Repairing aluminum boat lift

[Frryanb]

I just bought an aluminum boat lift. I basically bought it for the cost of scrap so decent deal. Last year the lift was busted when a storm rolled through and picked the boat off the lift and tossed it around inside. It is a vertical lift with canopy. The canopy is fine and one side is perfect. The other side is busted up and the cradle is twisted out of square. Is it worth trying to fix?

 

[Grandad]

Re: Repairing aluminum boat lift

Welcome to Iboats Frryanb. You'll probably get a lot more response from members if you take some pictures. Show overall shape and construction as well as the area that's damaged that you're deciding whether you want to repair. - Grandad

 

[pckeen]

Re: Repairing aluminum boat lift

Hi Frryanb,

I have a boat lift that was repaired in similar circumstances. Post some pics.

What you will need to find is an aluminum welder who can do the necessary work on this for you. Speak to him or her, work out what it will cost to get your lift fixed, then compare the price for that with the cost of a new or used lift. My guess is it will be much cheaper to fix it.

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Repairing aluminum boat lift

Did you buy it in OIB NC? There is one that had an aluminum jon boat on it. Last I saw it the boat was sideways, motor dangling a little, and the life mangled.
Correct- someone that weld aluminum can repair it. If any parts are twisted you may need some replacement. Overall, it will be less to repair than replace. The manufacturer or installer may even offer some names to assist.

 

[Frryanb]

Re: Repairing aluminum boat lift

Thanks guys. I took it to a welder he is a buddy so he was real honest with me. He told me that if he was going to do everything the dollar figure would start racking up. So we decided that I will do a bunch of the grunt work. I'll straighten all the plates, clean it all up with stainless steel brushes and try to source out some new aluminum. He figured that if I can do that then we should be able to make this real affordable. So now just to find the time! Oh yeah I will try getting some pics loaded ASAP.