Boat Lift / Hoist and Dock Installation and  Removal Tools

***All Prices Subject To Change At Any Time Without Notice!***

Begginner's Video Guide To Installation Tools:

Foam Floats (Strips & Halves), Boat Lift Wheel Kits, Boat Lift Crane

(Plus Scroll Further Down For Pricing, Many More Pics & Video Links- Additional Videos Can Be Found On Our YouTube Channel Menu As Well!)

Foam Floats

 Foam Floats for Dock/Pier and Boat Lift/ Hoist Install and Removal, Swim Rafts

 

These are factory seconds, so they all have some sort of blemishing or slight deformities like a rounded edge, rounded corner, etc. Many have mild to moderate surface scars on one side-typically these are the ones we cut into strips and halves as it should not affect performance and they will inevitably get gouged and cut from your boat lift/ dock during use anyway!

 

Scroll Down for Float Pricing & Shipping Options Info!

 

Whole Floats

Roughly 5'3" Wide x 6'5" Long x 4.5" Thick

Roughly 30-35 Lbs. Each

 

Price: $180 each, plus tax.

Add 3% fee for credit/ debit cards

 

MUST HAVE FULL-SIZE TRUCK OR TRAILER FOR PICKUP!

These will NOT fold or fit inside any SUV or cargo van (trust us), and we will NOT allow you to strap to the roof of your vehicle!

 

Pros:

  • Best option for dual use to install dock/ pier & use for a swim raft the rest of summer
  • Best safety factor option when in doubt on how many to buy, for those traveling far for pickup. Simply cut as you like with a chainsaw or hand saw after you test the others if you still need more buoyancy, or sell to a neighbor as a swim raft if unneeded.
  • CAN (though we don't ever recommend) be used on 1 end of the boat lift if you have a Boat Lift Crane or farm jack to get it up on top of the float
  • Larger true hydrualic (cantilever) lifts may be able to wedge whole floats in the cradle, power lift cradle down using the rams to pop the lift up without lifting

 

Cons:

  • Incredibly unstable to use for lift installation/ removal- people have flipped their lifts each year trying as it shoots sideways across the lift frame if it starts to tip due to wind, waves and lift balance, especially on some particular lopsided weight designs
  • Requires a way to lift the boat lift onto the float and back off of it
  • High probablility that you'll have issues getting the lift off of it safely, or where you want it to end up- which is why we do NOT recommend

 

Price: $180 each, plus tax.

Add 4% fee for credit/ debit cards

 

 

*BEST METHOD FOR LIFTS & DOCKS*

Float Strips-Pre-Cut

Sold in Sets of 7 (7= 1 Whole Float)

Roughly 9" Wide x 6'5" Long x 4.5" Thick Per Strip.

Roughly 30-35 Lbs. Per Set of 7- COLORS VARY

Price: $200 each (set of 7) plus tax.

Add 3% fee for credit/ debit cards

 

 

MINIMUM OF 2 SETS (14 STRIPS) REQUIRED FOR ANY 108"-120" LIFT!

Shore Station®/ Atlas® 5k+ Capacity, Any brand of Vertical Hydraulic/ Cable Hybrid Lifts (i.e. Shore Station®, Shore Mate®), FLOE® VSD, etc. REQUIRE 3 Sets due to their incredibly lopsided weight- Many other brands with large canopies, motors, triple bunks and/or side guides may require 3 as well, more is ALWAYS better.

 

Pros:

  • By far the best option for installing & removing boat lifts, still great for dock removal too when bundled with a ratchet strap!
  • Most stable & versatile- put them exactly where you need the extra buoyancy to help balance lifts or level lift legs
  • Can bundle 9-12 strips with a rope or ratchet strap for dock/pier work too
  • No crane/ farm jack/ phsyical lifting required in most cases, individual strips to sink below the lift frame and keep adding until your desired buoyancy
  • Can gently and controllably set your lift into place (especially if putting your lift on plastic pallets/ plywood in extremely mucky areas). Remove enough to get your lift barely buoyant and jump onto the lift to sink to check if you're level- if not, get off and add a strip or two back to make your leg adjustments and re-level easily
  • 2 sets (14 strips) fits in most midsize SUVs with EMPTY BACK AREA, middle seats folded flat and front seats moved forward (they are 6'5" long and the slope of your rear door will impact space), 3 sets fit in large SUVs like Expeditions/ Yukons with seats down
  • Great supplement for boat lift wheel kits or rolling docks to reduce weight in deeper areas- wheels don't roll as easy as people think due to water resistance & sinking in soil
  • Easiest to store- fits well overhead in garage rafters or beneath boat trailer

 

Cons:

  • Can't use as a swim raft
  • Lose some buoyancy versus halves- foam sticking in the air does not provide lift- the increased stability is well worth this trade off!
  • Most likely to hit you in the face when removing from lift

 

Price: $200 each (set of 7) plus tax.

Add 4% fee for credit/ debit cards

 

 

*Best Suited For DOCKS/ PIERS ONLY*

Float Halves- Pre-Cut into 2 Halves

(1 Whole Float)

Two Roughly 3'x5'3" x 4.5" Thick Pieces.

Roughly 30-35 lbs. Per Set of 2 Halves

Price: $190 each (Set of 2 Halves) plus tax

Add 3% fee for credit/ debit cards

MINIMUM OF 2 WHOLE FLOAT SETS REQUIRED FOR ANY 108"-120" LIFT!

 

 

Pros:

  • Best option for stacking for installing/ removing ONLY docks/piers (not boat lifts/ boat hoists- strips all the way around are best for lifts!)
  • 1 set of halves can be nice for dual dock/ lift work, somewhat stable to use on 1 end of lift (if not a vertical hydraulic/ cable lift), using Boat Lift Crane to lift hoist on top, with a set or two of strips on the other end and/ or spread around for better balance
  • Best buoyancy for the shallow end of the lift to get you closer to shore before needing wheels/ steel pipes
  • Can be used as small swim rafts
  • Easy to carry and stack 3-4 halves to near dock height (~18" above water typically)
  • Best for walking on docks while augering at desired height in extreme muck (at your own risk)
  • Useful for true hydraulic (cantilever-style) lifts to stack 4+ halves underneath bunks/ cradle and use hydraulics to lower cradle and submerge the floats- though they generally still benefit from float strips across the end spreader bars too!

 

Cons:

  • You absolutely will NOT be able to sink this under the lift- you MUST have a way to lift one end of the the boat lift up and onto the floats and you will NOT be able to get them under both ends
  • Can only be used on 1 end of boat lifts, it is essentially impossible to get both ends of lift on top of them and floating, since the crane/ farm jack will tip over once one end is floating and you try to lift the second end, hence the strips
  • Much less stability for lifts versus all strips
  • Difficult to set the lift in place accurately and is much more dangerous and prone to issues in general

 

Price: $190 each (Set of 2 Halves) plus tax

Add 4% fee for credit/ debit cards

FOAM FLOAT SHIPPING:

DIY SHIPPING via Uship.com or by LTL Truck Only!

We're sorry, due to the outrageous cost and time/ hassle via conventional freight companies, we do not ship (key word, WE), nor do we have any other store locations. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay as much or more for shipping than the floats themselves. However, you have 2 options for lining up your own shipping, below:

 

*Any shipping will be at your own risk of damage to the floats- the pallet, banding will likely leave some permanent marks on the top and bottom float in addition to the usual blemishes that you must expect since these are all factory seconds/ blemished, and we will not accept any returns due to phsyical condition of the floats upon receipt- keep in mind, the most important thing is the extreme buoyancy regardless of cosmetics. Any loss/ damage caused during freight will be between you and your carrier, again this as at your own risk, we only offer these pickup options due to extremely high demand, we will not be held liable or get involved in your claim.*

 

 

 

Option 1: For shipping smaller quantities of foam floats, the most economical and simplest option is:

https://www.uship.com/

 

For UShip pickups, THE FLOATS WILL BE LOOSE -UNWRAPPED & UNLABLED & HAND LOADED INDIVIDUALLY, JUST AS THEY WOULD BE IF YOU PERSONALLY PICKED THEM UP! It is too diffcult to wrap and labels don't stick, plus makes it more flexible for shared-load loading options. UShip.com © is like an eBay®/ Uber® of shipping. You create a profile and can have either private individuals who are trying to cover fuel costs of a trip and/or professional shippers bid on your shipment- drivers and customers rate eachother when finished and we've had tons of customers use this service with great results. Because it works like a ride-sharing app, the shipping costs are often reduced (or at least possible, regardless of price) versus traditional freight companies, especially for small orders and many of the pros still have the option to haul an entire trailer-load if you wish. Some might even offer the option for you to meet somewhere along a different route to split the difference and you both win.

Once you receive a satisfactory shipping bid and tentative pickup dates from your shipper (we generally need 2 business days of lead time, for pickup during regular posted store hours), contact Brent via phone at 269-888-1419 and we'll write up the order and get your credit card info over the phone, and payment must clear in advance.  The floats weigh up to 35 lbs. each (on average, per whole 5'x6' sheet) and is best if you send them the picture from the top of our page showing all 3 forms of floats and/or the link which lists all the specific sizing on individual pieces so you get the most accurate quote. Since accurate traditional dimensions are almost impossible to provide since they are loose/ unpackaged, especially for combinations of strips/ halves, that makes it simpler for everyone and your shipper will have much clearer expectations based on your specific order.

Option 2: LTL (Less Than (Semi) Truckload) Commercial Freight Companies:

You will need to ship to a business with a loading dock, otherwise expect a huge upcharge fee if a lift-gate truck service is required to a residential location. We have a loading dock and forklift at our shop to load onto the truck, which shippers will usually ask up front.

 

With a strict minimum order of 10 floats, we can band and plastic wrap 10-18 floats per pallet for a $100 handling fee (whole, strips, halves in the combination of your choice equalling 10+ whole floats), YOU can line up your own LTL shipping for pickup during our posted regular business hours with at least 3 business days notice. Then, once you accept the shipping bid, contact Brent via phone at 269-888-1419 and we'll write up the order and get your credit card info over the phone. Payment must clear prior to your carrier's arrival. We can generally band up to 2 boat lift cranes diagonally across the top of the stack as well!

 

Yes, we know unless you are a pro installer, you probably don't need 10+ floats for yourself, however if you get a combined order with 2 or 3 neighbors (they're going to be shocked at individual shipping expense and borrow yours constantly if you don't- trust us!) or simply re-sell your extras locally, your shipping expense is generally very reasonable when split, or sometimes essentially free if you pass it on entirely to cover for your time arranging the order for them. Several customers have posted online ads showing our link/ videos and posted ballpark-expected shipping fees for them prior to ordering to gauge interest. Most have had a bunch of interest immediately, with numerous customers making repeat purchases/ shipments this way and selling the floats at $250-$400 each for example, to cover their own shipping.

 

LTL Carrier Quote Info- Use this info when you contact your shipping carrier/ LTL freight company of your choice:

 

Specify if you have a semi-loading dock (cheapest) or need a lift-gate service for residential delivery (generally much more expensive versus a loading dock) and that it is 'Non-Stackable' (both are extremely important for quote accuracy), 6 ft. x 7 ft. as the outer dimensions, height 5" per float based on your quantity plus 6" factored for the pallet, weight at 35 lbs. per float plus 80 lbs. for the pallet (there is some safety factor built into these numbers), NMFC Freight Class: 300.

You can probably expect $500-1,000+ per pallet, it takes up 4-8 spots in the truck since it is non-stacking and oversized. For reference, one customer shipped one single float to Florida on their corporate account (great rates compared to private) and was $380 for ONE float (in 2020, surely would be higher now).

 

 

 

 

Click on the individual photos, below, to enlarge and scroll through!

Boat Lift/ Boat Hoist Crane

 

Boat Lift /Boat Hoist Crane

 

Makes it easy to adjust leg heights while in the water by yourself! Save your buddies' backs and the hassle of rounding up extra help! Also use to set your lift on foam floats, or install wheels. All aluminum construction and galvanized steel cable for strength. 800 lb. automatic brake winch for smooth up/down travel with an automatic brake, no messing with flipping brake levers to change direction of travel! This is also our easiest way to help boost a lift over a seawall, along with 2-4 steel dock pipes with augers to use as pry-bars in sync with the crane.

 

Our aluminum hook extrusion is meant to fit 2" wide lift framework (80% of our local lift market), customers with Lakeshore Products® (LSP) or Hewitt® brand, some ShoreMaster® brand lifts will have issues with the standard hook since many LSP and Hewitt Lifts (and a few other smaller brands) use 3-3.5" wide tubing on the bottom of the lift. Some customers have permanently put a short loop of heavy duty chain around their lifts to hook onto, otherwise you can either remove the hook and replace it with a chain with hook (will require you to go under water to hook it up), or better yet, find a local fabricator to have a steel hook custom made with a wider gap.

 

The maximum lifting height in theory of a 7ft. crane (to the bottom of the hook channel) is roughly around 5 ft. 8" high- true lifting height capability TBD by your muck level, lift balance, canopy frame hitting ground, etc.- most people in average situations never come close to max capability! Those in shin deep muck or greater will benefit from using a 2x2 ft. treated plywood sheet under the footplate.

 

Roughly 22 lbs. total weight makes them easy for nearly anyone to handle!

 

Use these tools, tips and techniques at your own risk, always hire a professional or consult an experienced neighbor if you are unsure of what exactly you are doing! Always wear protective eyewear while using!

 

SHIPPING: We're sorry, due to the outrageous cost of shipping something of this size WE DO NOT OFFER SHIPPING. You can arrange your own shipping on: https://www.uship.com/

 

7 Ft. Tall Boat Lift /Boat Hoist Crane- $379 plus 6% tax

 

Add 4% For All Credit/ Debit Cards!

 

Boat Lift/ Boat Hoist Wheel Kits

 

Boat Lift/ Boat Hoist Wheel Kits

 

Unless you have a large crew of highly motivated labor to carry a lift in and out of the water here are some options to make the task easier. If your lake bottom and shoreline is relatively smooth and sandy, the 24'' poly wheels will work great. Also, a fantastic option if you store your lift far away from the shoreline. The axle brackets are adjustable and will fit almost any lift, though we will need to know the dimensions of your lower boat lift frame to get you the correct bolts (most are 2" wide, some brands are 3.5" and require longer bolts, so we'll need to know to get the correct hardware for you). Once positioned and bolted up, the brackets stay on the lift, just remove the wheels and axles while lift is in use. We suggest buying one wheel set to share with your neighbors and just add additional brackets to each lift.

 

SHIPPING: We're sorry, due to the outrageous cost of shipping something of this size WE DO NOT OFFER SHIPPING.

 

Heavy Duty Poly Wheel Kit (Pair) Includes: 2 Wheels, Plates w/ Bolts, 2 Galvanized Steel Axles, Wheel Washers and Pins- $369 plus 6% tax

(Heavier Lifts Will Require Two Sets- This Will Sacrifice Turning Ability, But Necessary On Large Lifts)

 

Additional Axle Brackets- Four HD Axle Bracket Plates w/ Bolts (Makes One Pair Of Wheel Brackets)- For Additonal Lifts  (Standard Fits 1.9" O.D. Axles, or for ShoreStation Brand Wheel Hubs)- $155 plus tax

 

24" Heavy Duty Poly Wheel- Sold Individually $66 each plus tax

 

15" Galvanized Steel Axle (1.9" O.D) w/ 2 Washers, Clevice Pin, Bolt- Sold Individually $41 each plus tax

 

       

Smarte Jacks

 

Smarte Jacks are the easiest way to install and remove your plastic wheels for boat lift installation and removal. Simply use a cordless drill to retract the jacks to remove the wheels while lift is in use. Then, just slide your wheels back on at the end of summer, extend the jacks to raise and roll your boat lift out of the water and easily onto shore for winter storage!

 

SHIPPING: We're sorry, due to the outrageous cost of shipping something of this size WE DO NOT OFFER SHIPPING.

 

Smarte Jacks Pair (24' Poly Wheels NOT Included)- $445 plus 6% tax

 

24" Poly Wheels- Sold Individually-$66 each plus 6% tax

Dock Post Ratchet

Cut a Foam Float Into Thirds and Stack to Desired Height of Dock, Float the Dock and Yourself While You Auger With A Post Ratchet For Easy Augering Without Your Buddy Holding the Dock While You Auger! - Use This Technique at Your Own Risk!

 

 

Dock Post Ratchet

 

If you have a lot of augers to install or remove, then this is the tool you need! Even if you only have 2-6 augered poles for your boat tie-up, this is a lifesaver! Our ratchets have TWO HANDLES which makes a world of difference versus the one-handle versions that are on the market, allowing you to steer your post in as you ratchet, rather than tipping the pole at an angle like with a piece of re-bar or a one-handed ratchet. Also, we find that most people using re-bar, screw drivers or pipe wrenches never get the augers deep enough to be effective, and can be worse than a footplate in terms of stability when they are not driven deep enough- problem solved simply by having the right tool and increased leverage and effective angles of pressure downward as you ratchet.

 

Save your buddies the hassle of holding up the dock while you auger using our foam floats (as seen above)!  Cut a full-size float into halves or thirds and stack to the approximate desired installation height for a quick and easy installation!

 

Dock Post Ratchet- $148 plus 6% tax

***All prices, available inventory, and product lines are subject to change without notice!***

Lifts Ladders And Docks.Com:

A Division of BlueScape, Inc.

Store and Warehouse

Google Maps & Reviews- Click HERE

 11811 S. Shaver Road

    Schoolcraft, Michigan 49087 

  (Just South of Kalamazoo, MI)

 

For Quotes or Service:

 

Brent

Boat Lift & Dock Sales and Service

Text or Call:

269-888-1419 Ext. 101

Click below for a quick quote:

lakefrontexperts@gmail.com

_________________

Dennis

Dock & General Sales

Call:

269-888-1419 Ext. 102

Click below for a quick quote:

lakefrontexperts@gmail.com

_________________

Dave

Dock & Dealer Sales

Call:

269-888-1419 Ext. 103

Click below for a quick quote:

lakefrontexperts@gmail.com

 

HOURS:

Boating Season Hours:

Tuesday-Friday 12:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Saturday 10 am - 1 pm

Sunday & Monday- CLOSED

We're Available Most Business Days In The Mornings By Appointment- Just Text Ahead For Availability

 

 

WE ACCEPT:

Cash or Checks

Or

All Major Credit / Debit Cards with a 4% Fee Added To Total Bill


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© Lifts Ladders and Docks.com, a BlueScape, Inc. Company. 11811 S. Shaver Rd. Schoolcraft, MI 49087 (Just South of Kalamazoo). ***All prices, available inventory, and product lines are subject to change without notice!*** We Add A 4% Service Fee For Credit/ Debit Card Purchases!