Jet Ski Lifts

[codeman671]

Originally Posted by gecko1

I recently purchased a home on Mark Island and plan on purchasing a couple of jet skis this spring. I have done some research on lifts and I am now thoroughly confused. I originally was going to purchase a couple of manual crank up lifts (Hewitt - about $1300 a piece) but was told by the previous owner that he had these at one point and if not readjusted as the water level changes combined with some rough wakes due to the boat traffic - you can lose your skis. Since I won't be up every weekend, I don't want to deal with having to move or adjust and potentially forget to do. Several people have recommend the Sunstream hydraulic lifts. Everyone seems to have positive things to say but they are $4500 a piece new. Finally, I am wondering if some 8 foot Monarch mooring whips ($399 per set) would do the job and protect the skis from weather and boat wakes.

Not looking to go cheap but spending $10,000 on lifts feels crazy to me but I want to make sure I listen to others and don't learn the hard way! Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Welcome to the forum Marc. Did you call Watermark to see if they have any used Sunstreams? Last fall they had a few, around $2500 each.

Since I know the house "rather" well, I know that the drive on ports will be a waste of money there. You could try leaving them on the moorings and hope that Marine Patrol doesn't bother you. A neighbor 2 houses down keeps a Sea Doo on a mooring all season in the cove.

You could always simply 4 way tie them (with snubbers) in an inside slip since you only have 1 boat at this time.

[fatlazyless]

Here's something that may be of interest to you.

There are three different jet-ski lifts, that have been for sale since last summer, which are sitting in someone's front yard here in Meredith, directly across from the side road that goes down to Shep Brown's boat marina, so that would be across from the intersection of Meredith Neck Rd, and Lovejoy Sands Rd. All three are all aluminum construction, and designed to be attached to the side of a dock, and have a large wheel which get turned that raises or lowers a set of wood supports for a jet-ski.....or something like that.......if I remember correct. Do not know about the prices.

I was thinking about getting one last September for use with a 13' sailboat but decided against it.

They can be seen from the road there, plus there's also a boat trailer for sale too.

[Bear Islander]

The cheapest answer by far is a mooring. If you have or can get a mooring permit you are all set. You could also tie the jet ski between the dock and a mooring or the dock and something on shore.

I have used a standard PWC lift and I agree they do not have enough lift to prevent having to adjust it during the season. The lifts that attach to the side of a dock however may have enough lift to keep you out of danger all season.

[gecko1]

Thanks for the feedback. I have called Watermark and they do not have any used inventory at this point. The house has two moorings but permits don't transfer. I applied but was denied since I couldn't "demonstrate need" since I only own one boat. I plan on going back to plead my case once I buy the jet skis. I will also check out Shoremaster.

Lots of options to think about and stuff to learn about island living. Thanks.

[ishoot308]

Gecko1;

As someone who also has an island home and has had a couple jet skis and mechanical lifts, I can tell you this...mechanical lifts are a royal pain in the a**!

Between the constant adjustment required over the course of the season and then having to take them in and out of the water in the spring and fall,which by the way you can't do by yourself, it got to the point for me where it simply wasn't worth it anymore.

My advice to you is spend the money and get the Sunstream or similar style auto-lift.

Good luck!

Dan

[fatlazyless]

(603) 455-6336 is the phone number for the guy in post #7 in Meredith who has three different, used, jet-ski lifts sitting in his front yard since last September or so that are all for sale .....got the number off an orange and black hardware store "for sale" sign today.....all three are the single post style, all aluminum, with a large wheel that you turn which raises and lowers the jet-ski platform....designed to be attached to the side of a dock.....could be a steal of a deal.....no clue as to the prices?

[ITD]

Hi Gecko,

I have two hewitt 1000# mechanical pwc lifts I have been using for over 10 years. I put them in around the end of May and set them so that the most of the cradle is under water when fully down, this lifts the PWC about a foot over the water when fully up. I have never had a pwc float off. Usually, on a normal year, I have to slide the lifts a foot or two into a little deeper water as the lake level lowers. I know to do this when it starts getting difficult to float the pwc off the cradle.

Cranking the wheels can be a tiresome but not too hard. The key is to make sure the pwc is high enough to not be knocked off by a wave. We are in an area that gets a lot of wave action on weekends and have never had a problem.

I did use to see a neighbor's pwc floating around the cove occasionally, they had the float drive on type, not a lift.

I would not moor my pwc as the aluminum parts will corrode. My PWCs are over 10 years old and still look pretty new, top and bottom, I use the lifts and covers.

[codeman671]

With 4 slips and 1 boat I highly doubt that you will get anywhere pleading your case. It is mentioned on the application that under normal circumstances they will not issue permits for jet ski use.

[Greene's Basin Girl]

Originally Posted by ITD

Hi Gecko,

I have two hewitt 1000# mechanical pwc lifts I have been using for over 10 years. I put them in around the end of May and set them so that the most of the cradle is under water when fully down, this lifts the PWC about a foot over the water when fully up. I have never had a pwc float off. Usually, on a normal year, I have to slide the lifts a foot or two into a little deeper water as the lake level lowers. I know to do this when it starts getting difficult to float the pwc off the cradle.

Cranking the wheels can be a tiresome but not too hard. The key is to make sure the pwc is high enough to not be knocked off by a wave. We are in an area that gets a lot of wave action on weekends and have never had a problem.

I did use to see a neighbor's pwc floating around the cove occasionally, they had the float drive on type, not a lift.

I would not moor my pwc as the aluminum parts will corrode. My PWCs are over 10 years old and still look pretty new, top and bottom, I use the lifts and covers.

I also have a Hewitt lift and my Seadoo floated away one spring when the water was very high. I did have the lift raised as high it wild go. I now also tie it to my dock in case this happens again.

[Wetbiker]

a) Look into the floating ramps that attach to a beach or a dock
b) Build your own ramp so that you can drive on, crank it up when away, and slip it off when you want to go. Probably the cheapest route depending on how you do it, and if your capable. and the most convienent as well. Post a picture of your situation and maybe myself or others can give you some advice.
c) crank up lift that bolts to your dock and you can swivel onto the top of your dock.

Theres TONS of options, explore them all before you bite the bullet and spend 4500 on a chunk of metal and hydralics.

[Merrymeeting]

Originally Posted by Wetbiker

a) Look into the floating ramps that attach to a beach or a dock

When I did some research, I found many references to problems with this type of system if you live in an area exposed to high winds or rough conditions as we are. Watching our dock on some very rough days, I can see why this would be an issue. Continuous, 2-3' rollers would probably not mix well with a floating dock.

But we also have friends who have them in protected areas and they are great.

As always, your mileage may vary.

[EllyPoinster]

This may or may not work for you depending upon your waterfront but I simply tie my jet ski diagonally between a cleat on my dock and a pin on the shoreline. To describe the pin, think of a three foot long corkscrew made of at least half-inch steel with an eyelet on top. You just locate an appropriate spot and screw it into the ground. I have no idea where to get one - mine was on the property when I bought it 25 years ago. You do want to use a decent size line and be sure it is not being abraded. If the water level drops too much I simply move the line to a cleat further out on the dock. You probably want to have at least a couple of feet of water under the jet ski.

When I want to go for a ride, I just wade out to the jet ski, unhook it front and back and take off.

[Winnisquamguy]

Originally Posted by codeman671

You could always simply 4 way tie them (with snubbers) in an inside slip since you only have 1 boat at this time.

Codeman, could you explain but what you mean by a 4 way tie with snubbers. I tried google not much there. I have a Sea Doo that I put on the inside and it a PIA to tie and not get beat up. Thanks

[codeman671]

Originally Posted by Winnisquamguy

Codeman, could you explain but what you mean by a 4 way tie with snubbers. I tried google not much there. I have a Sea Doo that I put on the inside and it a PIA to tie and not get beat up. Thanks

Rubber mooring snubbers in the dock lines will take a bit of the pressure off the line, that snap and jerk with the boat/ski rocks in the wake when the line hits its stretch limit.

You can also but elastic-type dock lines that provide the same dampening.