Ironically, your boat—the watercraft you spend your summer on, making precious memories, enjoying the wonders of nature, and getting out on the water with—actually stays in better shape when you store it out of the water. Odd, right?
Not really. A lot of common boat problems that can prove to be costly in the long run are easily avoided or greatly reduced through dry storage. So no matter what kind of watercraft you have or where you’re docking, here are the benefits that all boat owners can get from a boat lift.
Takeaways
• Storing your boat out of the water helps prevent slime buildup, stains, and hull issues like blisters, and it also makes cleaning much easier.
• Dry storage reduces damage risk from storms, changing conditions, dock contact, and even bilge pump strain that can come with leaving a boat in the water.
• Over time, keeping the bottom cleaner can improve performance and range, support fuel savings, and help preserve resale value.
Protecting Your Boat’s Quality
Fiberglass, aluminum, and plastic hulls can all be susceptible to scum and slime buildup, stains, and even hull blisters. A boat lift prevents the buildup of algae and other biological materials and keeps your hull from taking on too much water, which helps avoid damage. Being lifted out of the water also makes your boat much easier to clean, which goes a long way toward protecting its appearance and quality.
Keeping Your Boat Free from Damage
On top of potential damage to its appearance and hull, your boat faces many other water hazards. Wet storage makes it vulnerable to rainstorms, high winds, changing water levels and conditions, contact with your dock, and other causes of interior and exterior damage. Also, storing your boat in the water means an overworked and potentially failed bilge pump that’s trying to keep water out. Storing your boat securely out of the water means not worrying about losing your boat.
Saving Money Over Time
Wear and tear can be minor at first, but it adds up to significant costs. A boat lift is the best investment that you can make to protect your watercraft and save money on repairs and maintenance. Even lifting it out of the water means a cleaner bottom, which adds these benefits:
- Improved performance
- Increased range
- Fuel savings
- Reduced gas mileage
- Not needing to repaint the underside
- Having a boat that looks great
- Preserved resale value
A boat lift means looking good, performing beautifully, saving money, and potentially getting more money down the road.
Safety for Your Loved Ones
It’s safer to board a boat that’s not wet stored. Boat lifts provide more stability than changing water levels, making it much easier to get on and off (especially if you have partygoers who have had alcohol). You’re right at dock level, with no need to move around to board, and you can shove off just as easily to enjoy the day on the water.
ShoreMaster Boat Lift Benefits
You’re trusting your boat lift to hold one of your biggest investments, so it makes sense to research your purchase. ShoreMaster has been in the waterfront business for decades, pioneered the welded aluminum boat lift, and has been improving and innovating this entire time. Our Infinity Boat Lift Systems are built for maximum stability, durability, reliability and performance. Our dealer network can help you find something perfect for your boat and shoreline. Get in touch with a local dealer to get started.
FAQs
Q: Why is storing a boat out of the water better for the hull?
A: Keeping the boat lifted helps prevent algae and other buildup that can stain and damage hull materials over time. It also reduces water exposure that can contribute to issues like hull blisters, and cleaning is much simpler when the boat is raised.
Q: What kinds of damage can a boat lift help prevent?
A: Dry storage reduces risks from rainstorms, high winds, changing water levels, and repeated contact with the dock. It can also reduce the chance of problems tied to an overworked bilge pump when a boat stays in the water.
Q: How can a boat lift save money over time?
A: Less wear and tear can mean fewer repairs and less ongoing maintenance, which adds up over the years. A cleaner bottom can also support better performance and fuel savings, and it can help preserve resale value.
Q: Does storing on a lift make boating safer for families and guests?
A: Yes, because boarding at dock level can feel steadier than dealing with changing water levels while the boat is wet stored. The more stable position can make getting on and off easier, especially when you have kids, older guests, or a crowded group.
