I am planning to install a 1200 lb Roto Mag Swinger PWC lift from Magnum Boat Lifts onto an existing 8" dock piling. It will be supporting a Kawasaki STX-15F that weighs approximately 950 lbs with full fuel and oil. The manufacturer of the lift said that an 8" piling would be strong enough to support the lift and jet ski so long as it is attached to the dock and in good condition. I spoke to a person who installs pilings, and he said that dock pilings are normally only driven 5 feet into the ground and that it could cause my whole dock to fall down and that I really should have a 10" diameter piling driven 10 feet into the ground to support a jet ski and lift. He quoted $500 for the piling installation.
Do you guys think the existing dock piling will be strong enough to support this lift and jet ski or do I really need to have a new piling installed? I'm wondering if the piling installer was just trying to sell me another piling.
Do you guys think the existing dock piling will be strong enough to support this lift and jet ski or do I really need to have a new piling installed? I'm wondering if the piling installer was just trying to sell me another piling.