Question for those with a Hydrohoistlift

[robert843]

So we just recently bought a lot in a waterfront community that comes with a boat slip in the communities private marina about 100 yards from the lot. The previous owner already has a hydrohoist lift installed I'm unsure of the age but have been assured it works and they have been storing their boat on it but have not used it since last season. I plan to build on the lot this fall but will start using the slip and lift this year versus paying for the other marina I use. Any advise on what I should check out on the lift before putting the boat there? Should I call an authorized dealer and have it inspected or any other maintenance items I should just go ahead and address up front such as possibly replacing the bunks? Also this is not a covered slip I do have the Yamaha mooring cover but I know its not 100% waterproof should I go ahead and invest in getting another cover made from Sunbrella now to assist with this?

 

[Mainah]

Congrats on your purchase. I don’t have a lift but I do keep my boat in a uncovered slip. I use the Yamaha deluxe cover. I treated the cover in with fabric guard from a pump sprayer. Boat stays dry and the cover seems to be holding ip well. The cover gets stuffed in the port bow storage and goes with me so not sure if I would ever get one made of sunbrella as I think it would be thicker and heavier. If you do go that route please let us know how it turns out.

 

[spatty99]

The Yamaha covers are notorious for disintegrating after 5+ years, so you could just wait and plan to replace it after it wears out.

 

[MattFX4]

Sounds like a nice lot. There's really not a lot that can go wrong with these lifts. I would just inspect the bunks, brackets, and check the lines and fittings for leaks and you should be ok. I purchased a used Rhinohoist lift and haven't had any issues out of it. I used the tan Yamaha cover and it's OK. I want the nicer black cover but can't justify the cost until this one wears out. You will love the lift. Keeps bottom of boat clean and free from water damage.

 

[mtnv900]

make sure the bunks on the lift are setup for a v bottom boat and are spaced apart properly. I set my lift bunks to mimic what the spacing is on the trailer. If the bunks are spaced too far apart the bottom of the boat will hit the framing on the tank. Make sure you take it slow the first time you lift it out of the water. You'll love the lift hydro hoist is a good lift.

 

[Jgorm]

If it floats and not falling apart it will be just fine.

 

[Venkman]

I have a hydrohoist and they are great and basically maintenance free, I would just check the hoses and the hose clamps just to make sure not too corroded. I had a hose clamp fail allowing the hose to leak, probably would have came off if I would have tried to lift again. Also make sure to tie off when on lift because of course anything can happen, I have had nightmares of the lift leaking over night to come back to a boat floating aimlessly down the lake.

As someone already mentioned check the bunks, I would be worried if it is out in the elements of dry rot under the carpet, I

I always set my ropes on the sides so when attached and with a tight line the boat is basically in ideal lift position.

 

[robert843]

So I have not been down to inspect it. Here are some pics of course there is discoloration from our lovely brackish water but honestly if I left my boat in the water for a week straight the bottom turns brown. only thing that looks strange in the pics is the bunk boards almost look curved but it almost looks intentional is this normal? I may call a dealer and have them come inspect it and set it up for my boat unless you guys just think that's a waste. below are some pics from the listing.

 

[Jgorm]

Looks fine. They are just tubes that hold air. But as mentioned, always tie off! It's not uncommon to pop a fitting and drop a corner.