If you have a boat lift that is installed into a wide slip -typically 14’ or wider- it is possible to offset the boat to one side to afford easier loading. If the boat is offset to one side, then it may not be possible to install guide ropes to align the boat over the lift. It is important that care is given to ensure that the boat is properly aligned over the hoist. It is a good idea to install centering guides on the side of the boat that is opposite of the dock finger. The centering guides will help prevent the boat from drifting toward the center of the slip. If the slip is wide enough, it is sometimes possible to install additional hull support pads so that one or two PWC units can be installed on the same lift with the boat. It is important to note that if the hull pads for the boat and the hull pads for the PWC units are installed at the same height, it will be possible to lower the hoist enough to launch the PWC units while the lift will still be high enough to prevent the boat from moving. Conversely, if you wish to launch the boat, the PWC units will also be launched. It is important that PWCs are tied fore and aft to prevent them from drifting against the dock or the boat. Most units that are installed with an offset boat, and especially those that are equipped to raise the boat and PWC units, will utilize a two-valve control unit. The valves can be manipulated to control air flow to the port and starboard side of the lift. This way you can counteract a load imbalance when raising the boat with and without PWC units.
