Aluminum or galvanized boat lift

[mattsask]

As the title states. We're in the market for a boat lift. Aluminum lifts are more than twice the price of comparable steel lifts. I can have the steel lift cold galvanized for roughly $300, and I'm in fresh water, but I'm unsure of the lifespan of submerged galvanized vs aluminum. Keep in mind our season is only 5 months long.

My dad had both steel and aluminum lifts for his boats over the years, and both had their pros and cons. The steel lifts were always way more solid, but I do remember the odd repair/scab job over the years because of rust. That being said, his were never galvanized, just painted.
Do aluminum lifts really last the test of time?
Should I just bite the bullet now and go aluminum so I never have to buy another lift?
Will the galvanized hold up for decades of use?

So many questions... bring on the discussion.

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[Stazi]

Buy once cry once. Go full aluminum. That's what I have as my lake has high iron levels.


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[jmvotto]

AL is the way to go and much lighter if you have to remove every season due to ice.
10 years strong on mine and just some normal cable replacement and slight discoloration below the water line . sits in fresh water from may til october

[Darter]

As far as longevity of AL, we just gave a hand-me-down lift to a neighbor that is about 28 years old and still going strong. Only the cables, winch, and bunk carpet have ever been replaced on it. The boats stored on it have always been over capacity, so it's been abused. It's a 2000lb Hewitt, for what that's worth.

[Stazi]

And go bigger (weight rating) than you think. All the boats are just getting heavier. Had a 4000lb and after two snapped cables said enough and got a 6600lb for my Craz.


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[yukon2007]

Aluminum, aluminium, aluminum. Based on where you are go with Marine Master. Is a local company and a top notch product. I’m in the business, seen them all and this one is one of the best. I have all of their stuff and can attest to it. Call them and ask for Don. Tell them Gil referred you.

[jmvotto]

Where are you located I have mine for sale in NY

https://fingerlakes.craigslist.org/for/d/boat-lift-hoist-4000lb/6373336604.html

[mattsask]

Where are you located I have mine for sale in NY

https://fingerlakes.craigslist.org/for/d/boat-lift-hoist-4000lb/6373336604.htmlDamn. That's a bit far for me and I was hoping to find a lift with a capacity of 5000 or greater for the craz. Does anyone know if the actual structure is heavier on the larger capacity lifts or if it's just the cables that are larger?

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[Stazi]

The cradles and frame are beefier as well as the cables.


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[Stazi]

I went with the Hewitt 6600lb for my Craz. Built it and installed it myself. Mine stays in the water year round as I am in a canal and no fear of moving ice crushing it,like what can happen out on the main body of the lake. All those guys on the lake have to pull theirs out every fall, or the ice can twist it like a pretzel when it moves


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[jmvotto]

Damn. That's a bit far for me and I was hoping to find a lift with a capacity of 5000 or greater for the craz. Does anyone know if the actual structure is heavier on the larger capacity lifts or if it's just the cables that are larger?

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They are usually rated for some over capacity , but the frames and cables and motor are based on boat weights. I bought my pontoon lift and it was rerated 750lbs heavier by the marina somehow ???? probably cables

[mattsask]

Gotcha. Is there a standardized rating system or does each manufacturer have the freedom to choose their own rating?

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[Stazi]

No standard. All depends on how heavy duty the frame and cables are.


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