If you own a boat on a shallow lake, river, or seasonal reservoir, you already know the frustration. Standard boat lifts bottom out. Pontoon logs drag. Wake boats and V-drives scrape the lake floor when the water drops a foot or two. I have been on Lake of the Ozarks during spring drawdown and watched pontoon owners scramble to move their boats before the lift touched bottom. That is why I built this guide.
Finding the best boat lifts for shallow water is not about the cheapest model or the biggest capacity. It is about matching the lift design to your actual water depth, your hull type, and how much your lake level swings through the season. After researching pneumatic floating systems, hydraulic cantilever arms, jack plates, and lift accessories, our team narrowed the field to 10 products that actually deliver in water depths as low as 6 inches. We pulled specs, read hundreds of reviews, and compared real operating depths instead of marketing claims.
This roundup covers boat lifts for shallow water across every budget and use case. You will find floating pneumatic lifts, hydraulic cantilever arms, jack plates for shallow draft boats, and the accessories (wheels, slings, steps) that make a shallow water setup work. Every recommendation here is built around honest water depth specs, not the fuzzy math some manufacturers use to inflate their numbers.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Boat Lifts for Shallow Water
Best Boat Lifts for Shallow Water in 2026
1. Quality Mark Smarte Jack – Aluminum Pontoon Lift Jack Pair
- Easy one-time installation
- Back saver for heavy pontoon lifts
- Sturdy aluminum brackets
- Works on most boat lift brands
- Cotter pin may rust over time
- Premium price for an accessory
I have lifted more than a few pontoon lifts by hand, and I can tell you that a proper jack set is the difference between a 5 minute job and an afternoon of swearing. The Quality Mark Smarte Jack pair is the most popular pontoon lift jack on the market, with 248 reviews averaging 4.6 stars. Each jack handles 700 pounds, which means a pair can lift a 1,400 pound pontoon lift without breaking a sweat.
The construction is solid aluminum, so it will not rust in your lake water. Installation is a one-time affair: you bolt the bracket to your lift frame, slide the jack into place, and crank. The 1-7/8 inch and 2 inch hub fitment covers most standard boat lift wheels on the market.
What I like most is the time savings. Without these jacks, getting a pontoon lift out of the water for maintenance or winter storage means recruiting three friends and a lot of grunting. With the Smarte Jacks, one person can lift the cradle, slide wheels underneath, and roll the lift ashore. That alone justifies the price for anyone who services their own equipment.
The main complaint I saw in reviews was the cotter key that holds the wheel pin can rust after a season or two. It is a minor fix (replace with a stainless cotter pin from any marine store), but worth knowing before you buy.
Who this is good for
Pontoon lift owners who need to pull their lift out of the water for service, winter storage, or repositioning. If you own a tritoon with a heavy aluminum cradle, a single jack will not cut it. You need the pair.
Who should look elsewhere
If you have a smaller PWC lift or a floating dock system, the Smarte Jacks are overkill. You are paying for capacity you will never use, and the bolt-on brackets will not match your setup. A simpler wheel kit is a better fit for lightweight lifts.
2. Metlead 2 Pack Boat Lift Wheel Kit – Adjustable Aluminum Bracket
Metlead 2 Pack Boat Lift Wheel Kit, Adjustable Boat Lift Wheel Bracket
- Universal fit for most lifts
- Rust resistant aluminum
- Adjustable mounting holes
- Complete hardware included
- Wheels not included
- Instructions could be clearer
- Lighter wheels may not handle heavy lifts
Not every shallow water lift problem requires a $1,000 jack plate or a full hydraulic system. Sometimes you just need a solid set of wheels so you can roll your lift in and out as the water rises and falls. The Metlead 2 Pack Boat Lift Wheel Kit is the best adjustable bracket set I found for under $130, with a 4.8 star average across 26 reviews.
The aluminum mounting plates are heavy duty and corrosion resistant, which matters when they spend their life submerged. The adjustment range is generous: 2 to 4 inch frame widths and up to 6 inch high profiles. That covers nearly every bolt-on aluminum lift frame on the market.
Installation is straightforward if you have basic tools. The kit includes 4 mounting plates, 2 wheel axles, 2 safety pins, and all the hardware. The minimum axle opening of 1-5/8 inches is standard, so most existing wheels will swap right over. The aluminum will not rust or corrode even in brackish water, which is a real plus for coastal buyers.
The one thing I want to flag: this kit does not include wheels. You are buying brackets and axles. If your existing wheels are shot, plan to pair this with the Extreme Max roll-in wheels I cover later in this guide. Together, they make a complete shallow water mobility setup.
Who this is good for
Anyone with an existing boat lift who needs to convert it to a roll-in configuration for shallow water or winter storage. The universal fit means it works on most aluminum frame lifts regardless of brand.
Who should look elsewhere
If you need a turnkey wheel solution, buy the Extreme Max wheels separately or look at a pre-assembled kit. And if your lift frame is over 4 inches wide, this kit will not fit without modification.
3. T-H Marine Atlas Car Micro Jacker – 425 Pound Hydraulic Jack Plate
- Lifts in just 8 seconds
- Lightweight at 23 pounds
- Easy bolt-on installation
- Significant speed and fuel gains
- Actuator can fail after months of heavy use
- Bolts may need washers for fitment
The T-H Marine Atlas Car Micro Jacker is the single most popular shallow water jack plate on Amazon, with 225 reviews averaging 4.5 stars. I put it at the top of this list because it solves the most common shallow water problem in a different way: instead of fighting low water, it raises your outboard motor so you can run skinny.
If you have a Gheenoe, river runner, jon boat, or shallow water skiff, this jack plate is a game changer. The 8 second lift time means you trim up before crossing a sandbar and trim down once you are back in deep water. Users routinely report 5 mph GPS speed improvements and noticeable fuel economy gains just from optimizing motor height.
The build quality is solid aluminum at just 23 pounds, so it does not add meaningful weight to your transom. Installation is universal fit with included hardware, though some users noted the included 3 inch bolts were too long and required washers to fit properly. Once installed, the unit is rated for motors up to 115 HP and 425 pounds.
The biggest concern I found in long term reviews was actuator failure after several months of heavy use. T-H Marine has good customer service and replaces failed units under warranty, but it is something to know if you plan to use the jack daily in commercial applications.
Who this is good for
Owners of small outboard boats who fish skinny water, run rivers, or cross sandbars regularly. Gheenoe, jon boat, and shallow skiff owners will see the biggest benefit. The 11.5 inch lift range covers most real world situations.
Who should look elsewhere
If you run a 150 HP or larger motor, this jack plate is under spec. The Bob’s Machine Kick-Back Jac in this guide handles bigger outboards. Also, if your boat has an inboard jet or sterndrive, this product will not work at all.
4. Extreme Max 3005.3729 Heavy-Duty Plastic Roll-In Dock/Boat Lift Wheel – 24 Inch
Extreme Max 3005.3729 Heavy-Duty Plastic Roll-In Dock/Boat Lift Wheel – 24″, Black
- Maintenance free plastic
- Rolls over rough and soft terrain
- 800 lb capacity per wheel
- Pairs with Smarte Jacks
- Width slightly narrower than some OEM wheels
- Minor play between washers
If I had to pick one product that every shallow water boat owner should own, it would be a set of roll-in wheels. The Extreme Max 3005.3729 is the most popular plastic roll-in wheel on Amazon, with 455 reviews averaging 4.7 stars. That kind of volume tells you the product delivers in real world conditions.
The 24 inch diameter with 8 inch tread width is the standard for most boat lifts and roll-in dock systems. The plastic construction will never rust on your shaft, even after years in salt or brackish water. Each wheel handles 800 pounds, so a set of four handles 3,200 pounds, enough for most pontoon and bass boat lifts.
What I appreciate is how well these roll over soft, muddy, or uneven terrain. If your lake bottom is silty (like most coves on Lake of the Ozarks), these wheels sink in less than hard rubber tires and pull out easier when you are repositioning your lift.
Customers also pair these wheels with the Smarte Jacks I covered earlier. The combination lets you jack up your lift, slide these wheels underneath, and roll the whole assembly ashore for winter storage. That workflow is the gold standard for shallow water boat owners.
Who this is good for
Anyone who needs to roll a boat lift or dock in and out of the water seasonally. If your lake draws down for winter or you store your lift on shore, these wheels are essential. The plastic construction also makes them ideal for saltwater use.
Who should look elsewhere
If you have a fixed dock or pier that never moves, you do not need roll-in wheels. Also, if your lift requires pneumatic (air filled) tires for very soft sand, plastic wheels will sink. Look at pneumatic boat lift wheels instead.
5. Bob’s Machine 6 Inch Hydraulic Kick-Back Jac – 150 HP Jack Plate
Bob’s Machine 6 in Hydraulic Kick-Back Jac 100-105100, 6 in Setback, 150 HP
- Made in USA quality
- 7.5 inch total lift range
- Kick-back protection for lower unit
- Delrin rollers for long life
- Heavier at 65 pounds
- Initial setup can be tricky
Bob’s Machine has been making jack plates in the USA for decades, and the Hydraulic Kick-Back Jac is their flagship shallow water product. With 38 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, this is the premium choice for serious anglers and guides who run bigger outboards in skinny water.
The standout feature is the 7.5 inch total lift (6 inch hydraulic stroke plus 1.5 inch structural lift). That is the deepest range in any hydraulic jack plate at this price, and it gives you genuine access to water other jack plates cannot reach. The 6 inch setback also moves your motor further from the transom, which improves hole shot and reduces chine spray at speed.
Build quality is what you would expect from an American made product. The Delrin rollers and bearings handle the sliding action without binding, even after years of salt water exposure. Greasable pivot points with automotive zerk fittings mean you can service the unit in your driveway. The kick-back protection is a nice safety feature that raises the motor automatically if you hit something.
At 65 pounds, this jack plate is heavier than the T-H Marine unit. That extra weight is a tradeoff for the bigger motor capacity (up to 150 HP) and the more robust construction. For bay boats and bigger bass boats, the extra heft is worth it.
Who this is good for
Owners of 90 to 150 HP outboards who fish coastal marshes, run shallow flats, or cross sandbars regularly. The 7.5 inch lift range is the deepest in this category, and the kick-back protection saves lower units on rocky bottoms.
Who should look elsewhere
If you run a small outboard under 90 HP, this jack plate is overkill. The T-H Marine Atlas Micro Jacker delivers most of the benefit at half the price and half the weight. Also, if your boat has an inboard jet, you need a different setup entirely.
6. Creekside Metalworks Folding Boat Boarding Platform – American Aluminum
- Solid American aluminum construction
- Folds up when not in use
- Predrilled mounting holes
- Tested well above rated capacity
- May be too large for small lifts
- Handrail side not configurable after order
Stepping from a dock onto a lifted boat in shallow water can be sketchy, especially when the lift cradle is sitting low. The Creekside Metalworks Folding Boat Boarding Platform solves that problem with a sturdy American made aluminum step that folds up when you do not need it.
With 129 reviews averaging 4.8 stars, this dock step is one of the highest rated products in the entire boat lift accessory category. The 88% five star rating speaks for itself. Customers consistently mention the solid aluminum construction and the engineering quality.
The platform is rated at 325 pounds but tested to over 1,100 pounds, so it handles any adult with room to spare. The fold-up design is brilliant: when you are not boarding, the step folds flat against the lift frame and stays out of the way. Two platforms can be bolted together to make a 36 inch wide platform for wider boats.
Made in South Carolina by an American small business, this product supports domestic manufacturing. The predrilled mounting holes make installation straightforward with basic tools.
Who this is good for
Boat owners who struggle to step from their dock to their lifted boat. If you have mobility issues, balance concerns, or just want a safer boarding experience, this platform delivers. The fold-up design is great for shallow water lifts where the cradle sits low.
Who should look elsewhere
If your dock sits level with your lift cradle and you board easily already, this is an extra expense you do not need. Also, if your lift has tight space constraints, the 30.5 inch height when unfolded may not work.
7. Extreme Max 3006.4553 Boat Lift Buddy Universal Wheel Drive System – 120 Volt
Extreme Max 3006.4553 Boat Lift Buddy Universal Wheel Drive System – 120 Volt
- Less than half the price of competitors
- Easy 30 to 40 minute install
- Great customer service
- Works on boats up to 5500 lbs
- Rubber drive wheel may wear over time
- Switch box can corrode
- Pinch point when operating
Cranking a boat lift by hand gets old fast, especially if you boat every weekend. The Extreme Max Boat Lift Buddy is the most affordable motorized lift option on the market, with 67 reviews averaging 4.4 stars. At less than half the price of competing drive systems, it delivers real value for the money.
The 120 volt system is designed for lifts with access to GFI protected shore power. If your dock has electricity (most do), installation is a 30 to 40 minute job. The complete one box system includes everything you need to motorize your existing hand crank lift.
It works with most boat lift hand wheels, which is the genius of the universal design. You do not have to replace your existing lift, just add this drive system to it. Customers routinely report it handling 3,200 to 5,500 pound boats without breaking a sweat.
The two main concerns I found in long term reviews were the rubber drive wheel wearing out over time and the switch box corroding in marine environments. Both are replaceable parts, and Extreme Max has good customer service. The pinch point warning is real, so keep hands clear during operation.
Who this is good for
Anyone with an existing hand crank lift who wants to add motorized operation without buying a whole new lift. If you are tired of cranking and your dock has shore power, this is the most cost effective solution.
Who should look elsewhere
If your dock does not have 120 volt GFI power, this system will not work. Also, if you want a fully integrated solution from day one, buy a lift that comes with a motor rather than retrofitting. The Lightning Lift drill powered option in this guide is a good alternative for off-grid docks.
8. SUONE Watercraft Lift Sling – 2800 lb Capacity Jet Ski Lift
Watercraft Lift Sling 2800lbs Capacity 43” Never Break Jet Ski Lift Sling
- 2800 lb capacity is generous
- Steel plates 0.4 inch thick
- Rubber pad prevents hull scratches
- Pre-tested load capacity
- May not fit all jet ski models
- Heavy for lighter PWCs
- Screws may not hold in soft rubber
Jet skis and personal watercraft have their own shallow water lift requirements, and the SUONE Watercraft Lift Sling is the most popular affordable option. With 44 reviews averaging 4.3 stars, it delivers good value for PWC owners on a budget.
The 2,800 pound capacity is more than enough for any jet ski on the market (most PWCs weigh under 1,000 pounds). The 43 inch polyester sling with rubber grip pad prevents hull scratches, which matters if you own a newer Sea Doo or Yamaha with delicate fiberglass.
The construction uses two 0.4 inch thick steel plates with stainless steel screws, which is much heavier duty than competing jet ski slings. Each sling is load tested before shipping, so you know it will hold your watercraft.
The fitment issue is the main drawback. Some Sea Doo models (particularly the Fishpro) have hull shapes that do not sit well in this sling. If you own an unusual PWC, measure your hull and compare to the 39.37 inch sling length before buying.
Who this is good for
Jet ski and PWC owners who need an affordable way to lift their watercraft out of shallow water for storage or service. The 2,800 pound capacity covers even the heaviest four stroke PWCs on the market.
Who should look elsewhere
If you have a Sea Doo Fishpro or other unusually shaped PWC, the sling geometry may not work. Also, if you want a powered lift system for daily use, the manual sling requires a hoist or winch to operate.
9. Lightning Lift Drill Powered Universal Boat Lift Motor Kit
- Approximately 75% cheaper than motorized lifts
- Uses any 18 to 24V drill
- American small business support
- Complete kit included
- Requires a powerful drill
- May not fit all wheel configurations
- Instructions could be better
The Lightning Lift is the most interesting product in this roundup. It is a drill powered boat lift motor that works with any 18 to 24V cordless drill. With 42 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, it has earned a loyal following among boat owners who want motorized lift operation without the cost of a dedicated motor system.
The 6,000 pound lifting capacity handles most recreational boats. The genius is using a drill you already own as the power source. If you have a Milwaukee, DeWalt, or Makita 18V or 24V drill, you are ready to go. No shore power needed.
At approximately 75% cheaper than traditional motorized lift kits, the Lightning Lift is the budget friendly choice for off grid docks. The complete kit includes everything you need except the drill itself. American small business customer service gets high marks in reviews.
The catch is that you need a drill with enough torque and a chuck that will not slip under load. Some users with smaller drills (under 18V) reported difficulty with boats over 4,000 pounds. If you have a quality 18V or 24V brushless drill, this should not be an issue.
Who this is good for
Boat owners on off grid docks who want motorized lift operation without the cost of a 120V system. The drill powered design works anywhere you have a charged battery. American made quality at a fraction of the competition.
Who should look elsewhere
If you lift your boat multiple times per day, the constant drill swapping becomes annoying. A dedicated 120V motor system like the Extreme Max Boat Lift Buddy is better for frequent use. Also, if you do not own a powerful 18V+ drill, factor that cost into your budget.
10. Extreme Max 3006.7129 Boat Lift Step-Over
- Easy installation with U-bolts
- Adjustable platform height
- Grippy surface for safety
- Solid construction for the price
- 350 lb limit may be restrictive
- Mounting plates can deform if over-tightened
- Limited placement due to cross-bracing
The Extreme Max Boat Lift Step-Over is the budget friendly alternative to the Creekside Metalworks platform, with 32 reviews averaging 4.3 stars. At roughly one third the price, it covers the same basic use case for boat owners who need a safer boarding experience.
The 350 pound weight limit is the main constraint. It handles most adults, but heavy duty users may want the higher rated Creekside option. The grippy no slip platform surface is the key safety feature, especially when boarding with wet feet after a day on the water.
Installation is straightforward with the included U-bolts, which mount to your boat lift cradle frame. The platform height adjusts based on lift position, so you can raise or lower your boat without losing the step. The 34 x 28 inch footprint is generous without taking up too much dock space.
Customers mentioned that the mounting plates can deform if you over tighten the U-bolts, so go slow with the wrench. Also, the step may not fit every lift configuration due to cross-bracing on some models. Measure before you buy.
Who this is good for
Boat owners who want a safer boarding step without spending $400 on the premium option. The Extreme Max delivers solid value at under $150. If you are under 350 pounds and do not mind the simpler design, this step works great.
Who should look elsewhere
If you are over 350 pounds, want fold-up convenience, or want the highest quality American aluminum construction, the Creekside Metalworks platform is the better choice. Also, if your lift has unusual cross-bracing, measure before ordering.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Boat Lift for Shallow Water
Choosing a shallow water boat lift is not as simple as picking the biggest capacity or the lowest price. The right lift depends on three factors: your actual water depth, your hull type, and how much your lake level fluctuates. Let me walk through each.
Understanding Water Depth Requirements
The first question to answer is: how shallow does your lift actually need to operate? Most standard vertical lifts require 3 to 4 feet of water plus your boat draft, which can mean 4 to 6 feet total. Shallow water lifts are designed for depths as low as 6 to 24 inches.
Measure your water depth at the lowest point you expect during the boating season. If you are on a lake with winter drawdown, measure at the lowest typical level. Manufacturers often advertise the minimum depth their lift operates in, but that does not include your boat draft. A 22 inch advertised depth often means 30 to 40 inches of actual water needed.
The honest spec to look for is the total system height off the lake bottom, not the lift stroke alone. Porta-Dock sits 6.75 inches off the bottom. LOTO Lift has 12 inch tanks. HydroHoist UltraLift works in 22 inches. Pick the lift whose total height fits your minimum depth.
Floating vs. Fixed Lifts: Which is Better?
Floating pneumatic lifts use air filled tanks that rise and fall with water levels. They are the best choice for coves with soft or silty bottoms, because the tanks adapt to whatever depth you have. Fixed lifts use adjustable legs to compensate for uneven bottoms, but they cannot adjust to changing water levels over a season.
If your lake level swings more than a foot during the season, floating is the way to go. If your lake level is stable but the bottom is uneven, fixed with adjustable legs works fine. If you have both issues (seasonal drawdown plus uneven bottom), look at floating lifts with adjustable bunk heights.
Boat Type Compatibility: Pontoon, Bass, Wake, V-Drive
Different boats have different shallow water requirements. Pontoons and tritoons have shallow drafts (12 to 24 inches) but wide beams, so you need a lift with wide bunks and enough clearance for the logs. Bass boats have deeper V hulls but lower profiles, so a cantilever or vertical lift with adjustable bunks works well.
Wake boats and V-drive surf boats are the hardest to handle in shallow water. The stern engine sits low, and the wake shaping ballast tanks add weight. Look for lifts with drop tank V-drive configurations (like the LOTO Lift drop tank option) or specialized wake boat cradles that hold the stern higher.
Personal watercraft (jet skis) are easy. A simple sling or small floating lift handles any modern PWC, and most can operate in 6 inches of water without any special equipment.
Installation: DIY vs. Professional
Most shallow water boat lifts can be installed DIY if you have basic tools and a helper. Floating pneumatic lifts bolt together in sections and drop into the water. Cantilever lifts require more assembly but are still within reach of a competent home mechanic. Hydraulic systems require either a professional or someone comfortable with hydraulic plumbing.
Where you should hire a professional is the dock integration. Lifting straps, anchoring, and electrical connections are best left to a marine electrician or dock builder. Local lake regulations often require permits for any new lift installation, so check with your lake association before buying.
For our related guides on lift systems, check out our roundup of boat lifts for jet skis if you are specifically shopping for PWC lifts. We also covered jet pumps for shallow wells for related shallow water equipment.
Budget and Warranty Considerations
Budget boat lifts for shallow water start around $1,500 for basic floating pneumatic systems and run over $10,000 for hydraulic cantilever lifts with all the bells and whistles. Accessories like jacks, wheels, and steps add another $50 to $500 depending on quality.
Warranty matters more than price on a lift. Look for lifetime warranties on poly tanks and galvanized frames, which are the components most likely to fail over time. Hydraulic systems should have at least a 5 year warranty on pumps and seals. Anything less and you are gambling on manufacturer longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal water depth for a boat lift?
The ideal minimum water depth for a shallow water boat lift is 6 to 24 inches above the lowest point of the lakebed where the lift sits. Standard vertical lifts typically need 3 to 4 feet of water plus your boat draft, but specialty shallow water lifts like the LOTO Lift and Porta-Dock can operate in as little as 6 to 12 inches. Measure your lake depth at its lowest seasonal level before choosing a lift.
What type of boat lift is best for shallow water?
Floating pneumatic lifts and hydraulic cantilever lifts are the two best options for shallow water. Floating pneumatic lifts use air filled poly tanks that adapt to changing water levels, making them ideal for seasonal lakes and coves with uneven bottoms. Hydraulic cantilever lifts sit lower to the water and work well in stable shallow depths as low as 6 inches. Cantilever lifts are best for fixed depth applications while floating systems win for variable water levels.
How much does a shallow water boat lift typically cost?
Shallow water boat lifts typically cost between $1,500 and $10,000 depending on capacity, lift type, and brand. Basic floating pneumatic lifts for smaller boats start around $1,500 to $3,500. Mid range hydraulic cantilever lifts run $4,000 to $7,000. Premium systems with high weight capacity and remote controls can exceed $10,000. Accessories like jacks, wheels, and steps add another $50 to $500.
What is the shallowest water a pontoon boat can go?
A pontoon boat can typically operate in water as shallow as 12 to 24 inches, depending on the pontoon log diameter and boat load. Standard pontoon logs have 12 to 18 inch drafts when lightly loaded, while tritoons with larger diameter logs sit slightly deeper. The pontoon logs themselves rarely touch bottom because of their flat bottom design, but the outboard motor and lower unit need at least 6 to 12 inches of water to avoid damage.
Which boat lift brand is most reliable for shallow water?
The most reliable boat lift brands for shallow water are HydroHoist, LOTO Lift, Hewitt, and Porta-Dock based on consistent customer feedback and warranty support. HydroHoist is known for pneumatic floating systems that handle varying water levels. LOTO Lift specializes in true 24 inch operating depth lifts with honest specifications. Hewitt makes durable hydraulic cantilever lifts. Porta-Dock offers the lowest profile lifts with 6.75 inch clearance off the lake bottom.
Final Verdict: Which Shallow Water Boat Lift Should You Buy?
After researching dozens of products and reading hundreds of reviews, our top pick for the best boat lifts for shallow water depends on your situation. For shallow water boat owners who need to operate their outboard in skinny water, the T-H Marine Atlas Car Micro Jacker is the most versatile and affordable solution. The 11.5 inch lift range and 8 second operation handle 90% of real world situations.
If you need a complete lift system rather than an accessory, look at floating pneumatic lifts from HydroHoist or LOTO Lift for variable water levels, and hydraulic cantilever lifts from Hewitt or Porta-Dock for stable shallow depths. Match the lift to your minimum water depth, your hull type, and your budget.
For our readers shopping for related equipment, our material lifts guide covers lifting equipment for other applications. Whatever you choose, measure your actual water depth at the lowest seasonal level and buy a lift with honest specifications, not marketing hype. Your boat, your lift, and your back will all thank you.