Before choosing a dock lighting system you may want to think about the installation location and connection style first. The market has quite a few varieties or styles of dock lights to offer, there are lights for round posts, lights for square posts and then there are lights that mount on flat surfaces. This part of the decision is fairly easy, simply get out your tape measure and note the dimensions of your post. The shape of the post will determine [...]
In part one we discussed the diversity of freestanding boat lift motors that are available. The Direct Drive, Worm Drive and Chain Drive options were discussed in detail covering the power source, connection styles and weight capacities. In this part we will discuss the primary alternative to the direct drive; the wheel to wheel or friction drive lift motors. These motors; Are not enclosed like the direct and chain driven units. Use a rubber wheel to apply the necessary force to [...]
The decision to install a boat house lift should not be taken lightly as the boat house structure and the lift require a very specific skill set to build and install. Listed below are a few of the considerations you will need to address. Do you want DC power or AC power? If AC power, you will need a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). What size structure will you need, i.e. size and weight of your craft? What support framework will you [...]
Getting in and out of your waterway and back onto your dock or shore is a necessary part of your boating lifestyle. Even if you do not own a boat or Jet Ski and use your waterfront for swimming only, getting into and out of the water should be a safe and easy experience. If you have decided to purchase a dock step system instead of building a wooden step then deciding on what style and size to get will require [...]
In our previous post, Boat Lift Motors for Freestanding Boat Lifts, we presented an overview of the various styles or types of lift motors available. Due to the interest and the sheer amount of questions we have received, we have decided that a more in-depth article that focuses on each of the available options was required. In this article we will be going deeper into each brand of lift motor and discussing and comparing each; making your choice as informed as [...]
Getting out on the water is one of the best ways to spend a warm day. Whether you swim, jet ski, or use a boat, you want to be able to get out onto, or into the water safely and easily. Chances are you have some kind of dock system and the stability of that dock is an essential, if not overlooked part of the experience. And, in truth, you should have a dock that doesn't require your constant attention; fun [...]
Most boat lifts with canopies use the same method when determining the length and the width of your canopyy frame and cover. When measuring for length, you will measure from end to end, the entire length of frame. Some lifts give even number measurements (20', 22', 24, etc.) and others will give you odd number measurements, but they all should measure to the foot. So you should not have a 22.5' long canopy. Sometimes frames can be tweaked or damaged and [...]
Choosing a boat lift motor for your freestanding boat lift can be less confusing if you know the different options that are now available. When it comes to after market boat lift motors, the two most popular types are the direct drive or chain drive winch mount and the wheel to wheel drive. Winch Mount Direct Drive and Chain Drive Winch Mount Winch mount units like the Lift Tech Marine (shown above), the Shore Commander and the chain driven Sidewinder have [...]
If you have a Commander Boat Lift Motor with a touch pad and would like to change the PIN code, here is what you do. If the unit's code has never been changed from the factory; 1. First enter the code "1", "2", "3", "4" 2. Press and hold the code key down and at the same time, press the "2" button and release them at the same time 3. Once the red LED starts blinking, enter your own custom 4 [...]
When choosing a boat lift canopy, make sure you get an accurate measurement of your boat. Many times the factory supplied measurements do not include platforms. The most important job for a canopy is to protect your boat from the sun, so you want to make sure that it covers you boat completely. It is a good idea to choose a canopy length that is at least 2' longer than the overall length of your boat. The skirt on a canopy [...]
