Boat Lift Question/Issues

[John_V]

Just got my new boat in the Slings and noticed a few things. 

 

#1- the back pulleys that the cables to are on are narrower than the front ones. Would this cause any damage to the fiberglass or gel coat if I keep it in the slings for a few days at a time? Would it be best to back into the boathouse so that the front wider ones are on the widest part of the boat around the stern? 

 

 

#2- the bow of the boat when lifted about 5ft off the water sits about a foot and half above the stern. Is this an acceptable position or should it be more level? 

 

Strap Issue Bow Angle

[GRiver]

I’ve been searching the internet on boat lifts, I do not own one but want to get one.

from what I’ve read, straps aren’t the preferred way to lift a fiberglass boat for long periods of time, can cause stress cracks. Now with being said…. I know people that have their fiberglass boats in slings and tell me they don’t have any damage. They say cradles are better because the boat rest on the bottom like your trailer.

And it’s my understanding the the bow is supposed to be higher the the stern so you can pull the plug and let it drain, if for what ever reason water gets in the boat it doesn’t get too heavy and break something.

Not sure a foot and a half is needed, but a small pitch.

         Where I get fuel, they have cover slips and some people have lifts in them. One of boats didn’t pull his plug and a blowing rain and put water in the boat, it got heavy and header got pulled down. Did a number on the roof and trapped peoples boats in the slips. 
Again I don’t own a lift,( I’m going to get one) this is just what I’ve been reading, and what the guy pumping gas told me. 
 

[WRB]

Is there a reason to hoist the boat completely out of the water every outing?

Tom

[J Francho]

1. Why can't you reverse the slings?  Not sure I understand the issue, but whomever installed the hoist should be able to make adjustments for your boat, if you can't yourself.

 

2.  This keeps the boat dry, but a foot and a half difference seems extreme.  Again, this can be adjusted.  You also don't need it 5' out of the water, just out of the water.

 

As far as hurting the boat, that's pretty much nonsense. As long as the slings are clean and debris free, you will be fine.  We stored boats at our cottage on a hoist for over 20 years without issue.  One of those boats was a fairly large and heavy open bow.