R&J Machine – How to Pick the Right Boat Lift for Your Boat

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Whether you are shopping for a new boat, or you are tired of the wear and tear on your boat from sitting next to the dock, R&J Machine has options for every boater to keep their watercraft investment safe and secure and looking like new.

Boats that stay in the water risk fading and scratching, bumping into the dock during storms can cause damage to the hull and worst-case scenario – your boat could sink. Wakeboard boat manufactures now recommend that boats be stored on lifts not prevent osmosis.

R&J Machine, an industry leader in manufacturing boat lifts for over 46 years locally in Lakefield, manufactures several different styles of boat lifts; read on where they break down the advantages of each type. By the end, you’ll know exactly what fits your boat and lifestyle.

Cantilever Boat Lift

• With a Cantilever Lift, the weight of the boat is transferred
from the cradle through two H-shape structures to the base of
the lift frame. The two H-shape structures lie almost flat in a
horizontal position when the lift is down in the water, and are
pulled by a cable into a vertical position in order to lift the boat
up out of the water. This simple design allows for the use of a
single cable at the front of the lift and pulleys.

• Good choice for VHull style boats ranging from small fishing
boats up to 24’ boats (or 6000lb)

• Wakeboard boats also work well on these lifts when equipped
with raised bunks and full-length side guides.

• Cantilever Lifts work well in water depths ranging from 2 ½’ to 6’

• Cantilever Lifts work well when seasonal water fluctuation isn’t
over 18”

• Available with manual, electric or solar winch

• Cantilever Lifts are the most economical lift and easiest to
maintain.

Vertical Boat Lift

• Vertical lifts have a more complicated design and require slightly
more effort to maintain, but will get your boat up high above the
water. The greater height provided by vertical lifts also means
they are better suited to lakes with water levels that fluctuate a
great deal because they don’t have to be moved as often.

• A vertical lift works well for VHull boats and Pontoon Boats when
equipped with the proper full length pontoon bunks.

• Vertical lifts work well in seasonal water depths of 2’ to 7’.

• Vertical Lifts work well in areas with rough water or large waves
because they have higher lift height (60”)

• Available with manual, electric or solar winch

• Vertical Lifts require slightly more maintenance than Cantilever
Lifts because of the additional cables and the cable routing.

Hydraulic Boat Lifts

• With a Hydraulic lift, the weight of the boat is transferred from the
cradle through two H-shape structures to the base of the lift
frame. The two H-shape structures lie almost flat in a horizontal
position when the lift is down in the water, and are lifted by
the Hydraulic Cylinders to a vertical position in order to lift the
boat up out of the water.

• Hydraulic Lifts have no cables or pulleys and can raise a boat 3-4
times faster than a Cantilever or Vertical Lift. Hydraulic Lifts are
quiet with a slight humming noise when in operation.

• Hydraulic Lifts can operate in a minimum of 40” of water and up
to 7’ of water depth

• Hydraulic Boat Lifts are well suited for Wakeboard Boats and
boats with larger weight capacities of 4000 – 10,000 lbs. They can

also accommodate Pontoon Boats.

• Because most of the frame work of a Hydraulic lift is under
the waters’ surface Hydraulic Lifts have a cleaner, less
noticeable appearance than a traditional four post Cantilever
or Vertical lift.

• Options such as a Float Kit and Wheel kit can be added to the
hydraulic lift that make them easy to remove for the off-season.

Personal Watercraft Lifts

• Cantilever personal watercraft lift work well in water depths of
12” to 48”

• Keeps personal watercrafts high and dry and are well suited for
areas with rough water and high waves.

• Drive on Wave Armour Ports – work in a minimum of 2’ or water
depth and are great in areas with deep water or muddy soft bottoms.

With options like these, there is something for every shoreline and lake situation. R&J Machine proves they have top of the line service with amazing testimonials like this one: “What an unbelievable purchase experience we have had with R&J. Craig is an unbelievable sales rep to deal with, but his after-sales responsiveness and attention has been even more impressive. Every crew that came out as part of the delivery and install have been such a pleasure to deal with and so good at what they do. There wouldn’t be a second thought to calling Craig and using R&J for anything else dock or boat-lift related in the future. Worth every penny we spent and our finished product is absolutely spectacular!” – J. Lazarus

Protect your boat and have peace of mind when weathering storms on the lake, call R&J Machine and ask them about how they can make your shoreline boat-friendly – your lift is waiting!

R&J Machine, 1601- 8th Line of Selwyn Township, Lakefield

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