Sling vs bunks for boatlift

[Seneca_rider]

Just picked up my new Yamaha 212SE 3 weeks ago. I am having a new boat lift installed and am interested in the pros and cons of sling versus bunks hoists. Is one better than the other? I am located in NY state, on one of the Finger lakes. Thanks

 

[zipper]

I would say that bunks would be a better choice than slings. Bunks will provide better support, long term, than slings. The marina uses slings to lift our Beneteau out. They must be placed at dedicated lifting positions on the hull, usually under a structural bulkhead to keep the hull from collapsing in. The hulls on the Yamaha's are designed to rest on trailer bunks, which spread the load out. Slings will concentrate that load to a couple of points on the hull and could put damaging forces on it over time.

https://keywestboatsforum.com/boat-lift-sling-vs-cradle-239fs-t6301.html

 

[Coult45]

Hey, @Seneca_rider , welcome to the forum and congratulations on your new boat! I don't have any experience with sling lifts, but I can tell you that a bunk lift works great with my 210 FSH.

I'm on Cross Lake near Baldwinsville. We've made it as far west as Cayuga, but haven't gotten over to Seneca yet. Have you been on the canal between Cayuga and Seneca? I know there are one or two locks on that stretch. Is it 10mph the whole way? I think it's probably a two hour trip for us each way, but I think we'll get to Geneva this summer just to check out the route. should be a nice cruise.

If you ever cruise east, let me know. I can give you some info on the river, locks, gas, etc out this way.

 

[Seneca_rider]

Thanks for your reply. I agree that the sling would concentrate stress on specific points on the hull. Just confirming what I thought, too.

 

[Seneca_rider]

Hey, @Seneca_rider , welcome to the forum and congratulations on your new boat! I don't have any experience with sling lifts, but I can tell you that a bunk lift works great with my 210 FSH.

I'm on Cross Lake near Baldwinsville. We've made it as far west as Cayuga, but haven't gotten over to Seneca yet. Have you been on the canal between Cayuga and Seneca? I know there are one or two locks on that stretch. Is it 10mph the whole way? I think it's probably a two hour trip for us each way, but I think we'll get to Geneva this summer just to check out the route. should be a nice cruise.

If you ever cruise east, let me know. I can give you some info on the river, locks, gas, etc out this way.

Thanks for the welcome. I have never been thru the locks yet, but I know it is at least a couple hour trip both ways.

 

[captras]

I have had both.... hands down the bunks are better. They are more stable and provide much better support. They cost more but are well worth it! I would never go back to slings! Cradles with bunks are alot heavier though, so make sure your lift can handle all the weight.