Boat Lift Storage

[TXSurf4]

So the family lake house will be completed in a couple of months and construction on the boat house is about to begin. For those of you that store your boat on a lift on the water do you have any advice or tips? Do you have any moisture problems or how do you prevent them?

Also do you have any advice when it comes to the boat house its self? The overall layout is completed but are there things we should or shouldn't include?

[z28ke]

Congrats!!! This is our first summer with the boat on a lift and we are loving it!

For the storage room build it as big as possible lol.

I also recommend purchasing some good dock bumpers to protect the boat going into/out of the stall. It’s a small investment considering how much these boats cost. I’ll post some pics of some of the things I did around the dock next time I’m at the lake.

Here’s a similar thread I started with some others suggestions:


Boat Lift Use/Storage Suggestions
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/topic?share_fid=27865&share_tid=34895&share_pid=350118&url=https%3A%2F%2Fforum%2Emoomba%2Ecom%2Fshowpost% 2Ephp%3Fp%3D350118&share_type=t&link_source=app

[z28ke]

Here’s a couple I have on my phone:

23’ x 6’ sunshade I ordered off amazon to block the UV. I also have a 10’ x 8’ from harbor freight across the back now.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200722/3d55fc85bb4f5180e3dfdf6b24bb9cd5.jpg

Added some deck boards and a handrail so I can grill on the dock:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200722/d43a6e4748ac7c443a3e98c91601f2a4.jpg

Boardrack I built I the storage room:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200722/7cb9fffadb46090161fa6faf2d3d9df8.jpg

[TXSurf4]

Congrats!!! This is our first summer with the boat on a lift and we are loving it!

For the storage room build it as big as possible lol.

I also recommend purchasing some good dock bumpers to protect the boat going into/out of the stall. It’s a small investment considering how much these boats cost. I’ll post some pics of some of the things I did around the dock next time I’m at the lake.

Here’s a similar thread I started with some others suggestions:


Boat Lift Use/Storage Suggestions
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/topic?share_fid=27865&share_tid=34895&share_pid=350118&url=https%3A%2F%2Fforum%2Emoomba%2Ecom%2Fshowpost% 2Ephp%3Fp%3D350118&share_type=t&link_source=app


Here’s a couple I have on my phone:

23’ x 6’ sunshade I ordered off amazon to block the UV. I also have a 10’ x 8’ from harbor freight across the back now.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200722/3d55fc85bb4f5180e3dfdf6b24bb9cd5.jpg

Added some deck boards and a handrail so I can grill on the dock:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200722/d43a6e4748ac7c443a3e98c91601f2a4.jpg

Boardrack I built I the storage room:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200722/7cb9fffadb46090161fa6faf2d3d9df8.jpg

First let me say that I saw your post on the July thread and congratulations to you and your wife on the bun in the oven!! That is awesome!!


Thanks we are really looking forward to the completion of everything!

Designing the boat house has been interesting in finding out all of the restrictions the lake has lol. As far as the storage closet goes the largest we are "allowed" is a 3'x6' on the boat house. We are "allowed" to build up to an 1,000 sqft footprint not including the walk way out to the boat house its self. That being said we put a 6'x17' closet off of the garage to store all of the boards, jackets, tubes and fishing tackle.

For UV protection we are having a motorized UV shade installed over the slot for the Makai that will cover it on all 4 sides. We were hesitant at first as they are not cheap but after some research decided it was well worth the investment. I am all about keeping the boat in great shape and I know the UV shade will be huge in making that happen. We are having the slot for my fishing boat prewired for the UV shade as well as we might add it there later depending on how we like it on the Makai. (I have a feeling I will add it before construction is done lol)

What dock bumpers did you end up purchasing? How do you like them?

[ghebert1111]

What motorized UV shade did you install and if you don't mind saying, what was the total cost of the motorized UV shade .

[TXSurf4]

What motorized UV shade did you install and if you don't mind saying, what was the total cost of the motorized UV shade .

I don't recall the brand of the shade and it is not installed yet as the boat house construction is about to begin. I sent you a PM on pricing.

[zabooda]

Costco has the Sunsetter shade that I use in Arizona. Either crank down or motorized. They have set screws to take it off the mounts if you want to put it away for the winter.

[z28ke]

First let me say that I saw your post on the July thread and congratulations to you and your wife on the bun in the oven!! That is awesome!!


Thanks we are really looking forward to the completion of everything!

Designing the boat house has been interesting in finding out all of the restrictions the lake has lol. As far as the storage closet goes the largest we are "allowed" is a 3'x6' on the boat house. We are "allowed" to build up to an 1,000 sqft footprint not including the walk way out to the boat house its self. That being said we put a 6'x17' closet off of the garage to store all of the boards, jackets, tubes and fishing tackle.

For UV protection we are having a motorized UV shade installed over the slot for the Makai that will cover it on all 4 sides. We were hesitant at first as they are not cheap but after some research decided it was well worth the investment. I am all about keeping the boat in great shape and I know the UV shade will be huge in making that happen. We are having the slot for my fishing boat prewired for the UV shade as well as we might add it there later depending on how we like it on the Makai. (I have a feeling I will add it before construction is done lol)

What dock bumpers did you end up purchasing? How do you like them?

Thanks, we are very excited and he/she should be old enough to go on the boat by next summer!

I’m interested in the info on the motorized shade you got as well if you don’t mind pm’ing me?

I went with a combination of a few types of bumpers, probably a bit overkill but better safe than sorry lol.

These in black for the sides: https://www.overtons.com/dockmate-dock-bumper-fender-300248.html?cgid=straight-bumper#start=1&cgid=anchoring-docking%2Fdock-bumpers-edging%2Fstraight-bumper

These in black for the corners: https://www.overtons.com/anchoring-docking/dock-bumpers-edging/corner-bumper

A big one mounted vertically for a bow stop that I don’t see on overton’s now for some reason (but I’ll take some pics)

A couple corner of these in black for the stall entrance (were available on amazon at the time but not anymore): https://hullrocker.com

And I used some of this in various places: Dimex EasyFlex Plastic P-Profile Dock Edging https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BNI4HB0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_T.kgFb6RRJNY0

[TXSurf4]

Thanks, we are very excited and he/she should be old enough to go on the boat by next summer!

I’m interested in the info on the motorized shade you got as well if you don’t mind pm’ing me?

I went with a combination of a few types of bumpers, probably a bit overkill but better safe than sorry lol.

These in black for the sides: https://www.overtons.com/dockmate-dock-bumper-fender-300248.html?cgid=straight-bumper#start=1&cgid=anchoring-docking%2Fdock-bumpers-edging%2Fstraight-bumper

These in black for the corners: https://www.overtons.com/anchoring-docking/dock-bumpers-edging/corner-bumper

A big one mounted vertically for a bow stop that I don’t see on overton’s now for some reason (but I’ll take some pics)

A couple corner of these in black for the stall entrance (were available on amazon at the time but not anymore): https://hullrocker.com

And I used some of this in various places: Dimex EasyFlex Plastic P-Profile Dock Edging https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BNI4HB0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_T.kgFb6RRJNY0

That is awesome man! My wife and I have a 2.5 year old daughter and boating last year with her was a blast!! Our son was born 6 weeks ago so this season we haven't made it out as much as we hoped to but it works out with everything we have going on. Hopefully we will make it out for Labor Day and the rest of the season but we are really looking forward to next season when all the construction is complete!

Thanks for sharing all the bumpers you used. I am definitely going to pick some up. The company that manufactures the boat lifts we are using is local to us and they also make these 6' tall rubber rollers that we are having installed. They mount them on the steel posts of the dock at the corners of the stall entrance and then about 1/3 of the way in and they are supposed to be really awesome at protecting the boat and the dock when entering and exiting. I wish I had a picture of them but I forgot to take pictures when I was at their facility. I will send you a PM on the motorized shade.

[z28ke]

Congrats on your little one!

Yea I believe they call those a “dock wheel” and should do the job. I looked into them but the ones I found online didn’t have the best reviews for longevity. Here’s some pics:

Bow bumper:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200726/7186f10e8a5ba7f0ff32461682593ded.jpg


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200726/3540adf7e49460a7664fd8b6a522ec02.jpg


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200726/00a2d511e8641f1b15c5ee37338ecddc.jpg

[z28ke]

Here’s what I did on the side dock. Makes it easy to pull up and throw the bungees on if we are coming in for lunch or fill the cooler. No need to mess with bumpers or dock lines.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200726/0e453f0c88bd8b1781d150f3997ed8e3.jpg

I’ll take some pics of a few of my storage solutions to share later today.

[TXSurf4]

Congrats on your little one!

Yea I believe they call those a “dock wheel” and should do the job. I looked into them but the ones I found online didn’t have the best reviews for longevity. Here’s some pics:

Bow bumper:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200726/7186f10e8a5ba7f0ff32461682593ded.jpg


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200726/3540adf7e49460a7664fd8b6a522ec02.jpg


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200726/00a2d511e8641f1b15c5ee37338ecddc.jpg


Here’s what I did on the side dock. Makes it easy to pull up and throw the bungees on if we are coming in for lunch or fill the cooler. No need to mess with bumpers or dock lines.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200726/0e453f0c88bd8b1781d150f3997ed8e3.jpg

I’ll take some pics of a few of my storage solutions to share later today.

Your setup looks great!! The rollers I am speaking of aren't dock wheels as I saw those on google. I will try to find a picture of them today and post it up. Great idea for the side of your dock too!!

[z28ke]

Life jacket storage above the board rack, bought these hangers: New! Life Jacket Hanger, Storage- Life Preserver, Life Vest Hanger & Storage, Life Jacket Dryer, Drying Rack, Drying Hangers (Set of 5 Hangers); Boating Hanger & Storage (Black (Set of 10)) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DFPV23H/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_PFbjFbFBKPPVP

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200731/82799642658c6c268b1a63fd3f265f6b.jpg


Put these up for hanging wet life jackets: Laundry Hanger Dryer Rack Folding Wall Mount Clothes Hanger Laundry Room Clothes Hanger Wall Mounted Clothes Hanger Black Wall Hangers for Clothes Stainless Steel Laundry Hangers Wall Mount 2 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081VYNMRM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_aJbjFbAXS31F0

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200731/c0fc0cc77849ddb22aabd693975140e2.jpg


I put a killer (but fairly inexpensive) stereo on the dock complete with 12” sub too, and sent WiFi down to it from the house so we can use an echo dot to control the music. No telling how many times my dad has told Alexa to play “pontoon” this summer lol. Even the kids enjoy DJing. I’ll take some pics of the stereo setup this weekend.

[TXSurf4]

Life jacket storage above the board rack, bought these hangers: New! Life Jacket Hanger, Storage- Life Preserver, Life Vest Hanger & Storage, Life Jacket Dryer, Drying Rack, Drying Hangers (Set of 5 Hangers); Boating Hanger & Storage (Black (Set of 10)) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DFPV23H/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_PFbjFbFBKPPVP

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200731/82799642658c6c268b1a63fd3f265f6b.jpg


Put these up for hanging wet life jackets: Laundry Hanger Dryer Rack Folding Wall Mount Clothes Hanger Laundry Room Clothes Hanger Wall Mounted Clothes Hanger Black Wall Hangers for Clothes Stainless Steel Laundry Hangers Wall Mount 2 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081VYNMRM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_aJbjFbAXS31F0

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200731/c0fc0cc77849ddb22aabd693975140e2.jpg


I put a killer (but fairly inexpensive) stereo on the dock complete with 12” sub too, and sent WiFi down to it from the house so we can use an echo dot to control the music. No telling how many times my dad has told Alexa to play “pontoon” this summer lol. Even the kids enjoy DJing. I’ll take some pics of the stereo setup this weekend.

Those hangers are awesome! I will definitely be picking some of those up! I am really torn on how I want to store our boards though. I am putting them in the closet off of the garage so I have room to do horizontal racks but a vertical one like yours definitely takes up less room.

I am having to plan everything out on the boat house now as the structure is all steel so adding things later on will be a little more difficult. I am having my contractor weld on pieces of 3" flat bar where I am wanting to locate things like your drying rack. I am already doing this for 2 retractable extension cord reels for charging the boats as well as the fans I am putting down there so if you have any other convenient things like that I appreciate the input. I am just trying to get it all covered so it turns out very clean.

That is awesome about your sound system on your Boat House!! I am really hoping our wifi will make it out to ours because I am planning to use a Sonos unit down there for music and my cameras will be on wifi too. Did you have to do anything special to get your wifi out there? I am planning to use the Nest Wifi Router and Points to try to get mine to reach.

[z28ke]

All steel?! That is legit!

I used a linksys re6500hg WiFi extender on the back porch of the house, and then hooked a Remo WiFi antenna to one of the antenna ports on the back and pointed it towards the dock. Probably not as good as a point to point setup would be but this gets us by. I also used the same antenna on the security camera on the dock to send that signal to the house.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200802/1d1b691114c61d1547933932b1e347e1.jpg


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200802/5d132c53531d8ba51be979e463f56ff1.jpg

[TXSurf4]

All steel?! That is legit!

I used a linksys re6500hg WiFi extender on the back porch of the house, and then hooked a Remo WiFi antenna to one of the antenna ports on the back and pointed it towards the dock. Probably not as good as a point to point setup would be but this gets us by. I also used the same antenna on the security camera on the dock to send that signal to the house.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200802/1d1b691114c61d1547933932b1e347e1.jpg


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200802/5d132c53531d8ba51be979e463f56ff1.jpg

Ya I would say 95% if all of the boat houses on our lake are steel just the way the 2 builders do them. I am sure they have their reasoning but we didn’t ask.

Okay that is all good to know on the wifi [emoji1360] do you happen know or have a guess as to the linear distance between the back of your house/patio and your dock?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[TXSurf4]

So a little update here... the boat house is almost complete!! There are a few little finishing touches they are having to do from our punch list but i would say we are 95% done!! Got the boats put up this weekend and it definitely feels great!! I still have a few little projects of my own to complete like mounting my extension cord reels for charging, putting up the fan and speakers, installing the fishing lights, installing the shock protection system and trimming out the closet with shelves for some storage. But here are a few pics from this weekend. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210405/5005554f8d9ceab2f2ee687501701d0e.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210405/d2364c74c318ae7d9bddaf7285254af4.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210405/0c1e4e53e504aa0246aaabcf81727d3e.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210405/6b7ae0e5c0b251b34d4d19e601dfae5e.jpg




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[TXSurf4]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210405/af9fb5ff6dc0db53a748534a3bc06fda.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210405/985bcf0c78522e3cb2b9043cab0b2d9f.jpg

The wifi was strong enough from the house to just add another mesh point on the boat house and get the camera set up

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210405/352f286b32512935293fc02cbaf2e204.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[TXSurf4]

Congrats on your little one!

Yea I believe they call those a “dock wheel” and should do the job. I looked into them but the ones I found online didn’t have the best reviews for longevity. Here’s some pics:


Here is a pic of the rollers we ended up with. I am considering a second set of smaller diameter ones for the next post in but we will see. For the time being I just ordered a set of post bumpers to see how I like them for inside the slip. We don’t have any good spots other than posts for bumpers bc on occasion in the winter the north wind can kick up a decent chop and will just knock any lower boards off so our contractor doesn’t even install them.


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210406/88df3075a5819e9b23e374dd506934db.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210406/4a8ebeb161b0474c518db140f1033b46.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210406/9f19f3bb655ab037238914f2a3cad856.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[rdlangston13]

I like your steel piles. I think it looks much cleaner than having everything done out of wood. Very nice!

Not having the lower boards below the deck of the boat house can be a huge pain as the boat can try to go under the dock. No boat houses on Livingston have them but every boat house on Conroe does. I never could figure out why. We added two 2x12s to my father in laws boat house on one side so I tie up to the side and have something for the bumpers to push off of.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[TXSurf4]

I like your steel piles. I think it looks much cleaner than having everything done out of wood. Very nice!

Not having the lower boards below the deck of the boat house can be a huge pain as the boat can try to go under the dock. No boat houses on Livingston have them but every boat house on Conroe does. I never could figure out why. We added two 2x12s to my father in laws boat house on one side so I tie up to the side and have something for the bumpers to push off of.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks! Ya we are really excited at how well it is turning out. The top deck is Trex as well so that with the steel piles finishes very clean.

We have friends with a lake house on Conroe on open water and they have their lower boards pop off about once a year depending on the water level. Our contractor said that if he put them on we would be calling him at least once a year bc they popped off. It is a relatively calm lake but when the cold fronts push through and the North wind whips it can create quite a chop since we are on the south side of the lake. For other boats that show up we are going to put bumpers on the piles off of the deck for them to rest against when loading and unloading and then just use whips to tie them up.