Craftlander Boat lift

Brian82683 wrote: Does anyone know the minimum operation level of a Craftlander Vertical Lift. 4500lb capacity. 120" Beam? I am considering purchasing a lift from someone on my lake but am unsure if it will go low enough for my boat. The reviews and specs claim they are good for "low water levels" there is anywhere from 2' to 3.5' of water where it would be in.

It should operate out of the water! Just kidding, I know what you mean.

I would assume that by 2', they mean that it's two feet from the ground to the top of the cradle when fully lowered. You are going to need probably a minimum of 4' of water to get a boat on. 2" for the cradle and another 2' on top of that.

Brian82683 wrote: The 2' to 3' is how much water i have to work with. The left company just states that it can operate in low levels. If my guess is correct based on my assumed dimensions it should work in 24" to 28" of water. Not sure.

I doubt it will work. But I'm not an expert. Plus, don't 80s CCs draft around 24"? Or is it 20"? I should probably know that.

The pic below is of my Shore Station. You can see where the cradle would stop when fully lowered.



And according to the 1986 info in the reference section, my boat should draft 24". So you need at least 24" of water for your boat to float...and that would be on top of whatever the measurement is from ground to the top of the cradle when fully lowered.

Brian,

The 24" draft spec is to the bottom of the rudder, the deepest point while at rest. The issue I've had with many Nautiques is getting the tracking fins over the aft crossmember of the lift, (mostly Shore Stations non-vee models) having to sometimes put all the passengers in the rear, to raise the bow a few inches. There are fin scars on my lift frame. I'd dig the lift foot pads in a few inches if the lake bottom is such. You can also adjust the boat support bunks to reduce the height of the boat above the lift frame, but your lift will be the clearance under the fins.

I know and enjoy several members from the Holland Aqua Riders show team, Any contacts?? I ski with US Water Ski Show team in Scotia, NY.

I'd get the lift, as you have a beautiful boat and the lift will help keep it that way!!

Todd

Brian82683 wrote: So just to confirm in the pic that is the lowest yours will go?

No, ignore where the cradle is at now. Just look at the very bottom of the lift. The bottom of the cradle will only go as low as the 'base' of the lift...if that makes sense.

I still think you're going to be out of luck. But I added the bunks to my lift to make that older Shore Station inboard friendly. As a result, I need a lot of water to get a boat on now.   But $300 bucks for the kit was far cheaper than an entirely new lift.

Yea I stop at the lake yesterday and took a final measurement before I make the purchase. I have 33" in the front of the dock and 44" at the rear. This is of course before the lift sinks into the muck at the bottom. I think i am getting myself all worked up over nothing...

Brian82683 wrote: I think i am getting myself all worked up over nothing...

P71 is helping. I think you will be fine.

It sounds like you and i have a similar set up. Tomorrows the big day!

Just got to level it out tomorrow and Ill be all set! Plenty of water

About a foot. After some digging up front...lots of muck in the back, so I bought some 16 by 16 patio pavers from homer last night. Im gonna spend a few hours leveling and get the boat on it later today.

Hey Chris and Hollywood, I'm going to try to level my Shore Station 36108 tomorrow, and set up the bunks which are loose on the cross-members. I did not even think about those fins under the Supra. Ive got to level the thing too, as it is way off. God I cannot even imagine sticking my head under water to remove the pins and to try and raise the lower corners. Boat fever means its gotta happen soon.

You guys have any suggestions on leveling? Is it mask and wetsuit and cold to the bone, or is there a better way?

This is totally new to me, just like three years ago learning to drive an inboard. Can't wait to be an expert.

I dont really have the space or the man power. Not to mention with the 1' of mud we have in front it would be like day one every year. Im going to buy a de-icer from eBay and keep it in the water....Im trying to lobby for the other members in the cover to invest in a aerator to eventually control the mud and weeds....only time will tell

Bunks will be fine for either boat.

I hope you are using a trailer that supports the pontoons and not one that goes under the floor.

Hollywood, I was planning to use one that supported the pontoons as pictured below, but Qinner's idea is better.

Quinner, thanks for the suggestions. The bunks are little flat things (see the picture of the less nice lift ); the lift was set up for a Carolina Skiff, so I was thinking I would buy the Shorestation kit for elevated bunks.

I will let you all know how it goes.

That's an old lift, worth about $500 up this way. You may want to price up those parts first, if you go with Shorestation specific it can get very pricey.

This would be a perfect setup for either boat, (with or without canopy)
3800-4000 lb capacity with the more modern bunks and the slight arc in the carriage.



That pontoon trailer setup in the pic would work however you will probably be exceeding standard width regulations.

Used free standing lifts seem to be rare down here. I have only seen a couple for less than $3000. This is the first time I have been able to get the owner to call me back. I think I can get it for around $1000. With moving and parts maybe $1500, still cheaper and more functional for my setting than any other solution I have been able to find. I guess I could look into a new one...