Choosing the Right Lift For Your Dock
Adding a Boat Lift to Your Dock in the Midwest? Here’s Everything You Need to Know From the Experts at Mac’s Docks!
As every lakeside property owner knows, your boat or personal watercraft deserves the best care and protection. After hours of gliding across the waters of the Midwest, it is necessary for your water vehicle to have a safe haven at the end of the day. Over time, the hull and paint job of your boat can deteriorate from prolonged time in the water, exposure to algae growth, and jolting around the dock in inclement weather conditions. Adding a lift to your Midwestern dock can resolve all these issues and more! It’s only a matter of choosing the right kind of boat lift for your dock and working with a trusted contractor. Mac’s Docks, a longtime dock builder in Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, and surrounding regions, will give you a comprehensive overview and valuable advice to ensure you invest your money into the perfect dock lift.
What is a boat lift & what is its purpose for your Midwestern dock?
A boat or personal watercraft lift is a device meant for holding your water vehicle just above the waterline. Boat lifts are a common addition to docks because they offer an easy way for boarding, protect your vehicle from water damage, and allow lakeside owners better access for cleaning. With a quality dock lift, you can save hundreds of dollars on boat maintenance and spend more time out on the water with your friends and family!
There are two main types of lifts you can add to your dock in the Midwest: manual lifts and electric lifts. Manual boat lifts typically have a system of pulleys and cables for putting the boat in and out of the water. In this case, the owner physically uses a crank or wheel to adjust the level of the boat lift. On the other hand, electric lifts use a power source to move your boat or personal watercraft up and down. As you learn more about different types of lifts for your dock in the Midwest, you will come closer to making the best choice for your specific set of needs. Whether you choose a manual or electric boat lift, always make sure to call a seasoned dock contractor for the job!
Why you should hire a professional for dock lift installation in Missouri, Iowa, & Kansas
While you’re searching through boat lift options in the Midwest, it is of the utmost importance to appoint a dock builder with several years of experience and credentials. Adding a lift to your dock is a big investment, and nobody wants to spend hours on a project without getting their money’s worth. Professional dock contractors across Missouri, Iowa, and Kansas are familiar with all the intricacies that come with lift installation, from the strongest materials to the safest building practices. Mac’s Docks has been helping families build their dockside lifts for well over a decade, working with reputable partners to bring you the highest quality dock additions. Learn more about the benefits of working with an accomplished dock contractor before you begin building!
Why you should avoid DIY dock lift construction for docks in the Midwest
Because dock additions are typically an expensive and time-consuming process, you may be tempted to grab a tool box and do it all by yourself. Building a boat lift in the Midwest with amateur or even moderate construction skills can put you in the way of danger. It requires a good amount of heavy lifting, and if not built properly, your water vehicle could face damages beyond the cost of hiring a professional. Additionally, there are different guidelines for dock construction that can vary state by state, and you could unintentionally violate these regulations in a DIY dock lift project. For convenience and safety’s sake, it is better to call on a dock building expert in the Midwest.
Different styles of boat lifts for docks in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa & surrounding locations
No two lake docks are exactly the same. With so many different sizes, layouts, and environments across the Midwest, there are a variety of water vehicle lifts to choose from. Your dock lift should be able to support the weight and length of your boat or personal watercraft, operate in and out of the water with ease, and last for multiple summers. Consider the different types of dock lifts and determine which one will best float your boat (literally and figuratively).
Floating dock lifts
A floating dock lift is a buoyant platform that supports your water vehicle on a set of chambers filled with air. The lift stays submerged in the lake while your boat or personal watercraft fits perfectly and stays above the waterline. Floating dock lifts come with multiple benefits for Midwestern dock owners. They adapt to fluctuating water levels, they are easy to use and operate, there is little maintenance required, and you can conveniently drive onto the lift when you’ve returned from a day of lakeside fun! If you own a larger dockside in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, or surrounding areas, the floating dock lift is a nifty choice for easily boarding and unboarding your water vehicle.
Standing lifts
A bottom standing lift is made up of a frame that holds your boat or personal watercraft from the bottom. These standing lifts come in both electric and manual options, and they are a common choice for lakeside properties in the Midwest. For a bottom standing lift to be installed, the support beams must be able to reach the seafloor, and they are usually installed to the side of the dock. So, if your dock is located on fairly shallow water no deeper than about 9 feet, this is a low-cost option for keeping your prized water vehicle high and dry above the water.
Piling mount lifts
If you prefer your boat lift to be attached directly to the dock of your lakefront, piling mount lifts are considerably popular. Most piling mount lifts are operated with electric power for an easy rise or descend into the water. One of the highlights of a piling mount lift is that it accommodates many different structures of water vehicles, and it can be installed on a lake of nearly any depth. They are also highly resistant to windy weather, waves, and other obstacles that may get in the way. This is a great dock addition for heavier boats in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, and neighboring lake areas!
Shore mounted lifts
Shore mounted dock lifts are perhaps the most simple of lift options for lakeside owners in the Midwest. It is a ramp connecting from the lake to the dock for parking your boat, which is then pulled up along the surface and out of the water using a winch. This lift is most fitting for particularly shallow waters that don’t have a steep dropoff. They are hassle-free to install, generally low cost, and easy to maintain. If you own a smaller dock and need a safer option for children, pets, and people with disabilities to enter and exit the boat, shore-mounted lifts may be right for you.
The Most Important Factors of Choosing Your Dock Lift in the Midwest
Choose a lift for your Midwestern dock capable of holding the weight & length of your water vehicle
Whether you’re installing a floating dock lift or a piling mount lift, it is most important that it matches the dimensions of your personal watercraft or boat. If weight and length are not properly measured, you can damage both the lift, the water vehicle, and even the dock itself! Keep your future purchase plans in mind as well when choosing the size of a dock lift in Missouri, Kansas, or Iowa in case you replace your current boat for a larger vehicle. The experts at Mac’s Docks will measure your boat or personal watercraft and install the perfect lift for all your summer activities by the lake!
The depth of the lake in Missouri, Iowa, or Kansas where you will install your boat lift
Unfortunately, some boat lifts or personal water lifts cannot be installed in certain environments. For example, bottom standing lifts are not suitable for docks located in deep waters. Where one type of dock lift is best for one lakefront, it may be the worst option for another. When Mac’s Docks visits your Midwestern dock property, we’ll take a thorough look at the environment surrounding your marina to help you determine the most efficient type of lift for your water vehicle, give you an accurate estimate, and develop a construction timeline.
Check your region’s dock guidelines to make sure there are no rules prohibiting your boat lift construction in the Midwest
Both private and public waters have a set of rules and regulations for building certain types of dock lifts, and they all vary across Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, and other communities. There could be restrictions of the lift’s height, permit requirements, and a number of other rules set in place, and it is essential that your Midwestern dock meets the criteria. Luckily, Mac’s Docks has diverse knowledge of docking guidelines from years of building dock additions across several regions in the country. Our dock contractors will make sure your lift is safely installed and compliant with local regulations!
The quality of materials is important when choosing a lift for your Midwestern dock
Since boat lifts are constantly in or near the water, a large factor in making the right choice is the materials used. Certain materials are susceptible to UV damage, corrosion, and rust, so your dock lift should be composed of the strongest elements. Mac’s Docks incorporates durable galvanized steel into many of our dock construction projects to ensure your lift lasts season through season. We also collaborate with reputable suppliers such as Wave Armor and Poly Lift Boat Lifts by Hydro Systems, Inc to achieve the highest quality possible for lakeside owners in the Midwest.
Ready to Make the Right Choice for Your Dock Lift? Call Mac’s Docks Today! We Offer Dock Lift Installations in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, & More Areas Across the Country
You should have the chance to enjoy more summers with your boat or personal watercraft on the Midwestern waters, and a quality lift can make it possible. For the integrity of your water vehicle, the cost of cleanup and maintenance, and the safety of your dock guests, adding a boat lift will make all the difference! Mac’s Docks is the perfect team of dock contractors with decades of experience and exemplary customer service for your dock lift installation. Whether you reside by the Missouri lakes or near Iowa ponds, we’re here to serve dock owners across the country. Give us a call today, tell us where you’re from, and our team will be eager to discuss your dock addition plans in the Midwest.
