Boat Lift question: hydraulic or cables

lakershaker · 06-22-2020, 08:36 AM

We are fairly exposed at our island location, and thinking it is time for a boat lift. Have looked at both the Sunstream hyraulic system and Floe cable lift type system. Would love to hear thoughts from those who own both on pros/cons. Boat is 26', 5500# dry weight, and water at the dock slopes from ~45"-60" deep. Thanks!

AC2717 · 06-22-2020, 08:43 AM

repair costs would be a determining factor for me. I would love the ease of hydraulics but what are the costs to replace a seal or repair and ease of moving lift vs the cable one. Also does it have a cable back up.

with all that said I would still want to go with hydraulics, i believe the system is just beefier and sturdier

codeman671 · 06-22-2020, 08:54 AM

the Sunstream sunlifts are extremely durable. We owned a pair of mini lifts (2000# pwc/small boat size) for years and NEVER had one problem with them.

Cable lifts can be a pain. Floe does make decent stuff though.

For a boat that size I would go Sunstream. Reach out to Glenn at Watermark.

8gv · 06-22-2020, 11:18 PM

I have a cable lift on a canal in FL.

The water is really calm there so it is easy to use.

I got it re-cabled and had both motors replaced a while back for $1,200.

If I was looking for a lift for here my main concern would be how fast can it lift the boat.

As waves and wakes lift and drop the boat I would be cringing.

The sooner it's up above the action the better.

06-22-2020, 08:36 AM	#1
lakershaker Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Rattlesnake Isl. - Simsbury, CT Posts: 270 Thanks: 89 Thanked 44 Times in 26 Posts	Boat Lift question: hydraulic or cables We are fairly exposed at our island location, and thinking it is time for a boat lift. Have looked at both the Sunstream hyraulic system and Floe cable lift type system. Would love to hear thoughts from those who own both on pros/cons. Boat is 26', 5500# dry weight, and water at the dock slopes from ~45"-60" deep. Thanks!

06-22-2020, 08:43 AM	#2
AC2717 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Maynard, MA & Paugus Bay Posts: 2,464 Thanks: 724 Thanked 336 Times in 251 Posts	repair costs would be a determining factor for me. I would love the ease of hydraulics but what are the costs to replace a seal or repair and ease of moving lift vs the cable one. Also does it have a cable back up. with all that said I would still want to go with hydraulics, i believe the system is just beefier and sturdier __________________ Capt. of the "No Worries"

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lakershaker (06-23-2020)

06-22-2020, 08:54 AM	#3
codeman671 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 3,127 Thanks: 180 Thanked 667 Times in 392 Posts	the Sunstream sunlifts are extremely durable. We owned a pair of mini lifts (2000# pwc/small boat size) for years and NEVER had one problem with them. Cable lifts can be a pain. Floe does make decent stuff though. For a boat that size I would go Sunstream. Reach out to Glenn at Watermark.

The Following User Says Thank You to codeman671 For This Useful Post:
lakershaker (06-23-2020)

06-22-2020, 11:18 PM	#4
8gv Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 1,919 Thanks: 60 Thanked 666 Times in 433 Posts	I have a cable lift on a canal in FL. The water is really calm there so it is easy to use. I got it re-cabled and had both motors replaced a while back for $1,200. If I was looking for a lift for here my main concern would be how fast can it lift the boat. As waves and wakes lift and drop the boat I would be cringing. The sooner it's up above the action the better.

The Following User Says Thank You to 8gv For This Useful Post:
lakershaker (06-23-2020)