Find the Right Boat Lift for Your Waterfront

Compare HydroHoist lift systems by water type, dock layout, boat weight and available operating depth—then explore the models designed for your installation.

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Start With Your Waterfront

Which Lift Situation Matches Your Dock?

Choose the scenario that most closely matches your water conditions and dock layout. We’ll take you directly to the HydroHoist model designed for that type of application.

Standard Freshwater Slip

I have a freshwater floating dock and need a lift for a pontoon, tritoon, wake boat, fishing boat, cruiser or yacht.

Likely fit: UltraLift®

Shallow or Changing Water

My cove, canal, lake or river has limited operating depth or water levels that change throughout the boating season.

Likely fit: Shallow Water UltraLift®

Non-Standard Dock Layout

I have a U-shaped, L-shaped, double-wide or extra-wide slip where traditional lift placement is not practical.

Likely fit: Front Mount UltraLift®

Freshwater or Saltwater Flexibility

I need a free-floating lift that can work in fresh or saltwater and adapt to several fixed or floating dock configurations.

Likely fit: HarborHoist®

Why Choose HydroHoist Boat Lifts?

For nearly six decades, HydroHoist has been America’s most trusted boat lift brand. Here’s why:

  • Unmatched Durability – Polyethylene tanks that flex and return to shape; above-water steel for superior corrosion resistance.

  • Superior Protection – Keeps your boat dry, clean, and safe from marine growth and storm damage.

  • Push-Button Power – One-touch lift controls get you on the water in minutes.

  • Custom Fit – Lifts from 5,000 to 32,000 lbs for nearly every hull type.

  • Trusted Legacy – Launching lifts since 1964.

  • Made in the USA – Quality engineering backed by American manufacturing.

Compare Lift Models

Find the HydroHoist Built for Your Conditions

Compare each lift by capacity, water environment and dock configuration. Start with the system that most closely matches your waterfront, then explore the full product details.

UltraLift boat lift installed in a covered freshwater boat slip
UltraLift® Series 5,000–32,000 lbs.
Flagship Freshwater Lift
Best for

Freshwater pontoons, tritoons, fishing boats, wake boats, cruisers and yachts in floating U-shaped slips.

UltraLift may fit when:

  • You boat primarily in freshwater
  • You have a floating U-shaped slip
  • You need a broad range of capacities
  • You want push-button hydropneumatic operation

Consider another model when:

  • Your installation is in saltwater
  • Your water depth is extremely limited
  • Your dock has an unusual mounting layout
Explore UltraLift
Front Mount UltraLift installed between dock walkways
Front Mount UltraLift® 6,500 lbs.
Specialty Dock Solution
Best for

U-shaped, L-shaped, double-wide and extra-wide slips where conventional lift positioning is not practical.

Front Mount may fit when:

  • You need to optimize usable dock space
  • Your slip has limited rear clearance
  • You have a shared or double-wide mooring
  • Your boat is within the published model limits

Consider another model when:

  • You need more than 6,500 lbs. of capacity
  • Your available water depth is limited
  • A standard UltraLift fits your slip cleanly
Explore Front Mount
Shallow Water UltraLift installed at a covered freshwater dock
Shallow Water UltraLift® 5,000–9,000 lbs.
Low-Depth Freshwater Lift
Best for

Freshwater coves, canals and shorelines with limited depth or water levels that fluctuate through the season.

Shallow Water may fit when:

  • A standard UltraLift needs too much depth
  • Your water level drops seasonally
  • You have a floating dock or narrow canal
  • You need extended, low-profile tanks

Consider another model when:

  • You need more than 9,000 lbs. of capacity
  • Your installation is saltwater or brackish water
  • Your dock requires a front-mounted lift
Explore Shallow Water
HarborHoist free-floating boat lift installed beside a dock
HarborHoist® 5,500–24,500 lbs.
Free-Floating Versatility
Best for

Freshwater or saltwater applications that benefit from a free-floating aluminum lift and adaptable dock connection.

HarborHoist may fit when:

  • You need fresh or saltwater compatibility
  • Your dock is U-shaped, L-shaped, square or double-wide
  • You value continuous passenger walkways
  • You need a lift that can be relocated

Consider another model when:

  • You require more than 24,500 lbs. of capacity
  • A standard freshwater UltraLift better fits the slip
  • Your site falls outside published dock requirements
Explore HarborHoist

Final model selection depends on fully loaded boat weight, hull design, beam, draft, dock dimensions and site conditions. An authorized HydroHoist dealer must confirm capacity, fit and installation requirements.

Understand the Main Difference

UltraLift or HarborHoist?

Both systems use air and water displacement to raise and lower your boat, but they are designed around different waterfront environments and dock configurations.

Freshwater Lift Family

UltraLift®

HydroHoist’s flagship freshwater family, with standard, Front Mount and Shallow Water configurations.

  • Primarily designed for freshwater applications
  • Uses a hot-dipped galvanized steel structural system
  • Connects to compatible floating dock configurations
  • Offers the broadest published capacity range
  • Available in standard, low-depth and front-mount designs
Explore the UltraLift family
Free-Floating Marine Lift

HarborHoist®

A free-floating aluminum system designed for versatility in freshwater and saltwater environments.

  • Designed for fresh or saltwater applications
  • Uses an aluminum structure and polyethylene tanks
  • Can tie to compatible docks or pilings
  • Includes continuous walkways for passenger access
  • Can work with several specialty dock configurations
Explore HarborHoist

Your water environment may narrow the decision quickly, but loaded boat weight, dock dimensions and available depth still determine the final model and configuration.

A Lift Matched to the Conditions

More Time Boating When the Water Is Low

“The lake I am on has a variable elevation, and the shallow water lift enables me to go boating when the water is down.”

John F. Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Texas
  • Changing Water Levels
  • Freshwater Installation
  • Shallow Water UltraLift®
Explore Shallow Water Find My Best Lift

Still Not Sure Which Model Fits?

Answer a few questions about your boat, dock, water depth and marine environment. We’ll help narrow the HydroHoist systems that may fit before a local dealer confirms the final configuration.

Start the Product Finder

HydroHoist Lift Models FAQs

20–30 years with proper care — many owners use theirs for decades.

HarborHoist®, with its aluminum frame and stainless-steel hardware.

UltraLift® Shallow Water operates in as little as 3 feet plus boat draft.

Yes — dealer installation ensures performance, safety, and warranty coverage.

Most HydroHoist lifts launch or dock your boat in under 2 minutes.

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