How to Dock on a Boat Lift: A Guide to Docking and Undocking From Your Boat Hoist

by Abbey Senesi May 23, 2025

Welcome to the boating world! We're glad you're here - and that you want to learn how to use your lift safely and responsibly.

First, let's give a brief introduction to boat lifts. If you're just here for the docking/undocking info, click here or click below to jump to it!

The most common boat lifts are either a free-standing lift (hydraulic or manual) or a boathouse lift (also known as a boat hoist).

Free-standing lifts sit beside your dock for easy access.

Free-standing lifts are usually installed beside your dock or shoreline. Your boat sits on to bunks mounted to an aluminum cradle that is raised and lowered with a wheel or by hydraulics operated by a remote. These lifts are often portable and can be moved depending on the water level or as you do. Free-standing lifts can have canopies, screens, and built-in bow stops, and can even be run off of solar power.

Boathouse lifts are installed inside your existing (or new) boathouse.

Boathouse lifts hang from the roof of a boathouse and lift your boat with straps or a cradle, hanging from four galvanized or stainless steel cables. These lifts are run off a motor (or solar power) and can can be operated with a switch or a wireless remote. Boathouse lifts can be equipped with a Power Curtain to keep your boat clean and protected from the elements, as well as a docking aids to make docking a breeze.

If you have a boathouse lift, it's important to keep a few things in mind:

1. Never leave your lift unattended while it is operating. If you have a remote or a maintain switch, it may be tempting to switch it on and take a moment to check your phone or get your day's supplies ready. DO NOT do this.

We've heard too many horror stories of people lowering their boathouse lift until it hits the sandy bottom and starts unspooling their cable, making it unable to wind up properly - or worse, lifting it too high and crashing their boat in to the roof of their boathouse. So don't do it!

Always keep your hand on the switch (or button) and your eyes on the lift while it's operating. It's not worth the risk!

2. Never lift (or lower) people or pets in the lift. Boathouse lifts operate on cables like elevators do, but with one crucial difference: There are no backup cables. If your cables snap (which can happen after years of wear and tear), there is nothing to stop the lift jolting and injuring whoever is unfortunate enough to be in the lift. So don't let that happen to your friends and family!

Undocking

Chances are, your boat lift installers docked your boat on the lift for you, but now you're ready to take your boat out on the water. How do you do that?

1. Lower the lift until your boat floats. First, lower your lift down (using your switch, crank, or remote) until the boat starts to float. Easy, right? Just make sure you remember to turn the lift off so you don't lower it too far down into the sand.

2. Have everyone get in to the boat. Once your boat is in the water, you're safe to get in to the boat! Have all of your passengers slowly climb aboard and get seated. Now you're ready to back out of the lift.

3. Slowly back your boat out of the lift. Be sure to double (and even triple) check your surroundings, then back straight out very carefully. Take your time, and mind the sides of the lift as you do. Once you're clear of the lift, you're good to start enjoying your time on the water!

Docking

Now that you've enjoyed your time on the water, it's time to dock on your lift. Here's how to do so safely:

1. Empty your boat's ballast. First, make sure your ballast is empty. If it isn't, empty it! Boat lifts have different weight capacities and are custom-installed to match your boat's dry weight. Trying to lift a boat with a full ballast can add more weight than your lift was intended to support, wearing it out faster or even damaging it. So before you dock, stop and empty your ballast. Every time.

2. Drive onto your lift slowly. Now, you're ready to dock. Drive forward slowly, then float over the cradle until the back of your boat is close to the back of the cradle. There should be more of your boat hanging off the front of the cradle than the back.

Take your time and go slow. If you find yourself struggling, it might be worth installing some docking aids (like post load guides) to help you know exactly how far forward you need to come, so you get it right every time.

3. Have everyone exit your boat. Now that your boat is in the right position, have everyone exit onto your dock (including you). Remember, it's not worth the risk!

4. Raise your lift above the waves. Now that you're safely on your dock with your switch, crank, or remote, slowly raise your lift up until the boat is higher than any potential wave action. This is especially important for boathouse lifts to prevent your boat from being hit by waves and swinging like a battering ram. Just remember not to leave it unattended or lift it too high!

If you have any trouble launching your boat or docking it on your boat hoist, feel free to reach out to us at 352-394-5666! We'd be happy to walk you through how to properly use your lift. Happy boating!

How to Dock on a Boat Lift: A Guide to Docking and Undocking From Your Boat Hoist

Undocking

Docking

Related