Usually it is better to buy a lift that is longer than the deck of your boat. This allows you to use the bow stops to help you dock your boat. In addition, you will then have a longer lift for the bigger boat you will probably buy in the future.
2.
It is acceptable to use a shorter lift and will save you some money. However, it is a little harder to dock on a shorter lift. The front and the rear of the boat should hang off the lift equally.
Q
Can I mount the winch on either side of the lift?
A
1.
New Style, Smooth Sided Winches: Yes.
2.
Old Style, Fluted or "Ruffles" Sided Winches: Must be modified before they can be moved. Otherwise the winch will be mounted upside down and the lift won't stay up.
Modification: Remove the mounting channel from the end of the winch and reattach it to the other end. This requires removal and reinstallation of 4 carriage bolts. Make certain that the slot in the mounting channel stays opposite the drum.
Q
Why won't my winch stay up?
A
1.
The winch may be wound backwards. Clockwise: up. Counterclockwise: down.
2.
If you have a fluted or "ruffles" sided winch, it may be mounted upside down. (see 2. above)
Q
Can I use just one pair of legs to raise the back of my lift higher?
A
Maybe. The bottom of the lift needs to be supported every 8', so it may be necessary to add more than 1 set of legs.
Q
How do I tell which model lift I have?
A
We have built 2 styles of Cantilever Pontoon Lifts. The wide lift was built for old style pontoon boats with small diameter (17"-19") pontoons. The narrower, taller lifts we now build are for new pontoon boats with large diameter pontoons.
to determine which lift you have.
To download a printable version of these FAQs including lift identification
