Boat Lifts in Jacksonville, FL

Why owners add a lift

A boat that sits in the water all the time grows marine growth on the hull and takes a beating in wakes and storms. A lift raises it clear of the water, so there is less cleaning and less wear on lines and fenders.

Sizing a lift

Lifts are rated by the weight they can raise. Add up the boat, the motor, full fuel and the gear you keep on board, then leave room to spare. The builder also checks the width of the slip and how deep the water is when the lift is lowered at low tide.

The lift is carried by pilings, so the builder confirms whether the existing pilings can take the load or whether new ones are needed.

Adding a lift to the dock you have

Adding a boat lift to an existing dock is one of the projects the state lets you self-certify online, at no charge, when the dock still fits the exemption limits. Florida law also has a separate exemption for floating boat lifts, with its own conditions.

A city or county building permit still applies to the structure, and wiring for the lift motor needs an electrical permit done by an electrician.

Roofs and canopies

A roof over the lift keeps sun and rain off the boat. It also counts toward the dock's area over the water, so a large roof can push a dock past the 1,000 square foot exemption limit. Ask the builder to add up the total before you settle on a roof size.

Fabric canopies on the lift frame are another option and also count in that total.

Questions to ask

• What weight is the lift rated for, and how close is my boat to it?
• Can the existing pilings carry the lift, or are new ones needed?
• Does the roof or canopy keep the dock under the area limit?
• Who handles the wiring and the electrical permit?
• What parts wear out on a lift in salt water, and how are they serviced?