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Short answer: start with your boat. From small boats to superyachts, we install high-quality boat lifts to protect your vessel, no matter the size.
What should I consider when choosing a boat lift?
- The size of your boat
- Your dock and shoreline
- Whether you want the lift covered
Popular boat lift brands and capacities in Florida
These manufacturers are widely seen on Florida docks and seawalls. The capacity ranges below are the ones each maker publishes on its own website (checked October 2026). Always size a lift to your boat's fully loaded weight, not its dry weight.
- Hurricane Marine Products (our partners): We work with our partners at Hurricane when a lift from that line fits the boat and the dock. See our boat lift services.
- Golden Boat Lifts: 4-post lifts from 5,000 to 56,000 lb and elevator lifts from 3,000 to 60,000 lb, plus PWC, floating dock and boat house lifts.
- Hi-Tide Boat Lifts: 4-post cable lifts (Gear Drive) from 4,500 to 30,000 lb, aluminum elevator lifts from 6,000 to 50,000 lb, yacht lifts from 30,000 to 180,000 lb and PWC lifts from 1,500 lb.
- DECO Boat Lifts: aluminum lifts from 1,500 to 40,000 lb, including top-mount, beamless, elevator, boat house and DECKLift styles. PWC lifts come in 1,500 lb single and 4,000 lb dual models.
- Sunstream Boat Lifts: hydraulic lifts. The SunLift X freestanding hydraulic lift runs from 5,000 to 30,000 lb, the SunLift Mini is rated at 2,000 lb for PWCs and small craft, and the FloatLift is a free-floating hydraulic lift.
- HydroHoist: floating lifts. The HarborHoist free-floating lift, which HydroHoist rates for fresh or salt water, runs from 5,500 to 24,500 lb, and drive-on PWC ports are rated from 1,150 to 2,000 lb.
Which one is right depends on your boat, your water depth and tide range and whether you are mounting on pilings, a seawall or a floating dock. Dockside can help you choose and install a lift that fits your boat and dock. See how lifts are built into a completed waterfront in our Satellite Beach dock, boathouse and boat lift, a Snug Harbor dock with dual boat lifts and a canal-front dock and four-post lift.
Should I add a covered boat dock?
There is a special kind of calm when your boat has a covered home waiting at the end of the pier. Shade for the deck, protection for the lift.
What about a boat house?
We build custom boat houses with durable lifts and unique designs, giving you secure protection for your vessel and easy access for waterfront living. For storm-season planning around a lift, see what to add to a dock for hurricane season.
Who handles permits for a boat lift?
Once the plans are approved, we'll handle all paperwork submission to local and state agencies for permitting.
Get a free estimate
Tell us about your waterfront project and we will set up a time to look at your property. Call 772-664-6798, contact us or request a free estimate. You can also browse our marine construction services.
Our partners: Dockside Builders works alongside community, conservation and industry partners on Florida's Treasure and Space Coasts. Meet our partners.
Sources
- Hurricane Marine Products: products
- Golden Boat Lifts: four-post boat lift and 4-post capacities
- Golden Boat Lifts: elevator lift spec sheet
- Hi-Tide Boat Lifts: products and capacities
- DECO Boat Lifts: boat lift systems and PWC lifts
- Sunstream: SunLift X and FloatLift
- HydroHoist: HarborHoist and PWC port capacities
