Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

I'm in the market for a lift for my 22' pontoon on Lake of the Ozarks. The docks faces the main lake and gets real "wavey" in the summer, so need a strong lift. All dealers say theirs is the best?! I've read about Poly lifts, Hydo Hoist, Titan, Fiber Steel, Summerset/Galva Hoist.
Any from our lake want to suggest a good lift? Thanks in advance.

We're on Lake Norman which gets rough and we have a Hi-Tide lift. It's not the kind that uses an air pump though, which I think you're looking for. You would need pilings to mount it.

If you have deep water in your slip and like to take the boat out when the lake is down (656'), then pretty much any of them. Get their warranty (in writing) on the tanks and the frame. Should be lifetime on the tanks, at least 5 years on the metal. I would also suggest getting a remote control. Even though it seems like everyone does it, it really isn't good to leave the lift down when you're out on the lake.
Yes, they're expensive, but it's nice not to have someone try to jump on and off the boat to raise/lower the lift every time you leave or come back. All the lift people sell them.

I will tell you my experience with a word of caution. I have drive-on lifts. Instead of dropping straight down, the lift frame is attached to the structure at the front of the dock in a cantilever fashion. The rear of the lift frame is attached to the dock with chains so that when the lift lowers in only goes down as far as the chain will allow it (it's adjusted at the time of installation). Even when the lake dropped to 653.9 in March of 2011 I was able to get my boat on and off the lift, something my neighbor's were unable to do. There's a company in Greenview called Drew Drive-On Lift. I purchased my lifts from the predecessor company. My word of caution is that they are not the best when it comes to after the sale service. When the owner does come out he never bothers to let you know so you can be there. I've had a problem with the lift my Bennington sits on all summer. He's been out (never let me know and I live here) and says he doesn't see anything wrong. It's only a problem when there's big boat traffic and the lift doesn't want to stay locked in place.
Sorry to be so long-winded, but you asked!
Good luck!!

Most boat-lifts you mentioned should work. One other item to look for is a remote operated blower for the lift; First Mate and Captains Choice are two that I have seen in use. They operate kinda like a garage door opener allowing you to put the lift up when you leave and lower it when you return.

If I had the coin, I'd buy the Poly-Lift.

Here ya go, these guys are great!
http://dockrealty.org/lift_search_results_boat_6000.asp

I can say Hydro Hoist are some pretty good units. Dad had a hoist put in back in early 80's for our v-hull boat. Our dock has been sitting empty for the past 10 years. The hoist developed a slow leak and it would eventually drop after a few days. It hung underwater for about 6 years. Last year I bought new nipples for both tanks and was surprised they stayed up after the repair. So this year I had brackets made and installed them with bunks and carpet and now I put my 22' pontoon boat on the hoist. None of the neighbors thought it would work, but it works just fine. The boat and motor are completely out of the water and it makes it much more convenient to drop it and go for a cruise. I'm not sure what weight this hoist is rated for (probably not as much as I really need). The back sits lower due to the heavy 90hp motor and 22 gallon tank at the rear of the boat.

I bought a 6,000 lb rated Hydro Hoist in 1996 for a 27ft bayliner worked 16 years with no maintenance.
In Nov 2012 had new rails put on- including a center rail - for a new 25 ft bennington. Have had no issues.
I love my Hydro Hoist. I am on Lake of the Ozarks in a protected cove.

No matter which brand you get, ask if they offer a "Rough Water Kit".

I have a Hydrohoist with a remote and love it. They are in Oklahoma so are fairly close to you. The main thing to rememeber is when you are out leave the lift up in boarding mode or all the way up. The waves are hard on the ift if it is submerged. Also if it is up when you are out no one will pull into the slip and damage the submerged lift if it is floating.