There’s nothing like going on a boat to experience the wind and waves, but many people often find it difficult to feel secure and safe when they go on a boat trip. Often, they rely on the expertise of other people or depend on the safety equipment they have aboard. But what does it tale to make anyone feel secure on a boat? There are several ways, but the most important is knowledge.
You can improve your understanding of boat safety to make you feel safer on a boat, but another form of knowledge is knowing your way on a boat, and knowing the parts and terminologies associated with anything nautical. One of these is to know which parts of the boat matter on the water, and which parts matter when you are on land. One of the latter is a boat lift.
Whether or not it’s your first time to hear that certain boating materials are used on land, choosing the right boat lift is important. Although there are several dealers in many coastal cities, it’s best that you know the right size of the lift for the watercraft you intend to use. Here are some tips on how you can find the best boat lift for your needs.
Maintenance
You should also consider the maintenance history of a boat lift. You need it to bring the boat to the right water level, and if the boat lift is not maintained well, it could lead to breaks in your cables and ropes. Even if you use waterproof cables or even paracord cables, the constant exposure to water and wind could affect the rope’s durability. Make sure the lifts are oiled regularly and pay attention to the winches and ensure that they’re properly maintained.
Find the Overall Weight
Consider the watercraft’s dry weight, gear, and the weight of other non-factory installations and objects when trying to figure out the overall weight of your boat. You can find the boat’s dry weight in the brochure of the boat. You may also try to get the information on the NADA guides website. Keep in mind that water weighs at least 8 lbs. per gallon. So, you should consider the tank’s capacity as well. The non-factory additions include additional seating, coolers, and wakeboard towers. These things should also be considered when trying to find the overall weight.
Finding the Cradle Beam’s Length
Your boat’s cradle beam is your watercraft’s widest portion. The watercraft’s beam width should be the same as the interior pile width crucial to store your watercraft. Both sides should at least have a 4-inch cushion in case you’ll have waterfront pile bumpers. However, you may want to leave at least a ten-inch cushion if you plan to have guideposts on your boat’s lift. You should also keep in mind that lifting beams should be located on the top corner of the waterfront pile bumpers so the cables are located on the piles as well.
The next time you and your friends want to go to an outdoor adventure, why not offer a boating trip on a lake or a river? And make them feel secure with your knowledge on all things nautical.