Selection & Sizing
Most lift regrets trace back to one of three decisions: a capacity rating chosen from the brochure dry weight, a frame material that does not suit the water, or a permit question asked after the lift was ordered. This section walks those decisions in the order a careful buyer makes them.
The capacity guide is the place to begin. Pair it with the capacity calculator so you are sizing from what your boat actually weighs with fuel, water, batteries and gear aboard.
Start here
- SelectionHow to Choose a Boat Lift: Decide in the Right OrderChoose a boat lift in the right order: water and site first, then lift type, capacity, power, materials and installer. Includes a decision table and costs.
- SelectionBoat Lift Capacity Sizing: How to Calculate the Lift You Actually NeedSize a boat lift from real loaded weight: fuel, ballast, batteries and gear plus a 15 to 25% margin. Worked examples: wake boat, tritoon, center console.
- SelectionBoat Lift Permits in the US: Who Regulates Your Lift and How to Get ApprovalDo you need a boat lift permit? How Army Corps, state, local and HOA approvals work, which projects usually need them, timelines, and how to confirm locally.
All selection & sizing guides
- Aluminum vs Galvanized Steel Boat Lifts: Which Frame Fits Your WaterAluminum vs galvanized steel boat lifts: weight, stiffness, corrosion in fresh and salt water, cost per year of service, and which fits your site and use.
- Boat Lift Accessories: What Each One Solves and Which Are Worth ItBoat lift accessories ranked by usefulness: guide posts, auto stops, remotes, catwalks, lights, boarding steps, covers, bunk slicks and wheel kits, with costs.
- Boat Lift Canopies: Sizing, Fabrics, Wind Loads and ClearanceHow to choose a boat lift canopy: frame styles, fabrics, sizing to the boat, tower clearance, wind and snow loads with worked numbers, costs and care in 2026.
- Boat Lift Materials: What Each Metal and Composite Does in the WaterHow boat lift materials behave in fresh, brackish and salt water: aluminum alloys, hot-dip galvanized steel, stainless, composites, wood and hardware choices.
- Boat Lift Warranties Explained: Coverage Tiers, Common Exclusions, and How to Compare ThemHow boat lift warranties are usually structured: frame, component and wear part coverage, pro-rating, labor, common exclusions, and how to file a claim.
- Boat Lift vs Trailer vs Mooring vs Dry Stack: Which Storage Wins Over 10 Years?Compare a boat lift, trailer, mooring, marina slip and dry stack on 10-year cost, hull care, convenience and storm risk, with every assumption stated.
- Buying a Used Boat Lift: How to Inspect It, Price It, and Avoid a Money PitHow to inspect and price a used boat lift: structure, welds, cables, gearbox, motor and bunks, plus true cost after parts and moving, with a scoring checklist.