Prolonged water exposure is a sure-shot catalyst that can damage your boat. Hence, watercraft owners are wise to use a boat lift. A boat lift is essential for your watercraft to stay balanced above water, bring it up for maintenance, or even transfer your boat. You can do this right if your boat lift has the precise capacity your watercraft needs. But how do you determine the correct boat lift capacity?
The configuration mainly depends upon a few factors such as dry weight, wet weight, fuel tank and other non-factory and personal additions. Here is a detailed list that will assist you in determining the correct boat lift capacity.
Dry Weight
The dry weight of your boat is measured when your boat is without any fluids or other boat accessories, just like it comes from the factories to you. You can easily get this weight by checking out the specification sheet or brochure given to you when you purchase your boat. If you have a hard time finding one, check out the NADA Guides that will help you find your boat specifications.
Wet Weight
As you determine the dry weight, you can move on to measure the wet weight. The wet weight of your boat is estimated by the type, temperature and blend of the fuel. Gasoline weighs approximately 0.72 kilograms per liter, which, when multiplied by the fuel tank capacity, will give you the weight of a full tank that will add to your boat’s overall weight.
Water Weights
If your watercraft has one or multiple water tanks and live wells, the weight of the water would be another determining factor when weighing for boat lift capacity. The estimation of water weight is around 0.96 kilogram per liter. Keep in mind the water tanks, fresh water tanks and live wells. Much like the gasoline tank, you can calculate the overall weight of these tanks by multiplying the figure above.
Other Weights
While going on an adventure, your boat should readily produce equipment such as fishing accessories, bimini tops, extra seating, generators/AC, wakeboard towers, coolers and more. This all adds up to the weight of your boat, which should be taken into account when figuring out the boat lift capacity.
Length of the Cradle Beam
To find the correct capacity of the lift, you will need to measure the boat’s beam. The beam is typically the widest portion of your boat. Once you complete measuring the beam, ensure that you have a 12-inch or 4-inch cushion on both end-sides of the beam.
Water Conditions
Water conditions also act as estimating factors while choosing an appropriate boat lift. You need to measure the low tide water depth so that you can have enough draft that would allow your watercraft to settle from a safe distance above the water.
You would want a boat lift that will accommodate your boat perfectly and support it immaculately. Beachside Docks is your go-to destination for such boat lifts. Find the best configuration and capacity of the lifts made from sturdy and top-grade materials that would be the perfect support for your precious watercraft.