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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2014
    Posts
    704

    Default Aluminum or galvanized boat lift

    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.

    Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk
    2016 Craz.
    Enzo bags.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Commerce Lake, MI
    Posts
    2,145

    Default

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


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    2017 Moomba Craz

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Keuka Lake, NY
    Posts
    7,692

    Default

    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
    A Day at the Lake...Priceless
    A Day in Powder...Endless


    Joe V
    2012 Möbius XLV~ Loaded & Exiled
    2007 Outback V ~ sold

  4. #4
    Join Date
    May 2016
    Location
    West Milwaukee, WI
    Posts
    283

    Default

    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.
    2004 Mobius LS - hooked on footin'
    Former tow: 1986 Chaparral 178 XL, 90hp Merc
    First tow: 197x Glasspar Citation, 135hp Merc

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Commerce Lake, MI
    Posts
    2,145

    Default

    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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    2017 Moomba Craz

  6. #6

    Default

    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.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Keuka Lake, NY
    Posts
    7,692

    Default

    Where are you located I have mine for sale in NY

    https://fingerlakes.craigslist.org/f...373336604.html
    A Day at the Lake...Priceless
    A Day in Powder...Endless


    Joe V
    2012 Möbius XLV~ Loaded & Exiled
    2007 Outback V ~ sold

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Nov 2014
    Posts
    704

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by jmvotto View Post
    Where are you located I have mine for sale in NY

    https://fingerlakes.craigslist.org/f...373336604.html
    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?

    Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk
    2016 Craz.
    Enzo bags.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Commerce Lake, MI
    Posts
    2,145

    Default

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


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    2017 Moomba Craz

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Commerce Lake, MI
    Posts
    2,145

    Default Aluminum or galvanized boat lift

    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


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    2017 Moomba Craz

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