So if you already have a boat lift, converting it instead could save you that extra expense. Here is the best one that I have found. When taking pontoon boat lift prices into account, as well as the risk of damaging your pontoons, its a worthwhile investment. Pontoon boat lifts are constructed with only 6061-T6 marine-grade aluminum for longevity and low maintenance. Todays pontoons and tritoons are larger and heavier than older boat models, which means that they cant go on V-hull or other lifts designed for smaller watercraftin fact, for boats that are 25 feet or longer, your best option is to upgrade to a longer pontoon lift to guarantee that your boat will get the support that it needs. Copyright 2023 Great Lakes Boating | Published by Harris Publishing, Inc. ShoreMasters Rail Kits contain aluminum-welded rails for superior stability and premium protection when lifting your pontoon out of the water. Bear in mind, that the majority of weight in your pontoon boat is in the last third, as thats where the storage locker, motor, and battery is. Your pontoon boats design makes it incredibly stable on the water. Also have to supports in the middle of the lift. For the mechanically-minded boat owner, it could be a very successful DIY project, but I do believe that the risks in creating your own lifting system are probably out-weighed by the cost of your boat, and whether you want to take that risk. Given the risk of damaging your boats pontoons, and how expensive those pontoons are, its a good way to save money and protect your investment. Keep in mind as you modify your lift that most of a pontoon boats weight is often in the back, where the storage locker, motor, and battery are, so its important to know how youre loading and positioning your boat onto your pontoon boat lift and where that weight will be concentrated. All Rights Reserved, NEW! You are using an out of date browser. You supply your own lumber bunk boards. Keep in mind though that if youre doing this in rough weather or strong winds, you might not be able to keep your boat straight if youre in neutral. or just a who you happen to speak to at Bennington kind of thing, I wonder if its a set up weight thing, or just a who you happen to speak to at Bennington kind of thing, or if its a either works fine, but the engineers have an opinion on whats most optimal or safest. (2) 4 X 12 Aluminum bunks with rubber You will need a set of four universal bunk brackets along with two single brackets (please note the single brackets do not come with hardware and you will need to purchase the hardware for the single brackets) and six pieces of marine-grade wood. This could jeopardize the safety of both the lift and your boat. Take the first step in modifying your existing boat lift more reliable and efficient for your Pontoon or Tritoon boat by contacting us onlinetoday. All parts are hot dipped galvanized for years of trouble-free operation. Third-Tubes dramatically increase your boats turning capability, and helps eliminate . Description Pontoon Boat Lift Cradle & Guide Kit Features. Pontoon boats will require a lot more support on the lift structure than simply wrapping some carpet around any new or existing cross beams that you add. You must log in or register to reply here. So if youve got an existing lift at home, you can accommodate your pontoon on it with a pontoon boat lift conversion. HL-FLEX Pontoon & Tritoon Boat Lift Kits, Hydraulic Vertical Boat Lift Options & Accessories. TERMS AND CONDITIONSPRIVACY POLICYEMPLOYEE EMAIL DEALER LOGIN SITEMAP, SHOREMASTER, LLC | 1025 INTERNATIONAL DR. FERGUS FALLS, MN 56537, Aluminum welded rails will lift your pontoon up out of the water with superior stability for premium protection, Set of 4 Pontoon Rail Brackets (wood sold separately). Smokey Granite/Champagne Accent. If DIYing a pontoon boat lift sounds overwhelming and youd feel better with a little extra help, youve come to the right place. A magnet will stick to steel but not aluminum. Sure, you could always just buy a second boat lift for your pontoon. All of our instructions are available on our website, and we have decades of waterfront experience and a passion for improving our products and your experience. If building the parts for your own pontoon boat lift conversion seems daunting, you can pay someone else to do the conversion for you or install a rail kit. The area of concern though, will be how you support the pontoon logs so that they dont become damaged and deformed when supported by your converted lift. PONTOON PA As the boat lift raises your boat out of the waves, youll want to make sure that all of the weight on deck is evenly distributed. Home Products Large Craft Boat Lifts Pontoon & Tritoon Boat Lift KitsManuals. If you have existing wooden bunks you can move your bunks to the middle of your cradle and add two sets of bunks on the outside. VaraFoil tritoon and pontoon hydrofoil kits are made to give your boat a better, quieter, faster, and more fuel efficient ride. In terms of how to do the boat lift to pontoon lift conversion, a common process goes tends to be making two timber bunks to fit the pontoons at 26 set in a V pattern for each pontoon. ShoreMaster pontoon rail kits use aluminum-welded rails to lift your pontoon up out of the water with superior stability and premium protection. All parts are hot dipped galvanized for years of trouble-free operation. Instructions for assembling all boat lifts and accessories are on our website. Our diverse line of accessories fit a large range of watercraft for a customized experience. Local dealers and our Customer Support Team are also available to help answer any questions. But if you do want to do a pontoon boat lift conversion yourself, read as many forums as you can and ask for advice from people who have done it before. Don't overthink it. RGC Pontoon Boat Lift and Tritoon Boat Lift Kits Quickly convert RGC's Hydraulic Vertical Boat Lift or Vertical Boat Lift, into a highly functional free-standing pontoon boat lift. OR . Making two timber bunks (2x6) set in a V pattern for each pontoon will help support the weight. For example, if passengers are coming on and off, how is that weight distribution going to affect potential stress on the boat and structure? JavaScript is disabled. Most conversion projects then use carpet over the bunks to offer protection to the pontoon logs, with some DIY projects using rubber. We have a Shorestation and on it we have a Shorestation Toon Rail System. By using this site, you agree to our Privacy Policy. 727-455-5576. . If youre fairly handy, its possible to do a pontoon boat lift conversion at home by building the required parts. From Boat Lift Lifting Arm to Wheel Caddy, Bunk Boards to Cleats and Battery Trays ShoreMaster lift accessories protect your watercraft and make it easy to store it. Shop Otter Tail County Boat Lift Types & Boat Dock Options | ShoreMaster, Why Choose Removable Decking Panels For Your Dock System, TERMS AND CONDITIONSPRIVACY POLICYEMPLOYEE EMAIL DEALER LOGIN SITEMAP, SHOREMASTER, LLC | 1025 INTERNATIONAL DR. FERGUS FALLS, MN 56537, Your pontoon boats design makes it incredibly stable on the water. 10K-13K TRITOON BUNK KIT with 4 bunks (8 I-beam) for every kind of dock. The kits are a great option if youre open to making a conversion but arent handy enough to build the parts. Needless to say, they can be pretty expensive. Additional information. There are three ways to convert your, pontoon boat lift conversion equipment kits. Boat Lift 7000lb. All of our instructions are available on our website, and we have decades of waterfront experience and a passion for improving our products and your experience. But is there space enough to accommodate it? Its not something that I have done before, so I would advise checking out a few docking tutorials on YouTube. Mounting hardware is included. If you have an aluminum cradle youre good to go, but if you have wooden bunks and are not sure, use a magnet to help you find out. Additionally, Pontooners.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. This support and guide kit is compatible with ShoreStation 3,000lb thru 7,000lb capacity vertical lift models with either Aluminum or Steel V-cradle cross members. No need to lift boat, no special dolly's to locate Cg (Center of Gravity) location, we provide . I need to set up the boat lift. One guy in particular was able to get the job done by simply attaching six garden timbers across the lift to cover up the V-hull frame. Google it ! ShoreStation Pontoon Lifts have been updated to fit today's larger, heavier pontoons. The kit comes with two 12-foot bunks and a set of four 4-inch bunks. 453261 East Highway 85A, Bernice OK 74331 (918) 256-3330. . A pontoon or tri-toon boat is a great way to enjoy the water, but theyre not cheap boats. 902 US-258 South The 4-inch aluminum bunks are made for an 8-inch I-beam. Expertly in stalled by Oklahoma's boat lift specialist. Aside from the upfront cost of the boat itself, youll find that youre going to have to shell out cash for a variety of other additional items and equipment to enjoy a seamless pontoon boating experience. That last push right before you shifted from drive to neutral should keep your boat drifting into the boat lift. Its also possible to buy the pontoon boat lift conversion equipment from manufacturers that have been designed to do the job, but those will be expensive. I would err on the side of caution though and use carpet to stop scratching and damage occurring. With the right equipment and know-how, a handy boat owner can create the parts that an existing lift needs to be pontoon-ready. Then you can start lifting the cradle to get your boat out of the water. Enjoy the widest selection of dock and boat lift accessories for every kind of dock. If your pontoon is 25 feet or longer, though, we recommend upgrading to our. Securing the spans of wood entailed nothing more than heavy duty strapping. The 4-inch aluminum bunks are made for an 8-inch I-beam. Pontoon Boat Lift Conversion: How to Convert & How Much it Costs Here are some notes I found when researching how to convert a boat lift to a pontoon lift. How Do You Determine What Size Boat Lift You Need. Pontoon Boat Lift Parts. If you want to buy it, you can see the product listing on their website including the latest prices. This also works well if you dont want to make any permanent changes that you wont be able to undo if you want to use your boat lift for a V hull again. But i'm on salt water. Dealer told me this AM out two 2x6 wrapped in the plastic trailer bink stuff and let it sit on the keel as they is how they factory store them in racks. Optional Pontoon and Tritoon Boat lift kits can be fitted to modify our Hydraulic Vertical and Vertical Aluminum lifts. If DIYing a pontoon boat lift sounds overwhelming and youd feel better with a little extra help, youve come to the right place. He then strapped them down securely using heavy wire strapping, and his pontoon sat over the timbers with no problems for years. A lumber bed and bunks (usually nine feet apart) spanned over steel beams is also a popular approach. ShoreMaster has decades of engineering and waterfront expertise that we put into all of our products. The NOAA announced in November 2019 that it is in Merry Christmas from Great Lakes Boating! Pontoon boat lifts can cost a lot of money, with the prices ranging from $1,500 to $12,000 depending on the type you buy. HANDLING Get your Pontoon to turn on a dime! 16' boards would be more then sufficient. Galvanized (4) 4 in. There are a couple of options here. Whichever you choose, you can be sure to keep your boat sufficiently protected from the elements and more without having to spend as much as you would on a brand new lift. With these comments in mind, I personally would not attempt to do my own conversion job as I am not an engineer by any stretch. For more information:ShoreMaster, LLC1025 International DriveFergus Falls, MN 56537800.328.8945. 902 US-258 South If you have existing aluminum bunks you can move your bunks to the middle of your cradle and add two sets of bunks on either side of your original bunks for a total of six aluminum bunks. Designed to protect your investment against scrapes and scratches, the cradles and guides keep your boat secure and balanced within the lift. If youre not quite sure how to load your pontoon boat onto the lift from the water, heres a handy guide: Obviously, the first step involves lowering the cradle so that its submerged in the water. Our Conversion Poly 3rd Tube Kits lift your boat higher out of the water, reducing drag, improving hole-shot, and increasing fuel economy. Increase the performance of your Pontoon Boat with a Third-Tube Conversion! From what I can gather, the spacing between the beams and the length and width of your lumber beds will typically be 9 feet apart. Choose a dealer thats very experienced in both the product being installed, the conditions in your area, and on who can provide advice on the installation and conversions. The purpose of the rail kit is to make sure that your boats weight is properly distributed over the lift so you wont have to worry about damaging either your boat or your lift. Cape Coral Fl. The kit comes with two 12-foot bunks and a set of four 4-inch bunks. You need to be aware of this and accommodate for this uneven distribution. A conversion kit will be more expensive than wood and carpet from a hardware store, but if youre looking for peace of mind, this might be a good option. Finally, theres space. You can also pay someone else to do the conversion for yousometimes the expense is worth the peace of mind. It works for vertical and hydraulic lifts and comes with four brackets (wood and any protection for the wood is sold separately). Pulleys *Galvanized Plates* 4 in. If building the parts for your own pontoon boat lift conversion seems daunting, you can pay someone else to do the conversion for you or install a. . Of course, it will require some level of skill. For example, how will you get it onto the lift far enough before the actual lifting takes place? Youll need to take that into consideration if youre thinking about loading your pontoon boat over a lift designed for V hull boats. It works for vertical and hydraulic lifts and comes with four brackets (wood and any protection for the wood is sold separately). Heres a video of their conversion kit in action: Practice makes perfect, and even if you are an experienced pontooner, you are still probably going to have the occasional ding when docking onto your lift conversion. You should double and triple check the weight capacity of your boat lift as well as how much your boat weighs while loaded and fully fueled. For pontoon boats, most of your weight is going to be in the back, where the storage locker, motor, and battery usually are: this affects where the weight is concentrated and therefore where the modifications need to take place. As much as possible, you should be facing the lift dead center so your pontoon boat fits perfectly over the bunks. RGC Marine's aluminum cradle and guide kit for pontoon boat lifts: All RGC Marine Docks and Lifts come with a 15-year limited warranty on aluminum materials and workmanship in freshwater applications. I have no affiliation with ShoreStation. This method of using lumber beds and bunks spanned over the steel beams appears to be the most popular approach, but there is often confusion on how far apart the timber bunks should be spaced. How to Clean Solar Panels Powerful DIY Cleaning 2022, Best Gas Caddies for Pontoon Boats: Top 3 to Save on Fuel. For instance, some boat owners will wait until their gas cap is aligned with the left guide bunk to make sure theyre far enough into the boat lift before they cut the engine. What is the thickness of the steel used for those brackets? For more information on what works best for your area and advice on installing or converting your boat lift, contact a local ShoreMaster dealer. Video demonstrates Sunstream FL10014 Boat Lift with Tritoon Kit. Pontoonopedia is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Includes prices on the conversion kits, and some guidance on how to complete a successful DIY project with timber logs. If you already have a boat lift and accessories, you might be able to convert it into a pontoon boat lift as long as your pontoon boat is under 25 feet and youre mindful of how much and where the weight is. ShoreMasters Rail Kit acts as both a lifting and centering device: all you have to do is remove the bunks or cradles from your existing list before installing the rail kit. So if you already have a boat lift, converting it instead could save you that extra expense. Converting a boat lift to fit your pontoon wont really take too much time or money, especially if youre ditching the boat lift kit. In general, water is 780 lbs. For over 40 years, boat and watercraft owners have trusted the safety and longevity of their investments to Hewitt lifts, docks, and canopies. PRODUCT DETAILS: Welded Aluminum Rails Set of 4 Brackets, Wood Sold Separately The handy waterfront owner can DIY modifications of an existing lift to accommodate pontoons; there are also rail kits specifically for V-hull to pontoon lift conversions. Sometimes paying someone else to do the installation is the best option for you. These kits were designed to be easily installed by the homeowner. Conversion kits change a standard boat lift from one that works with a v-hull to one that works for pontoons or tritoons. But they can be expensive. There are plenty of people on websites such as Craigslist who should be able to help out. Depending on the lift you choose, you have the option of using: Two Sets of Hull Bunks - only supporting the boat with the outside toons using a dual set of vinyl and aluminum bunks. Pontoons and tritoons are a great way to enjoy the lakes in the summer. As the name suggests, pontoon boat lift conversion involves making a few adjustments so that an existing boat lift becomes pontoon compatible. This keeps corrosion and marine pests at bay, especially if youre storing for a long period of time. Depending on the lift you're working with, you might also need to add a few hull pads. However, some boat owners dont have to replace their old boat lift to enjoy a new watercraft. These kits were designed to be easily installed by the homeowner. Please copy and paste this link into your email. Snow Hill, NC 28580, 2023 Boat Lift Warehouse | Digital Marketing by, Office M-TH 8:00am - 5:00pm; F 8:00am - Noon ~ Warehouse Hours - M-TH 9-12 and 1-4 (EST), Motors and Electrical Controls for Floating Boat Lifts, Aluminum Gangways with Removable Handrails, How to Set Up Bunks for a Tritoon Boat Lift. 92175D7D-74EB-4258-8B0B-30A208E5C843.jpeg, 349994C2-8915-46B5-9323-F2CFE90E8AF8.jpeg. Pontoon Boat Center Log Float Tube | 19 FT x 27 Inch (Bent Bracket) GLS Stock #: 1081394-4WW9. You want to make sure that your tubes can clear the surface of the boat lift without scraping against the cradle underneath. LIMITED WARRANTY. No, and instead I would take the hit in either buying a specialist lift or paying for converters from a manufacturer and having them properly fitted by someone who knows what they are doing. [Explained]. By all accounts, doing the conversion work yourself isnt that hard once you have bought the specially designed conversion bunk kits, or if you are not confident you can pay someone else to do fit and install it. x 12 in. There are three ways to convert your boat lift. DIY easy installs done while boat is in water, on trailer, or on boat lift. The customer support team at ShoreMaster is available to help whenever youre ready to purchase, install, or ask questions about boat lift options. Buy now. $ 2,172.00. RGC Marines aluminum cradle and guide kit for pontoon boat lifts: Copyright 2023 RGC | Marine. Also, think about how much weight is going to be on the pontoon whilst in the newly converted lift. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. Those from Shoremaster can cost upwards of $1,500 a set. These days, you can buy a conversion kit to turn a boat lift into a pontoon boat lift, but they can also cost quite a pretty penny. Please reference installation instructions for individual products and/or coordinating products listed in specifications. We offer pontoon lift kits for sale to use with almost any boat dock. Heres everything you need to know about pontoon boat lift conversion. If you do not have existing bunks or you are wanting to upgrade from wooden to aluminum bunks you can buy a tritoon bunk kit.
