs well, and the cables are in good shape.  Check the framework of the lift to make sure welds are in good shape and it is sturdy.  Bring a tape measure to be sure the inside width is at least one foot wider than your boat and if there is a canopy it is 1-2 feet longer than your boat.  Other things to look far include making sure the nuts and bolts on the lift still turn, and that the lift legs can be adjusted.  If the lift does have a canopy cover, what shape is it in, and what would be the approximate cost to replace the cover be.  Does the boat lift have a motor, if so, is it battery powered or plug in does the motor work, is it a type of motor still being sold in case it needs service.   ​

Transporting Used Boat Lifts

Transportation of the lift must be taken into consideration; how will you get the lift to the trailer and how will you get the lift to the lake shore.  The lift will need to fit through both yards (both the sellers and the purchasers) keeping in mind you may have a long canopy that needs to make it through trees and around sprinklers and septic systems.  If the outside width is over 10’ you should have an oversize permit.  ​

One final thing to consider in Minnesota is that the lift has to have been out of the water for at least 21 days before installing in a new body of water.  If you cannot transport and install the lift yourself, some dock installers offer it as a service, at an additional charge. ​