Pontoon Boat Lift Prices

After buying a pontoon boat, it doesn’t take long to realize you need a pontoon boat lift.

The lift is essential for lowering and lifting, relocating your pontoon, or simply for damage prevention. It takes your mind off worrying about your boat when it’s not the boating season or whenever you’re not using it.

Here’s everything you need to know about pontoon boat lift prices.

Types of Pontoon Boat Lifts and Their Prices

The prices of pontoon lifts depend primarily on the type you pick and your budget. Pontoon boat lift prices start from $1,555 for small models. Higher-quality and bigger ones reach up to $12,000, usually including a canopy.

Freestanding Pontoon Lifts

These are heavy, so they aren’t attached to the docking area. Instead, freestanding pontoon lifts stand in water and can’t be moved after setting them. This type includes both cantilever and vertical lifts.

Cantilever Pontoon Lift

Best for shallow water and sandy bottoms.

These are considered on the cheaper side of the market. That’s because a cantilever pontoon lift only uses one cable and a few moving parts. This typically makes it more affordable and easier to maintain.

The price range of this lift ranges from $1000 up to $3500.

Vertical Pontoon Lift

Best for: fluctuating depth water and uneven bottoms.

Vertical boat lifts have two things that help to level the pontoon when it’s docked: the mainframe and the adjustable legs.

The mainframe is like a box that keeps the pontoon fixed and protects it from tough wakes and wind. Meanwhile, the adjustable legs can be raised or lowered according to the shallowness.

The price range of a vertical boat lift is $2000 to $3600.

Floating Pontoon Lift

These are known for their efficiency and quiet operation. In addition, they’re ideal for salty water, as their design keeps the steel above water level when in a raised position. Floating pontoon lifts come in two types; air and water displacement Lifts and hydraulic floating lifts.

The price range of floating lifts ranges between $2000 to $12,000

Air & Water Displacement Lifts

Best for shallow water

Air and water displacement lifts include an expandable underwater pontoon that rises when air or water is blown in it. It also gets lowered when air or water is released.

These lifts are relatively cheap; however, they don’t offer the stability that other types do.

Hydraulic Floating Lifts

Best for: very shallow water

Hydraulic floating lifts have a considerable advantage; they can be mounted on floating or fixed docks. However, they cost more than air & water displacement lifts.

There are two types of operation for these lifts: the low-voltage one, which is powered by a solar panel connected to a 12-volt battery.

And there’s the high-voltage lift, which uses two 5HP motors.

The Difference Between Pontoon Boat Lifts and Other Boat Lifts

Pontoon boat lifts and regular boat lifts have different structures and weight capacities. However, the operation of both is just the same. First, to launch the boat, you need to lower the cradle so that the pontoons float freely. Then, to lift the pontoon, raise it to set it over the bunk boards.

The structure of the lifts varies because of the different shapes of the boats’ hulls. For example, regular boats have V-shaped hulls, while pontoon boats have wide ones. So, the structure of the pontoon boat lift is typically built differently.

A pontoon boat lift has two or more sets of bunks to support each pontoon. These bunks are either made of carpet or vinyl.

Another difference in the structure of the pontoon boat lift is the cradles. The cradles of a pontoon lift are bolted onto a dock and aren’t adjustable, unlike regular floating boat lifts that shift. Instead, they’re usually made of aluminum or stainless steel.

Why Do We Need a Lift for the Pontoon Boat?

A lift is essential for your pontoon boat to secure it, keep its value, and let you enjoy the water whenever you want. In addition, it’ll give you peace of mind, so you won’t worry about bad weather or debris when you aren’t around.

All of these collectively make a pontoon boat lift a worthy investment. Here are reasons to further convince you.

Prevents Damage

Water isn’t safe to store your pontoon boat in for long periods. It’ll eventually have its toll on the boat’s body. When a boat is left in water, it slowly erodes, and algae and scum build up on its body. That’s also more likely if you’re setting your pontoon in saltwater since it’s much more corrosive than freshwater.

Boat lifts absorb the impact of water when it keeps hitting the body of your boat. They also offer stability, which protects the boat against fluctuations and storms.

Sustains Value

Pontoon boat lifts are worth your money when you consider the cost and resources that you would endure from the water damage. In addition, your pontoon boat will stay in good condition for an extended period.

Let’s You Have Enjoyable Boating Time

Pontoon boat lifts make boating easier. They facilitate the boat’s launching from the dock to water, and the same with moving it out of the water. Overall, you’ll have a more enjoyable experience when you don’t need to go through the hassle of launching the boat yourself.

How Do Pontoon Boat Lifts Work?

The pontoon boat lift is connected to different systems that support the boat’s structure. These systems lift the boat out of the water.

To stabilize the boat on the lift, drive it onto the lift boards under the water. The boards are motorized; all you have to do is press a button up to lift or down to release.

How to Choose the Right Lift for Your Pontoon Boats

You should think about several factors when choosing the correct pontoon boat lift. For example, the lift will be attached to your dock style, so do you want a fixed, floating, or square dock?

The size of your pontoon will affect the specification and price of the lift. Typically, the bigger the pontoon, the higher the lift price.

Add to this the depth of the water. Shallow water needs a specific lift, or else it’ll be tricky

to get the pontoon out.

Top Brands that Sell Pontoon Boat Lifts

Various brands sell pontoon boat lifts in the market. Here’s a list of the top brands currently.

Conclusion

A boat lift is essential for protecting your pontoon boat from water, wind, and damage. Plus, it offers you comfort and satisfaction when lifting or launching your pontoon. You’ll want to research and narrow down your selection according to your pontoon’s specifications and your preferences.