Your boat isn’t just a boat — it’s your ticket to sunsets on the lake, tubing with the kids, or early-morning fishing before the rest of the shoreline wakes up. That’s why ShoreMaster designs every lift to be:
More than strong enough — Precision-welded aluminum frame assemblies, reinforced corners, and heavy-duty bolted connections create a strong, stable structure designed for dependable performance season after season.
More than reliable enough – Built with marine-grade materials and over-engineered components to handle decades of use in any conditions.
Far more beautiful than it needs to be – Clean lines, premium finishes, and designs that complement your waterfront.
A lift isn’t just for your boat — it’s for your peace of mind. Because lake life is too important to trust to anything else.
Use this calculator to estimate the lift capacity your boat may need based on dry weight, fuel, and basic shoreline details.
The right lift size helps protect your boat, reduce strain on the lift, and make loading and unloading easier.
Your result is a starting point. A local ShoreMaster dealer can help confirm the best lift model for your boat, water depth, and shoreline.
Protect your boat with the right lift
Use our Product Finder to narrow your options, or connect with a local ShoreMaster dealer for expert guidance on lift style, water depth, boat size, and setup.
Not all boat lifts use the same lifting technology. Compare frame design, lifting mechanisms and component differences to understand which ShoreMaster lift is best suited for your boat and waterfront.
Swipe left or right to compare lift types.
| Lift Type | Lifting Technology | Construction Highlights | Lift Travel | Ideal Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DVS Vertical Lifts | Winch and stainless steel lifting cables | Precision-welded aluminum frame, solid brass sheaves, stainless steel bushings and grease fittings on current DVS models. | 66" | Fishing boats, runabouts and wake boats in fluctuating water. |
| Pontoon Lifts | Vertical cable lift with Whisper Winch or integrated operation | Wider, longer welded aluminum frames and purpose-built pontoon rail and guide systems. | 66" | Pontoons and tritoons requiring additional frame length and support. |
| Hydraulic Lifts | True hydraulic cantilever lifting powered by hydraulic cylinders | Welded aluminum construction. No lifting cables or cable sheaves in the traditional hydraulic design. | 48" or 60" | Larger boats and owners seeking push-button operation. |
| Vertical Hydraulic Lifts | Hydraulic cylinder powers a vertical cable lifting system | Reinforced welded aluminum frame, greaseable plated-steel cable sheaves and hydraulic-powered operation. | 66"-70" | Owners seeking hydraulic convenience with vertical lift travel. |
| PWC Lifts | Cantilever or vertical winch lifting, depending on model | Welded aluminum construction. The 1264 vertical PWC model features a 3" brass sheave with stainless steel bushings. | 28" or 50" | Jet skis, WaveRunners, Sea-Doos and other PWCs. |
| Economy Vertical Lifts | Vertical cable lift | Welded aluminum construction with a simplified, value-focused lift configuration. | 52" | Value-focused owners with smaller fishing boats, runabouts or pontoons. |
Different boats and waterfronts call for different lifting solutions. Compare capacity, construction, lifting technology and available features to discover which ShoreMaster lift fits your needs.
Swipe left or right to compare all five lift types.
| Specifications | Vertical Lifts | Hydraulic Lifts | Pontoon Lifts | Vertical Hydraulic Lifts | PWC Lifts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lifting Capacity | 3,000-7,000 lbs | 6,000-12,000 lbs | 4,000-7,000 lbs | 4,000-15,000 lbs | 1,200 lbs |
| Frame Construction | Welded Aluminum | Welded Aluminum | Welded Aluminum | Welded Aluminum | Welded Aluminum |
| Lifting System | Cable-Driven Vertical Winch-powered rack | True Hydraulic Hydraulic cylinders | Cable-Driven Vertical Pontoon-specific rack | Vertical Hydraulic Hydraulic cylinder and cables | Cantilever or Vertical Model dependent |
| Inside Widths | 108" / 120" | 108" / 120" / 132" | 120" / 132" | 120" / 132" | 64" / 96" |
| Lift Travel | 66" | 48" or 60" | 66" | 66", 68" or 70" | 28" Cantilever 50" Vertical |
| Standard Leg Length | 36" | 36" | 36" | 36" | 24" |
| Operation & Power | Whisper Winch Optional motor; integrated on 7K | Powered Hydraulic Remote operation | Whisper Winch Motor options available; integrated on 7K | Powered Hydraulic Remote and Bluetooth controls | Manual Winch Motor options vary by model |
| Cables & Pulley Components | Stainless Steel Cables Solid Brass Sheaves + Stainless Steel Bushings | No Lifting Cables No Cable Sheaves; hydraulic lifting system | Stainless Steel Cables Brass Sheaves + Stainless Steel Bushings | Cable Lifting System Greaseable Plated-Steel Sheaves | Model Dependent 1264: 3" Brass Sheave + Stainless Steel Bushings |
| Maintenance Features | Integrated Grease Zerks Current DVS models | Hydraulic System Checks Fluid, hoses and fittings | Serviceable Components Cable, winch and hardware inspection | Greaseable Sheaves Hydraulic and cable inspections | Routine Inspection Winch, cable and hardware |
| Canopy Available | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Screw Legs Available | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Solar Panel Available | With Compatible Motor | Available | With Compatible Motor | Available | With Compatible Motor |
| Best Suited For | Fishing Boats, Runabouts & Wake Boats | Larger Boats & Push-Button Convenience | Pontoons & Tritoons | Hydraulic Convenience with Vertical Travel | Jet Skis & Personal Watercraft |
| Explore Models | View Vertical Lifts | View Hydraulic Lifts | View Pontoon Lifts | View Vertical Hydraulic | View PWC Lifts |
Specifications shown represent ShoreMaster lift families and may vary by individual model or production year. Capacities, options and compatibility should be confirmed with an authorized ShoreMaster dealer. Always refer to the applicable product specifications and service instructions.
The ShoreMaster canopy system provides industry-leading protection from the elements as well as easy installation and ownership, making it the ideal choice for watercraft owners. Available in two frame styles, three fabric options and numerous colors you canopy system will be more than just incredibly functional, it’ll be a reflection of your style as well.
Get back on the water faster and easier with a boat lift motor from ShoreMaster. Enjoy flawless performance season after season with the added convenience of motorized lift operation that is easy to install and even easier to use.
Your time on the water is valuable, make sure you make the most of it with boat lift accessories from ShoreMaster. From the right bunks and guides, to installation tools and motor stops ShoreMaster offers a wide range of boat lift accessories to help customize your boat lift to your unique needs.
