Bunks & Cradles
The cradle is the only part of the lift that touches the boat, so it decides whether the hull is supported along its strong points or levered across a few hard spots. Good bunk setup also makes the difference between a boat that centers itself on every approach and one that needs three tries in a crosswind.
Start here
- Bunks & CradlesBoat Lift Bunks and Cradles: How the Part That Touches Your Hull Should WorkHow boat lift bunks and cradles carry your hull: cradle types, bunk length and placement, load paths, matching cradles to boat types, and signs of a poor fit.
- Bunks & CradlesAdjusting Boat Lift Bunks for Your Hull: Deadrise, Strakes, Pontoon Tubes, Spacing, and HeightSet boat lift bunks for V-hulls, pads, strakes, and pontoon tubes: deadrise math for bunk height, spacing, angle, load bearing points, and keel clearance.
- Bunks & CradlesBoat Lift Bunk Board Replacement: Lumber, Carpet, Fasteners, and the InstallReplace boat lift bunk boards: when they are done, lumber grade, carpet, fasteners, isolating treated wood from aluminum, install steps, time, and 2026 costs.
All bunks & cradles guides
- Boat Lift Bunk Materials Compared: Treated Wood, Carpet, Poly Slicks, Aluminum, and CompositesCompare boat lift bunk materials: treated wood, marine carpet, poly slicks, aluminum, and composites, with lifespan, cost per foot, and best water types.
- Boat Lift Guide Posts and V-Sides: Getting the Boat Onto the Cradle in the Same Spot Every TimeHow to set boat lift guide posts and V-sides: inside width from beam, post height for water swings, padding, bow stops, PWC V-side angles, and wind tips.