Question 1

How do I know which model lift I have?

Accepted Answer

Your lift should have a model and serial number label located on the cradle. The model should start with LSV + 5 digits (first two denote weight capacity: example 40=4000 lbs, next three are beam width: example 108=108")+ 1 to 3 letter code (this denotes series and type).

If you can't find the tag please use the flow chart below.
 
If your lift does not match the above, you may have an older model as shown below.

Question 2

How should my boat be positioned on my lift?

Accepted Answer

Most boat lifts (including ours)  are designed to carry the weight of the boat evenly between the front  and rear cradle. Putting most of the weight on either the front or rear  is actually overloading the lift. 
Except for straight inboard, most boats are very stern heavy. So the boat needs to be positioned on the lift so that  much more bow than stern is sticking off of the lift.

Question 3

What is the difference between B and C style lifts?

Question 4

Will this lift work in shallow water? Or deep water?

Accepted Answer

Yes. See diagram below.

Minimum water depth using no legs is 19" on V cradle and 25.5" on straight cradle. Assuming a boat draft of 16". *

Minimum water depth using legs is 26.5" on V cradle and 30" on straight cradle. Assuming a boat draft of 16". *

Maximum water depth using the 36" "stock" legs is 89" on V cradle and 95" on straight cradle. Longer legs available. *
 
* These are absolute minimum and maximum depths and not recommendations.
Waves and wind and water level fluctuations might make these minimums and maximums impractical. Talk to your dealer about your situation.

Question 5

How should I place my bunks to support my boat?

Accepted Answer

WARNING : NEVER ADJUST BUNKS WHILE BOAT IS ON LIFT.

Determine proper location for BUNKS making sure they are equal distance from the center of the cradle. The simplest way to determine this is by measuring the distance between the two inside bunks on your boat trailer. If you do not have a trailer start with each bunk 16" from the center of the cradle (32" apart), or measure
to the flat fin on the bottom of the hull closest to the 16” mark. Slide the BUNK SOCKETS into position and tighten all bolts.

If you are using the bunks for a Pontoon:
Measure the distance between the rib on the bottom of each toon or log. Divide that measurement in half to get the distance from the middle of the cradle to the center of each bunk set. Each pair of bunks should be approximately 6” apart.

Adjust BUNK U CHANNEL on underside of each BUNK to match BUNK DOWN LEGS and tighten 3/8 hex nut to hold firmly in place. Do not overtighten!

While holding BUNK flat snug bolt so bunk will still pivot under the load of the boat. This will insure that the bunks will conform to your boat. Load boat onto lift making sure that the weight is balanced between the two CRADLES. Check and reposition bunks as
necessary.

Question 6

Can I put the winch on either side of my lift?

Accepted Answer

No. But if you want to move the lift from one side of your dock to the other, simply turn your lift 180° at the same time. It doesn't matter which end of the lift you drive onto.

Question 7

How much can I overload these lifts?

Accepted Answer

Overloading your lift is unsafe and will void the warranty.

Question 8

Why do the cables in the rear of my lift look loose?

Accepted Answer

The rear cables are only used to keep the cradle level. These cables are only in tension when the load is not centered. Then, only the cable on the heavy side is working and will appear tight. The cable on the light side is doing no work so it remains loose. If you tighten these cables they will bind and make the lift hard to crank.

Question 9

How are the cables strung?

Question 10

Why won't my lift stay up?

Accepted Answer

If the winch doesn’t click going up, the winch is wound backwards. The wheel rotates clockwise to raise the lift and counterclockwiseto lower the lift. If your winch has been wound backwards it could be damaged and/or the chain could be loose or broken. Please have it inspected before using the lift.

The winch needs a load to activate the brake. An empty lift may not stay up.

Question 11

Why does the chain in my winch keep breaking?

Accepted Answer

When the cradle is cranked down too far it can cause slack which allows the cable to spool out and get caught between the chain and sprocket.  The next time it is cranked up it kinks the cable and either stretches or snaps the chain. If your chain is slipping this has happened in the past and you will need to replace the chain. The cable should also be checked to make sure it is not damaged.

Question 12

How much weight will my lift hold?

Accepted Answer

The weight capacity is identified by the model number of your lift.

Your lift should have a model and serial number label located on the cradle. The model should start with LSV + 6 digits + 1 to 3 letter code.

If you can't find the tag please visit our How Do I Know Which Lift I Have? page in the FAQ area of our website.

Question 13

How does my lift work?

Accepted Answer

The front cable lifts the entire weight of the boat up and down.  The two side cables lift the rear of the boat and the two rear cables balance the load from sided to side.  (NOTE: the two rear rear cables need to remain loose).