Key Takeaways
• The spotlight focuses on the dealer story and what local expertise looks like when water levels and conditions change fast.
• It reinforces why installation and service support matter as much as the lift itself, especially during floods or unusual seasons.
• The takeaway is that dealer experience can reduce mistakes, speed up installs, and help owners get the right fit the first time.
Larry Butschek has been a HydroHoist dealer for more than 20 years and a top five dealer for the company the past six years.
Larry Butschek
“Larry is a valued partner of HydroHoist and has a huge customer base that trusts him and his product knowledge,” said HydroHoist CEO Mick Webber.
Larry started in the marina industry in 1974 at the Yacht Shop sailboat dealership in Dallas, TX; he moved to Fort Worth in 1979 and started Lawrence Yacht Service, Inc. (which is still in operation).
He and his wife, Jill, added the boat lift sales and service in 1994 and joined HydroHoist®, LLC in 1995.
“Joining the HydroHoist family has been a challenging, yet rewarding, experience through all the personnel and product development,” Larry said.
Rex Grundy oversees all of the installations and repairs and he joined the Butschek’s after selling his boat dock business in 1999. According to Larry, “Rex has been, and still is, an indispensable part of our company”.
In 2003, they changed their company name to incorporate the boat lift side of business, becoming A+ Boat Lifts, Inc. dba Lawrence Yacht Service.
“This year has been a roller coaster, from literally digging in the dirt to install a hoist on dry ground, to a record setting year of floods!” Larry said.
“We are fortunate to have had two previous employees come back on board, Eric Bartholomew and John Yovanovitch.
“The boat lift market in our area has been helped with the introduction of the UL2. Our previous customers want to upgrade and our new customers want the “plastic” one. If the marinas get everything rebuilt this winter, next year should be a great year.”
Larry and Jill have been married since 1984. They have four grown children and are expecting their fifth grandchild in February.
In his off time, Larry likes to race sailboats, hunt and piddle on hot rod cars.
“Larry and his team are known for their exceptional customer service. It’s hard to imagine that anyone knows more about lifting a sailboat on a HydroHoist then Larry— and he is equally proficient racing sailboats. I always enjoy doing business with Larry & Jill; they are a good friend of HH and to me, and we very much appreciate them,” Webber commented.
“Many thanks to the HydroHoist team for the past years and for the years to come,” Larry said.
FAQs
Q: Why does choosing a strong dealer matter as much as choosing the lift?
A: A good dealer helps you match the lift to your boat, dock, and water conditions, which prevents expensive misfits. They also handle service and adjustments, so you’re not stuck troubleshooting on your own mid season.
Q: What should I look for in a boat lift dealer?
A: Look for local experience, a track record of installs in your type of waterway, and clear support after the sale. You want someone who can answer questions quickly and stand behind the setup when conditions change.
Q: How do changing water levels affect lift ownership?
A: Flooding, drought, and seasonal swings can change how a lift sits and operates. A dealer who has seen those patterns can recommend the right configuration and help you adapt without starting over.
