Key Takeaways
Dealer partnerships strengthen local service, installation quality, and long-term customer support.
Experienced marine dealers help customers select the right boat lift for water depth, boat size, and shoreline conditions.
Regional expertise ensures proper installation and ongoing maintenance guidance.
DCH Marine opened for business in 2001 on Lake Venice, Venice, Florida. Their original business plan was to repair boats. They moved the business to its current location on Lake Timberland in Kentucky in 2006 – where they drifted from boat repair to a towing service. They expanded into offering HydroHoist in 2010. They now do everything from dock building/repair, dive, and towing and boat lift sales and service.
Prior to 2000 Don was an auto body shop manager in Florida. “I chose to be a HydroHoist dealer because they are the originators and the main player in the industry. After working on them you can definitely see the difference between us and the other lifts that are around.” According to Scott Mauldin, HydroHoist of TN Regional Director, “I was very excited when Don first reached out to me about adding boat lift service to his repertoire. Marine Assist is a well-established, trusted name on Lake Cumberland would give our customers there a local option, providing much faster response times for service needs. Since that time, Don has grown his HydroHoist business from simply offering service on existing units, to being an authorized dealer, offering the full spectrum of sales, installation, and service. Don has proven to be a great partner and a real friend to the company. His philosophy of customer service mirrors our own and having him and his crew on the HydroHoist team is a real asset.” When asked if he had an interesting and/or challenging boat lift project Don mentioned dealing with wide ships, underwater truss work, and slip dividers as their main challenges. “We have to ensure that we can get everything the customer
wants in their dock installed properly and safely.” Don sees trends in their market as consumers are getting away from smaller boats. Where he used to sell more of the 6600 pound HydroHoist lifts, in the last few years 8800 has become a more common size. Additionally, he has installed three 22,000
pound lifts this year. With his towing business keeping him tied up 24/7 year-round, he doesn’t have much time for hobbies but is enjoying his first grandson – born two months ago.
“We service 1200 people that have a membership with our tow service, so it is a good database of people that lead over into the boat lift sales.”
FAQs
Why is working with an authorized HydroHoist dealer important?
Authorized dealers understand HydroHoist systems in depth and can recommend the correct lift based on your boat’s specifications and water conditions. Professional installation also ensures proper alignment, anchoring, and long-term reliability.
What services do marine lift dealers typically provide?
Dealers often handle consultation, site evaluation, lift installation, maintenance, warranty support, and replacement parts. This local support simplifies ownership and protects your investment.
How does local expertise improve lift performance?
Regional dealers understand seasonal water fluctuations, shoreline conditions, and marina regulations. This knowledge helps ensure the lift system operates safely and efficiently year-round.
Can a dealer help upgrade or modify an existing lift?
Yes. Many dealers provide retrofits, capacity upgrades, and accessory additions to match changing boat ownership needs.
