DIY - Cheap Motorized Boat Lift

[@mattlocklin6471]

I use a Milwaukee 18 volt drill, where the handle was. on the boat lift, adds a level of theft prevention to as you need the socket or a wrench to move it.

[@jamesspiroff9117]

I would suggest for safety that you add a pin or lock lever because these type of winches do not have brakes. The only thing holding it all up is the gears in the winch. So the idea is you raise it to your proper lever, slide in a pin or flip over a lever that catches on something then you can lower the winch slightly to take the tension of the winch, the bolts and cable. Happy boating.

[@BeyondDuctTapeFixItRight]

Your 12-volt winch approach is a great idea! I also like how you strung three batteries in parallel for extra current and to take potential strain off a single battery. The quick disconnect is the trifecta that takes your implementation up a notch. Nice job!

[@hollisvanderloon2685]

Looking forward to the wire management update.

[@glider880]

I'm now in my second summer using the winch and it still works as well as new.

[@JoshWest070278]

How is it working? I’m planning to do this next weekend.

[@marklugar29]

Great idea. Can you provide an update as to how the winch has held up?

[@daviddemuynck1194]

Thanks for this video. I did the exact same thing and it works great. I did a couple of things differently…. I’m using a single battery that is fastened to my dock but I installed a 40W solar charger to it. This is working great. I supposed I might have issues if I’m taking the boat out more than a few times/day. I also built enclosures for both the electronics and winch using PVC panels for safety and to protect the components from the elements. I also installed a keyed ignition switch to prevent someone from taking off with my boat. Sure beats 10mins of cranking that wheel on a hot summer day after boating!

[@canuckeh782]

good job buddy i did the same thing myself n bought one of those cheap solar panels from canadian tire 20 bucks, keeps my battery charged all summer no connecting anything just walk up n go time. good job!!

[@davegiessinger4350]

canuckeh! P the time you got the

[@glider880]

Hi everyone, I've had lots of comments and questions on my system. Although we could argue that it is unsafe or unreliable, it has so far stood the test of time. I certainly believe that the manufacturer's original model is better than my system. I'm a DIY type of guy in many aspects of my life. Sometimes I'm wrong, sometimes I'm right. I don't want to convince anyone that my system is THE right way to modify your own boat lift; it's just one of the many possibilities. I will eventually post a second video to answer the different questions I have had so far. Thanks for the many positive comments!

[@tomamerman7699]

Don't have to explain this to yourself. The motorized lift industry is probably having their employees leave dislikes and safety comments. It's a winch, you replaced it with a winch. Your video saves people a lot of money. Other videos marketing an expensive product the lady literally throws the old crank in the lake after dropping it on her foot.

[@izhizen]

I like the idea that you put the battery inside the boat, that is much better than having the battery exposed. You should also consider putting a kill limit switch so it will not over crank the lift.

[@bucksgarage1]

Awesome Idea. I am going to do this with my boat lift. I dont use the boat as much as I should because I hate cranking it up and down.

[@walkertongdee]

Harbor Freight winch same spec been using it for years $50. works on a single battery engine not running.

[@SarahElchuk-iy7yq]

I’m wondering about the wiring and the quick connect. Where did you purchase it? Is the winch still holding up?

[@mccrary357]

Awesome! Will try this weekend!

[@tomn5880]

I built a battery holder on our lift and installed a stand pipe on shore for using a battery charger. We would get 5 in and out's before the battery started to loose voltage. We used a 3,000 lb. 12 volt winch and a class 27 Deep Cycle battery. Lift had a canopy built it in 2000 and it's still going strong. (2018)

[@lennysadventures6190]

Is there any way to bypass the ignition wiring? If not, Is there a short cut to hooking the ignition wire to my pontoons ignition??

[@Jack-cb3bd]

I recently installed a winch on my boatlift and it's working fine. Currently, I have it wired to a battery on the dock. What gauge wire do I need to wire it to the battery on the back of my boat? Can I splice it twice -- once at the winch motor and once back by the battery? What gauge wire do I use

[@glider880]

Hi Jack. Glad it's working for you too. To me, the only reason I'm not using a battery on the dock is that the battery won't keep its charge. My boat's alternator keeps my batteries fully charged at all times. I don't know exactly what specific gauge you should use as it depends on amps and length of your wire, but to me if it weren't for price, the bigger wire (smaller gauge) the better. If you can find 3/0 wire at a good price get it. As for splicing your wire, I don't really get what you're asking. I would parallel connect both the battery from the boat and the dock then connect one of the batteries to the winch. Hope that helps. Marc

[@paulbaril4757]

Marc, you are a smart Dude. Merci beaucoup pour ton vidéo.

[@kizzer1981]

Great idea to use the boats batteries!

[@bennettracing85]

Ok I got some questions due to the fact that im going to do the same thing. Is your boat lift a vertical lift? How long does it take to take the lift to go from boat floating to all the way out of the water. And to what somebody already asked would you do it differently next time?

[@BellyUpFishGarage]

8 years later - still using this?

[@tjsmith3842]

I want to do the same thing but my only concern is what has to be done when the winch breaks and the boat is up on the lift? how do you get the boat down? having experience with ATV winches they do break. any ideas?

[@HockeyWakeboard]

If the winch fails and the boat is up, cecurethe cradle in the up positions with large straps on all 4 corners. This will allow you to remove and replace the winch.

[@DaleWHickman]

Good idea cheap solution 👍

[@lchesney1]

Pardon my ignorance, but don't standard lift winches have some sort of brake or clutch or something? I'm just curious about the long-term stress on a system like this when the load is being held in a wound-up position for extended periods.

[@usn020702]

You should be able to lock the winch as well once it is wound up.

[@terryg2160]

Nice job Marc. Is your lift vertical or cantilever? Wonder if this would work on my cantilever pontoon lift. It turns pretty hard when you near the apex.

[@mattheweldridge9842]

Did you do it... I also have a cantilever lift. If so how did it work

[@charlespinson6693]

Curious! Why didn’t you bore a bigger hole in the winch vs. cutting down your lift cable reducing its strength? I am glad this system works for you. It’s very ingenious.

[@wiboater4]

Nice , I was thinking about doing the exact same thing to a boat lift I have. Harbor freight has cheap winches like that. You may have been able to just use the cable on the winch also but I suppose it wasn't stainless steel. I am thinking about going the solar panel route on mine to keep a small battery out there charged up. Your setup is great though.

[@aaronpaulson3327]

Hey, not sure if you're still active on this, but what did you do with the ignition wire? I'm having issues with not getting juice and that has to be the reason. Thanks!

[@daviddemuynck1194]

You have to have 12V power on the ignition wire for it work. I installed a cheap keyed ignition switch that adds a bit of security.

[@andrewiverson2035]

How would one connect a solar pannel to this to provide power?

[@acronymskateshop]

You need a separate battery on the dock. Connect panel to the separate battery to keep it charged when you are away. You return to a fully charged battery all the time. His boat battery gets recharged when the motor turns the alternator. If you have a battery on the dock you need to charge it somehow.

[@JoJoJonnSinn]

@@acronymskateshopthanks for your reply! Will the solar panel overcharge the battery or anything like that? And is it "safe" to leave a battery out on the dock in the sun and in the elements? Just curious as my dad might be doing this to his boat lift. Thanks!

[@mnebs]

@@JoJoJonnSinn You would want a waterproof solar charge controller between the panel and the battery. They are inexpensive.

[@timmbot6082]

The motor sounds like its struggling. Is it still working?

[@dtechusacom]

Good work. How's it holding up over time.

[@brucedayton4399]

Great video. Solved my problems.

[@reloucks1881]

Thanks for the video. That's pretty cool. Do you have any sort of cover for the winch/connections, or do you leave it exposed to the elements?

[@glider880]

I use a plastic bucket (upside down) that covers the winch and connections so it's not exposed to the elements.

[@reloucks1881]

Marc Grenier Thanks. Now that you've been using this setup for a while, is there anything you'd do differently if you had to do it again? I'm going to try to implement the same setup this summer...probably with a dedicated 12V battery instead of adding an extra battery to my boat as you've done. It really is a great idea though.

[@CaptainOverLoad]

Bullet proof idea for a jet skii. I was honestly thinking of winding my own motor but this will be a investment and time better spent. 100% DIY Motor take a lot of labor to wind machine exc.

[@nathanbuck929]

This is cool. My lift has a 16:1 reduction and a clutch at the shaft that the large wheel connects to. In order to use that clutch mechanism and the gear reduction, I need to spin the wheel with something. I have been thinking about using a DC motor to drive a 6" rubber wheel that spins the large aluminum wheel. Has anyone done that?

[@danmayes4657]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIquhpKhh92djs0

[@JoshWest070278]

This is called a lift buddy/lift mate. $500-$1000 12v or 110

[@mikebreidenbach9549]

I have that set up and I would go with this idea. The friction of the 2 wheels is a pain!

[@Mesagsp]

Great idea. If it's worked for a couple of seasons, then its probably safe enough.

[@glider880]

It's still working!

[@MGoBlue65]

Still working fine?

[@peterl.1574]

Those are made for horizontal pull. Be careful they can disengage and drop.

[@glider880]

I understand your concern but the fact that the elevator has pulleys lessens the charge. When I first put together my system I was also worried about a sudden drop but it hasn't happened in 4 years. A neighbor's elavator had a cable that snapped and the boat did drop... in the water. As he pointed out to me, no one would or should ever stand the chance to be under a boat when on an elevator so what's the actual danger? I understand your comment and if my boat ever drops, I will post a new video.

[@stevec3537]

@@glider880 Once you get past the top of the travel, then the cantilever should go just a little further. Then, it's past the 90 degree point, so it should not need much (if any) tension on the cable to hold it there. I don't think the boat is "resting" on cable tension when in the stored position. That said, to answer your question of what's the danger? If that cable lets go any number of things could happen. It could just drop down into the water. Or that could happen when someone is boarding, or it could tip sideways... all bad situations. My concern with your setup is there are a lot of exposed wires, meaning there is a shock hazard. If you put some sort of cover over the whole thing, it would be much safer. This would also help prevent an injury if the cable snaps and becomes a projectile that could hit you in the face. Ingenious solution otherwise... good work! Just think about the safety issue... just because it's been fine for five years doesnt mean it'll be safe the sixth year.

[@craigmonteforte1478]

Seems like a good idea but i do want to point out something to you InsuraNCE Companies and lift manufacturers will not cover any damage to your vessel or persons involved in any accidents I kept many boats in Marinas over my life and they are very strict about making any type of modifications or improvements to any equipment other than using their specific and approved parts this can get pretty touchy whenever you are dealing with the liability of Millions of Dollars worth of boats and equipment FYI

[@space.cowboy69]

I recommend not using batteries but a small solar panel, a guy I know uses one, it works great and saves energy!

[@bennettracing85]

Hypebeast you have to use a battery the solar panel trickle charges that.

[@gagenegrin8296]

did anyone else notice the spider beside his finger at 2:10 ???

[@evertyager]

I did same thing with my boat lift but I used a ac winch a lot cheaper than the electric winches the boat lift manufactures try to sell you

[@davidschlagel6250]

I can't believe people do this. Buy a Lift Tech or Boat Lift Boss unit. How do you get your lift down if the batteries run down or the winch burns out?

[@jacquescardinal9857]

hmm read the manuel

[@deangrande7207]

The winch has free spool for down

[@davidschlagel6250]

@@deangrande7207 with a boat on it? Under weight? That's what I'm talking about. Free wheel will not work

[@Kapco78]

It will...once lol ​@@davidschlagel6250

[@sailormd100]

I did not see any fusing on your supply line. As you motor ages, you may have a problem if you do not.

[@speedy63663]

horribly unsafe.

[@brucepritchett8757]

Why? You have the remote so you don't have to be next to it. What's the worst that can happen? The winch somehow drops the boat? Very unlikely, and even then, why would it be "unsafe"?

[@tomamerman7699]

Your name is unsafe. Do the speed limit

[@Bdoodee]

You have no safety catch to backstop the boat from falling if anything breaks. Pretty ballsy