How to Level a Boat Lift

Boat lifts are incredibly valuable tools for any boat owner, as they easily get boats into the water. While it may seem unimportant, the alignment of your boat lift has a large impact on its performance and life span. You can protect your equipment by learning how to spot the signs of misalignment and addressing them before damage happens.

What Is a Boat Lift?

A boat lift is a type of specialized storage equipment for boats. They raise the boat out of the water when it’s not in use, keeping it suspended above the surface. When you need to use your boat again, the lift will lower the boat into the water with ease.

Storing your boat out of water is important to prevent damage from the weather and water. This damage can include corrosion, algae, scuffs, dents and more. On top of preventing damage, boat lifts secure your boat to the dock. They also make it easier for you to board your boat, clean it and perform repairs.

The Importance of a Level Boat Lift

While boat lifts offer multiple benefits for boat owners, they have to be level to provide those advantages. There are a few different types of boat lifts, some free-standing, floating or attached to docks. Regardless of which type you have, your boat lift will have some form of structure that holds the boat up. The front and rear of your boat should align when resting on the structure so that its weight is distributed evenly across the lift.

Having an unlevel boat lift affects the following:

• Function: When your boat lift is level, there won’t be any added or uneven strain on its structure and moving components. This will allow it to work smoothly and efficiently.
• Safety: If your boat is sitting at a crooked angle or is unstable, you’ll increase the chance of slipping, falling and injury when people get onto or off of it. A level lift will ensure the boat sits flat, making it safe for people to walk on.
• Longevity: Even weight distribution on your boat lift will put equal pressure on the cables and parts, making them wear down at a similar rate. This will help ensure your boat lift lasts longer.
• Maintenance: A properly working boat lift that’s level and stable will have fewer problems and wear, meaning you won’t need to repair it as often.

Common Issues Caused by Unlevel Boat Lifts

When your boat isn’t level, you may start to experience some problems with the lift and your boat.

• Poor drainage: When your boat doesn’t sit flat, the water will fail to drain and pool in unwanted places. When left for long periods of time, water damage or mold and mildew may appear.
• Lift strain: Your boat lift will struggle to work correctly when the boat is leaning toward one side, and it may even stop working altogether.
• Wear and tear: An uneven lift will cause increased wear of certain parts and components which you’ll need to replace more frequently. This costs you both time and money.
• Damage: Uneven lifts will tilt the boat, causing it to catch on the structure. This can cause dents and scratches. In some extreme cases, uneven lifts may break from the pressure. If your lift breaks, your boat may tip over or fall off, causing costly damage to the lift, boat and dock.

Signs Your Boat Lift Is Not Level

Even if you’re not experiencing any problems with your boat or lift, you should still keep an eye on your lift and check frequently to ensure it’s level. Besides your boat tilting or angling to one side, here are the signs that your boat lift isn’t level:

• Uneven cable length
• Crooked or sunken supporting legs
• Half-filled floating lift chambers
• Struggling motor

Step-by-Step Guide to Leveling a Boat Lift

Follow the steps below to level your boat lift for optimal performance and longevity.

1. Grab Your Tools

For most types of boat lifts, you’ll need your usual toolbox and a level tool. In some instances, you may need to use a lift jack to hold one side of the lift up while you adjust it.

2. Check the Water Level

Before you begin the leveling process, it’s a good idea to check the current water level. The shoreline fluctuates between seasons, and sometimes it’s lower or higher than normal. Check if your boat is sitting too high above the water or if the water is touching it, and make a note to adjust the height when you level the lift.

3. Remove Your Boat

It’s vital that you take your boat off the lift before you attempt to make any adjustments. If you leave it on, you risk damaging the lift, boat or dock, and you could potentially injure yourself.

4. Adjust the Base, Legs or Cradle

If the base or cradle of your boat lift is skewed, you’ll need to adjust the area that’s causing the issue. Use a lift jack to keep the lift upright while you work, loosen the screws and move the leg or structure to the desired position. Some bases and cradles have motorized components you can control with a remote, so you won’t need to change anything manually.

Use your level tool as a guide to make sure it’s flat. However, this is only possible if you have adjustable components. If they are not adjustable, you may need to call the person who installed the lift originally to fix it for you.

Sunken legs or piles are a bit trickier to fix, as you’ll need to either adjust the structure where it connects to the legs or raise them from the shore. If you can’t adjust the connection, you’ll need to hire a professional to raise the pole height for you.

Always consult your boat lift manual before making any changes to ensure you do it correctly without voiding the warranty.

5. Final Checks

Before you pack everything away, do one last check with your level tool and make any necessary adjustments. You may need to tinker with it a few times before you get it level.

Learn More About the Aegis™ Boat Lift From EZ Dock

If your boat lift is giving you trouble, consider switching to the EZ Dock Aegis Boat Lift.

Our floating boat lift has a precision-molded tank system that can withstand weather and water damage. It has a floating capacity of up to 7,000 pounds and supports many hull configurations, from V-hulls to and catamarans. Additionally, you can customize the frame and control unit to suit your boat.

We’re pioneers in the floating dock and lift industry, with over 26 years of experience. We offer unbeatable value with quality products that last. Take a look at some of our glowing customer testimonials to see how we’ve satisfied past customers.

Request a quote for the Aegis Boat Lift today or submit a contact form to speak with the EZ Dock team.