For pontoon boat owners, having a lift to keep your boat securely out of the water can be a great convenience and a great way to ensure your boat is safe.
But how exactly do you put a pontoon boat on a lift? This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of measuring your pontoon boat, attaching a bowline, using a winch to pull the boat onto the lift, and more.
You’ll also get tips for ensuring the lift is secure and additional considerations for installing a pontoon boat lift.
Let’s get started!.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
To put a pontoon boat on a lift, you will need to secure the boat to the lift’s lift arms.
Start by attaching the front of the boat to the lift and then attach the back of the boat to the lift.
Make sure the boat is centered on the lift before raising it.
Once the boat is securely attached and centered, you can use the lift’s motor to raise the boat out of the water.
Measuring Your Pontoon Boat
Before attempting to put your pontoon boat on a lift, it’s important to take the time to measure it.
Not only will this help ensure that the lift you’re using is able to accommodate the size of your boat, but it will also help you make sure that your lift is properly balanced when it’s time to secure the boat.
First, measure the width of your boat and make sure that it’s within the width capacity of your lift.
Next, measure the height of your boat, ensuring that it’s not too tall for the lift.
Once you’ve determined that your boat will fit, you can move on to the next step in the process.
Attaching a Bowline
Attaching a Bowline is an important step in putting a pontoon boat on a lift.
First, you must measure the boats width and height to make sure the lift will be able to accommodate it.
Then, you must attach a bowline to the boat.
This involves threading a loop of strong rope through a gap in the boat, such as a cleat or a hole in the side.
Make sure the rope is tight and secure so it won’t slip off.
Once the bowline is attached, you can begin to pull the boat onto the lift.
Use a winch to carefully pull the boat onto the lift, making sure to keep the rope tight and secure.
This should take some time, so be patient and use caution.
Once the pontoon boat is in place, use straps to secure it to the lift.
Make sure the lift is properly balanced and that all of the straps are tight before moving on.
With these steps, youll be able to safely and easily put your pontoon boat on a lift.
Using a Winch to Pull the Boat Onto the Lift
Using a winch to pull the boat onto the lift is an essential step in the process.
First, it is important to attach a bowline to the boat.
This is done by tying a loop in the end of a rope and then attaching it to the bow of the boat.
Once the bowline is in place, the winch can be used to slowly and carefully pull the boat onto the lift.
As the boat is pulled up, it is important to make sure the lift doesn’t become unbalanced.
This is done by monitoring the position of the lift and adjusting it as needed.
Once the boat is in place, it should be secured with straps to ensure it is secure and safe.
With these steps, you’ll be able to easily and safely put your pontoon boat on a lift.
Securing the Boat With Straps
Once your pontoon boat is in place on the lift, it’s important to secure it with straps.
The straps should be placed around the boat’s frame and tightened securely.
Depending on the size and shape of your boat, you may need to use multiple straps.
Make sure to double check the straps to ensure they are tight and secure before moving on.
When it comes to choosing straps, it is important to select ones that are strong and durable enough to hold your boat in place.
If you are using a lift that is designed for larger boats, you may need to use heavier-duty straps.
Make sure to consult with the manufacturer of your lift to determine the best type of straps for your situation.
In addition to securing the boat with straps, you may also want to consider using a set of bumper guides to help keep the boat in place.
These guides are specifically designed to fit around the edges of your pontoon boat and are great for keeping it in place while on the lift.
Once your pontoon boat is securely strapped and the bumpers are in place, you can be sure it is safe and secure while it is on the lift.
With these steps, you’ll be able to easily and safely put your pontoon boat on a lift.
Balancing the Lift
Once your pontoon boat is securely attached to the lift and ready for use, the last step is to make sure the lift is properly balanced.
This will not only help make sure the boat is stable and secure, but it will also help with overall safety when loading and unloading the boat.
The best way to balance the lift is to make sure it is level.
This can be done by using a carpenter’s level to check the vertical and horizontal angles of the lift arm.
You can also make sure the lift is level by checking the water level at the dock.
If the boat is leaning or off-balance, use a come-along or ratchet strap to adjust the lift arm until it is level.
Once the lift is level, you need to make sure the boat is properly attached.
This can be done by using ratchet straps or chains attached to the boat’s cleats and then secured to the lift.
Make sure there is no slack in the straps or chains, as this could cause the boat to shift or move while it is on the lift.
Once the boat is properly secured and the lift is level, it is safe to use.
As you use the lift, be sure to check the straps or chains periodically to make sure they are still secure.
This will help ensure that the boat is safe and secure while it is on the lift.
Tips for Ensuring the Lift is Secure
Once your pontoon boat is in place on the lift, its important to ensure that it is secure.
To do this, youll want to make sure that the lift is properly balanced.
If the lift is not level, the pontoon boat may not be secure and it could be at risk of shifting or falling off.
Its important to check that the lift is level before you attach any straps or secure the boat.
In addition, youll also want to make sure that the lift is properly secured to its anchors.
If the lift is not securely anchored, it could be at risk of shifting or becoming unbalanced, which could put your pontoon boat in danger.
Its a good idea to check the anchors regularly to make sure theyre still secure.
Finally, youll want to use straps to secure the pontoon boat to the lift.
Make sure the straps are tight and secure, and that theyre properly secured to the boat and the lift.
This will help ensure that the boat is safe and secure while its on the lift.
Its also a good idea to check the straps regularly to make sure theyre still secure.
Additional Considerations for Installing a Pontoon Boat Lift
In addition to the steps above, there are a few other factors to consider before installing a pontoon boat lift.
Many pontoon boat owners opt for a hydraulic lift, which can be more expensive than a manual lift but offers more stability and easier operation.
Additionally, you’ll want to make sure the lift is properly installed in order to ensure your pontoon boat is secure.
Consider enlisting the help of a professional if you don’t feel comfortable doing the installation process yourself.
When selecting a pontoon boat lift, you’ll also need to consider the weight of your vessel.
Heavy-duty lifts are available to accommodate larger boats, and you’ll want to make sure the lift is rated to handle the weight of your pontoon boat.
You’ll also want to consider the lift’s installation locationmaking sure the area is level and free of debris.
Finally, you’ll want to make sure you have all the necessary tools and supplies to safely and securely install the lift.
Overall, installing a pontoon boat lift is a great way to ensure your vessel is secure when not in use.
Following the steps outlined above and considering the additional factors discussed will help you get your pontoon boat up and running on a lift in no time.
Final Thoughts
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily and safely install a pontoon boat lift.
Don’t forget the additional considerations, such as making sure the lift is securely balanced and is able to withstand the weight of the boat.
With careful planning and execution, you can ensure that your pontoon boat lift will be strong and secure for years to come.
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and get your pontoon boat lift installed today!.