Any concerns Hunter 30 on Boat Lift for Hull Inspection

[Fiherrsh]

I have access to a 13,000 lb. lift and want to put the boat on the lift for a couple of hours for inspection. The weight capacity is fine. I am concerned about possible damage to the keel. The lift is designed with two 15 foot rails that I can adjust. Are there any support point designed into the hull? Do I need to support the keel?

 

[Fiherrsh]

The boat lift pictures just for reference regarding how my cradle is configured. The two rails are adjustable along the beans.

 

[woodster]

have you ever done this ....why not just get a short haul and inspect it that way .....a good yard is hard to beat ...and besides if they drop it they fix it.... if you drop it you fix it

 

[Fiherrsh]

Closest yard is about 7 hours away.

 

[Ed Schenck]

I wouldn't do it. Those rails are too thin and how would you know where to place them? A haul out with straps has the load properly placed at strong bulkhead points.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

I would think you run a high risk of hull damage with the small surface area of the rails.

The straps on our marina lift are about 18" wide, soft, and wrap around the bottom of the hull to distribute the load over a large surface area.

 

[frankies56]

I have access to a 13,000 lb. lift and want to put the boat on the lift for a couple of hours for inspection. The weight capacity is fine. I am concerned about possible damage to the keel. The lift is designed with two 15 foot rails that I can adjust. Are there any support point designed into the hull? Do I need to support the keel?

View attachment 91246

looks like an easy fix. install straps going across the longitude bars running the length of the lift and find the best place to put the and make strap marks on boat

 

[Ed Schenck]

If that first picture is the style of lift then straps won't work. The hull will sit on the cross I-beams. Probably will if you try to use the rails, they are not tall enough.

 

[Fiherrsh]

I was planning on spreading the rails slightly and building up the rails with a hard rubber material to somewhat follow the curvature of the hull. I also like the strap idea which I will explore.

What about having the keel unsupported for a few hours. I have read about keels needing blocking or support when the boat is out of water at a yard.

 

[Fiherrsh]

The lift worked fine and had no problem. Good for inspection and quick cleaning. Probably not a good solution for boat storage.