I have a deck boat that weighs 2,960 pounds. The maximum occupancy rating (people and equipment) is 1,600 pounds.I was thinking about getting a 3,500 pound boat hoist, will this be enough, or is it recommended that I go higher? Is there some formula to figure this out?
Schwaggy, I recommend that you get the next higher capacity. It will lift your current boat more easily, last longer, and will be able to accommodate your next boat for a few dollars more, as opposed to getting a new winch when you get a new boat. Regards,Dan
For anything associated with a boat weight it is a good idea to give yourself at least 25% overhead. It is too easy to increase the weight of your boat with added gear, water in the bilge, fuel ... That 2960 pounds is probably dry weight. Get the next size up.
No, the 3500 pound lift will cover you. Remember, typically when you lift your boat out of the water you won't have it load with people. There might be some gear in the boat, but it won't come anywhere close to the 1600 pound capacity. My family has two 3000 pound Sea Rays, and they work perfectly on 3600 pound ShoreStation lifts (yeah, not together). We replace cables every now and then, but that is normal wear and tear.
