LIFT? Boat lifts of today are sleek, multipurpose, and focus on both form and function. BY SARAH KOLLMORGEN
EZ Dock
Not all of today’s manufacturers work in such extreme applications, however. EZ Dock’s EZ Kayak Launch is made specifically for those looking to easily get in and out of the water from their kayak or canoe. The one-piece design features built-in paddle notches so beginners and advanced kayakers alike can launch and dock with ease. For HydroHoist, which has headquarters in Claremont, Oklahoma, and operates internationally, versatility involves more than accommodating a range of different boats; the lifts themselves must be multipurpose. Take the company’s new HarborHoist lift. It’s a free-floating lift that allows boaters to tie it to the dock with ropes or use a conventional mooring system. It’s also designed to operate in saltwater, brackish water and freshwater. Not only does the HarborHoist work in most slip configurations, it can accommodate
most boat styles, such as pontoons, tritoons, wake, inboard and V-hull, and is capable of lifting 25,000 pounds. “It’s definitely the most flexible, most user-friendly lift we have,” says Mick Webber, CEO at HydroHoist. “It allows us to operate anywhere in the world.”
Ease of use
Perhaps the greatest driver of innovation in lifts is ease of use. Whether through accessories or the structure of the lift itself, many manufacturers are looking for ways to make lifts as easy as possible to operate. Consider the growing popularity of floating boat lifts. A report by Zion Market Research predicts that the global market for floating docks and drive-on boat lifts will reach $470 million by 2024. These floating lifts are made up of lightweight, durable and modular pieces that literally float on top of the water, making them
ideal for both deep and shallow water applications. They are simple to operate and easy to step on and off. Jet Dock is a Cleveland, Ohio-based company that specializes in a wide range of floating boat lifts and drive-on docking systems. Jet Dock claims that floating docks are easier to maintain and customize as your boating needs change due to their modular design. You can find a floating lift from Jet Dock for just about any application, too: Kayaks, PWC — these floating Lego-like docks even hold pontoons. Most of Jet Dock’s floating lifts are completely electricity free — you simply drive your boat up on the lift and you’re done. For Binger, it’s this simplicity that customers are looking for. While Bulmann Dock and Lift does not produce floating lifts, they focus on creating designs that are incredibly easy to use regardless of boating experience. “It’s all about convenience, being
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MAY 2020
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