Before You Buy
Your Lift

What Size Lifting Capacity do I need for my boat?

First consider the size boat you are buying and whether in the future you may be getting a larger vessel. It is more economical in the long run to purchase a lift that will accommodate the larger boat. The manufacture's weight for boats is stated as dry weight. With the fuel, cargo, water, and any added accessories there is added weight. Allow approximately, 7 pounds per gallon for gas and or water.

It is prudent to consider a larger lift for your boat as this will allow you more capacity for any additional weight, i.e. rain water, water absorption.

How much water depth do I need?

At low tide you will need at least one foot of water clearance for the bottom cradle.

Do I need a Permit?

Generally any structure going into or over the water requires a permit. If you are replacing an existing lift usually a permit is not needed. You should check with your town or city for the regulations can vary.

What are the Electrical Requirements?

The farther you are from your electrical source, the larger line you will need. You must have adequate amperage for your lift to operate properly. Lifts will operate on 110 Volts, and take 30 amps. However, for larger lifts and when using remote controls, and for multiple motors, you should use 220 Volts.

What about Cable Keepers?

It is important to note that manufacturers of cable do not advise using any object that would chafe the cable. These devices are not fool proof. If a motor continues to run, the cable will have to go somewhere, and if it entangles the drive shaft, then the upper structure of the lift will have to be dissembled.

What are the advantages of Our Flat Plat Gear Driven Power System?

Proven Performance is the hallmark of the flat plate worm gear drive system. It is a safe, reliable system used by nearly every major boat lift manufacturer for over 30 years. They are not proprietary, resulting in more availability in replacement parts, and servicing. Since they have been used so extensively in the industry, most all marine contractors are familiar with the units and can repair and replace them, saving you costly repairs and down time.

It is worth noting that the teeth of a sprocket do resemble the teeth in a gear system. The large teeth in the gears, meshed with the worm gear on the power plate has an enclosed grease caps. This worm gear drive system will not drop your boat should the belt come off. In a chain drive system, should the chain break, the unit will drop your boat.

The speed of the unit enables you to watch and control the lifting process. Should something go wrong, you have more time to react to correct the problem. With a sudden stop at faster speeds, the cables experience a "Shockload" force causing both visible external damage and internal damage on the cables.

What are the advantages of using Belt Drives on our Power Systems?

The belt used in conjunction with the pulley is very reliable. Pulleys designed with Deep V Grooves (used by ABL) stabilize the belt. Properly tightened, it does not slip off the pulley. These belts are wear and tear hearty. If your car and a Harley can use belts, that speaks volumes! The belt also acts as a safeguard in keeping motors from burning up, or worse the collapse of your lift, should the electric be activated by accident and the motors run continuously.