Raptor boat lift.

[DetroiTodd]

Hello everybody.

We just purchased our first boat, a Yamaha 212x, at the end of the last Michigan season. We tied it to the dock for the month we had it in the water, this year we'd like to improve on that and purchase a dock. The water in front of our house is very shallow (less than 2' but varies) so I'm concerned about a traditional lift. Our dock installer thought a Max lift would work but I have my doubts. I discovered a relatively new lift called the Raptor that we're considering. I'm curious if anyone here has experience with it or thoughts on it. Thanks for your time!

Raptor Lifts – Raptor Lifts

 

[Beachbummer]

I have had 2 different boats in the air using only slings. no ill effects. If you have depth concerns, the sling is unbeatable. (And ridiculously cheap compared to any alternative)

I'll leave this here so others can tell us why slings might be a bad idea, but It worked great for me, and I would use them again.

Something like this and you are set

6" Wide Boat Lift Slings | Hoist Slings / Cradle Slings - BH-USA

The 6" Wide Boat Lift Slings is made from marine-grade polyester. Features UV inhibitors on the slings. Designed for lifting watercraft.

bh-usa.com

 

[captras]

I used a sling for years. I dont really have anything bad to say about it. It worked, was simple, and not expensive. The only down side is that you have to make sure the slings are properly placed to avoid stress on the hull. The rear strap should support the weight of the engine and the forward strap should be in the area of the windshield. The straps will, after time, leave rub marks on your hull.....nothing bad....and probably something only you will notice, but they will be there. I had a new boathouse built, and now have have a full length, 8000 lb, frame lift, that gives me the same support as you would have on a trailer. However, you do need deeper water. The sling is definitely a good choice for shallow water. Best of luck.

 

[gallobg]

Hello everybody.

We just purchased our first boat, a Yamaha 212x, at the end of the last Michigan season. We tied it to the dock for the month we had it in the water, this year we'd like to improve on that and purchase a dock. The water in front of our house is very shallow (less than 2' but varies) so I'm concerned about a traditional lift. Our dock installer thought a Max lift would work but I have my doubts. I discovered a relatively new lift called the Raptor that we're considering. I'm curious if anyone here has experience with it or thoughts on it. Thanks for your time!

Raptor Lifts – Raptor Lifts

Do you have any idea of the weight of the Raptor Lift? I boat on a small private lake where we are required to remove any boat lifts each winter. I've wanted a lift but have avoided since most traditional lifts are heavy and difficult to get in/out of the water. The Raptor looks to have less material without the cross-beam so maybe it will be easier to move around.

 

[Beachbummer]

The sling is a piece of cake to remove

Ok, that was my last one!

 

[biffdotorg]

Do you have any idea of the weight of the Raptor Lift? I boat on a small private lake where we are required to remove any boat lifts each winter. I've wanted a lift but have avoided since most traditional lifts are heavy and difficult to get in/out of the water. The Raptor looks to have less material without the cross-beam so maybe it will be easier to move around.

In MN, we have to pull out lifts annually as well. This is a non-issue with current lifts as they are made of aluminum. I pull mine with the winch on y Wildcat SXS. Many just pull them out with a pickup. Wheel kits are necessary of course.

A few folks have Raptors on our lake. But you only buy one if you absolutely need it due to shallow water, as they are at least twice as expensive as traditional bunk lifts.

I can’t say that I have seen sling lifts used on portable lifts. I think they require permanent install. We only see bunk lifts here in MN.

Good luck!

 

[haknslash]

I don’t know the laws regarding docks or house on the water but is it possible to dredge the area to make it deeper?