PONTOON BOAT LIFTS
Why Pontoon Lift Installations?
Pontoon boats are easily some of the most popular boats we see on the water today, which is why you will likely want a boat lift to keep your watercraft lasting for as long as possible. Pontoon boats, with their flat, buoyant decks mounted on top of cylindrical pontoons, are a popular choice for leisurely activities on the water, including fishing, swimming, and simply relaxing. Known for their stability and ample space, they offer a perfect platform for family and friend gatherings. However, just like any valuable asset, pontoon boats require proper care and maintenance, which is why you should consider investing in a pontoon boat lift.
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With a Radtke pontoon boat lift, you can be out on the water within minutes. In addition, storing your boat is simple and stress-free. You can always trust your investment is protected by the best pontoon boat lifts in the industry! Our boat lifts are highly resistant to impact and low-water damage to the floats and other parts of the boat. Furthermore, our boat lifts defy rust, corrosion, and the elements alike, protecting your boat for many years to come!
Radtke pontoon boat docks are designed to be portable and expandable, and can be used in any water level, with or without an existing structure. Contact the experts at Radtke Contractors by giving us a call at (920) 582-4114 today!
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Pontoon Boat Lift Installations
The primary purpose of a pontoon boat lift is to protect and extend the lifespan of the boat. By raising the boat out of the water when it’s not in use, the lift prevents issues related to water absorption and algae growth on the pontoons. This exposure can lead to corrosion, hull damage, and other costly repairs. A lift also simplifies the process of inspecting and cleaning the underside of the boat, ensuring it remains in pristine condition.​
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Radtke pontoon boat lift installations are expandable and interchangeable, making them extremely versatile. Expanding your lift to include a pontoon boat dock makes it safe and easy for you to dock your watercraft and use your pontoon boat lift as a convenient walkway system. And due to the easy modular design, our pontoon boat docks can be quickly expanded upon to custom fit your set up. Radtke Contractors offers various boat lift options, both customizable and versatile. All watercraft lifts and docks/piers are available for permanent or seasonal (removable) installation.
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The Pontoon Boat Lift Installation Process:
The process of installing a pontoon boat lift involves several key steps, ensuring safety and functionality:
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Site Selection: Choose a location that provides adequate depth for the lift and easy access to the water. The area should accommodate the size of the lift and allow for the pontoon to be raised without obstructions.
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Assembly of the Lift: Most pontoon lifts come in parts that need to be assembled either on land or in shallow water. This assembly includes the frame, cables, and pulley systems.
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Positioning the Lift: The lift needs to be carefully moved into the desired position, often requiring flotation devices or a boat to maneuver it into place.
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Securing the Lift: Once in position, the lift must be secured with anchors or piles driven into the lakebed or riverbed to prevent movement from waves or currents.
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Adjustments for Fit: Adjust the lift to fit the specific dimensions of the pontoon boat. This may include setting the correct width and height, ensuring the boat rests securely on the lift.
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Testing: Finally, test the lift with the pontoon boat to ensure it operates smoothly and effectively lifts and lowers the boat without issues.
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The Benefits of Pontoon Boat Lifts
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There are multiple benefits to consider when it comes to pontoon lifts. Some of these include the benefits of: less maintenance for your pontoon boat, the reduction of marine growth and corrosion, keeping your boat looking new for years at a time, and providing quicker access to the water, among others.
Here are all the benefits of investing in a pontoon boat lift:
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Overall less maintenance
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Prevents marine growth from accumulating on outdrives
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Hull can easily be wiped down when on lift, keeping it cleaner
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Keeps your boat looking new for years
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Prevents boat from hitting dock during inclement weather
- Protects boat and outdrives from electrolysis
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Maintains higher resale value
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More immediate access to the water
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Protects your investment
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Common Pontoon Boat Lift FAQs
How does a pontoon boat lift work?
Boat lifts help keep your watercraft above the water line, protecting it from the damaging effects of constant water exposure such as algae and corrosion. This helps maintain the pontoon boat's appearance, performance, and longevity. For manual boat lift installations, when you rotate the winch, it pulls on the cables attached to a set of pulleys. These pulleys amplify the force you exert on the winch, allowing you to lift the boat out of the water.
For electric boat lifts, an electric motor is used to turn the winch. This requires less physical effort from you and can lift heavier boats more easily. Lastly, for hydraulic lifts, an electrically powered pump pushes hydraulic fluid into cylinders, causing pistons to rise. These pistons are connected to the lift platform, raising it out of the water. When the pump is reversed, the fluid is drained from the cylinders, and the platform is lowered.
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How much does a pontoon boat lift cost?
There are a number of factors that will impact your boat lift cost. These include: size, material, type of lift, and the weight capacity it can handle. On the lower end, a simple manual lift for a small boat can be anywhere between $1,000-$3,000. For larger boats and hydraulic lifts or lifts with canopy frames, the cost can range from $5,000-$15,000+. This doesn't include installation costs which can also vary. You should speak with a marine contractor at Radtke to get a detailed estimate for your boat lift installation.
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How deep of water do you need for a pontoon boat lift?
Water depth required for your boat lift will depend on 1.) the size of your boat, 2.) and the type of lift you've chosen. Most boat lifts will require a water depth of at least 3 feet, however, a floating lift can work in variable depths. This is as long as the water is deep enough for the boat to float. Each lift has its own specific requirements, so it's essential to consult with Radtke and/or the boat lift manufacturer's recommendations to check for requirements for your particular model and boat size.
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Why Choose Our Pontoon Lift Installers?
Built of the highest-quality materials, our boat lifts are designed for any type of watercraft and come in many different styles and sizes to fit your needs. We have been serving our residential and commercial clients since we first opened in 1965.
Our marine division has decades of professional experience working with many different types of boat lifts for various boats.
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Contact Us​
Need a pontoon boat lift installation? Please reach out to our team to discuss your options for a quality Radtke boat lift. Our boat lift installers will be happy to discuss your kayak, jet ski, pontoon, or sailboat lift installation!
To get started, give our boat lift installers a call at 920-582-4114 today!
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