PWC Jet Ski Lift – Part 2

PWC Jet Ski Lift – Part 2

A PWC Lift is used to protect your Jet ski or PWC  from the elements.

In Part 1 of this series we discussed cantilevered and Vertical Lifts.  In part 2, we examine two additional PWC lift options for protecting your jet ski.

The Vertical Jet Ski Lift is by far the most popular means of protecting your jet ski.  It is especially useful on the Bay of Green Bay because it is the best option for rough water applications.  The ability to raise your jet ski up to 50” high is vital whenever you encounter large waves.

However, what about calm water like a river or small inland lake?  There is another option available for these situations.

 ShorePort  PWC lift by ShoreMaster.

The ShorePort is not your traditional “lift” in the sense that it is a drive on PWC lift.  There are No cables, No winches, No moving parts and No motors needed.  You simply drive on the unit.

image of ShorePort PWC Lift

ShorePort PWC Lift by ShoreMaster

The ShorePort has a walkway on both sides for easy maintenance and access. ShorePorts are used wherever there is little wave action or where there is significant fluctuation in water depth.  The ShorePort PWC lift can fluctuate an unlimited amount because it floats with the water level.  Rising water levels in a river after a rainstorm presents no problem for the ShorePort.

Even kids can handle this one.  If they can drive a Jet Ski, they can handle the ShorePort PWC Lift.

Is there another type of PWC lift available?

If you have a permanent pier or a concrete pier you could use a “Swinger” or “Tide Tamer” lift.  The lift must be mounted to the side of a permanent structure.  They raise the jet ski vertically. 

iamge of Tide Tamer PWC Lift on a Permanent Pier

Swinger Pier Mounted Lift

The unique feature about this lift is that you have the ability to “swing” the entire jet ski over the top of the pier for storage, refueling or maintenance with little effort.  Thus the name.

image of DavitMaster PWC Lift

Swinger PWC Jet Ski Lift

This style of lift cannot be attached to any portable pier or dock.

Basic models come with a winch only, but most people will add a motor for ease of operation.  

Single and Double units are available also.

Where can you find Pier & Waterfront Solutions?

We are located in the center of the Door County Peninsula at 7325 St. Hwy 42/57. That’s 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and 3 miles South of Sturgeon Bay. Look for the Idlewild Road intersection.

Our staff is always ready to serve your needs year round.

Don’t forget – Give us a call If you have a dock or boatlift topic you would like to see addressed on our site,

Call Jerry at 920-493-4404 or Email Jerry@wisconsinpws.com for more information.

PWC Jet Ski Lift – Part 1

PWC Jet Ski Lift  Part 1

PWC Jet Ski lift units are more popular than ever. What does PWC stand for – Personal Water Craft. In this article, we discuss two different types of lifts available to protect your investment.

Summer is fast approaching.  We begin to think about boating, our docks, and jet skis.  The question arises – what is the right PWC (Jet Ski) lift for me?  That depends on where you are.

The ShoreMaster PWC Jet Ski lift is available in (2) freestanding models:

  • Cantilever; and
  • Vertical

Cantilever Lifts

The PWC cantilever lift does not raise the PWC as high as a vertical lift (28″ vs. 50″). You should use caution with this style of PWC lift as a result.  They are ideal for small lakes and rivers that do not fluctuate in depth.

However, our recommendation is not to use this style of lift on the Bay of Green Bay due to its minimal lifting height.  Wave action over 12″ can wash the PWS off the lift.

image of ShoreMaster Cantilever Jet Ski Lift

ShoreMaster Cantilever PWC Jet Ski Lift

 Vertical PWC Jet Ski Lift

The PWC jet ski vertical lift allows you to get into shallow water (about 6″ depth) and raises your boat higher than the cantilever type.  The lift provides excellent protection for your PWC.

The ShoreMaster vertical PWC lift has a lifting capacity of 1,200# and a lifting height of 50”.  The 64” inside width handles even the large 3-seaters on the market today.

image of ShoreMaster Vertical PWC Lift

Vertical PWC Jet Ski Lift by ShoreMaster

The lift can be equipped with a winch tube extension to get the wheel above the dock. 

Go a step further and add a remote control motor.  This motor takes the place of the handwheel and offers complete ease of operation.  Push the button to raise your PWC. It’s as simple as that.

Don’t forget about the PWC walking platforms.  They give you complete access to one or both sides of the PWC.

image of Jet Ski Lift Platform

PWC Jet Ski Lift Platforms

Watch for PWC (Jet Ski) Lifts – Part 2 of this series next week.

Where can you find the solution to any boatlift or PWC Jet Ski situation?

At Pier & Waterfront Solutions, of course!

PWS is located at 7325 St. Hwy 42/57. That’s 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and 3 miles South of Sturgeon Bay. Look for the Idlewild Road intersection. 

Our staff is ready to assist year round.

Don’t forget – Give us a call If you want to see an issue discussed on our site.

Call Jerry at 920-493-4404 or Email Jerry@wisconsinpws.com with any questions.

 

Jet Ski Lift Platform by PWS

Jet Ski Lift Platform

A Jet Ski Lift platform is the latest development of Pier & Waterfront Solutions.  These stainless steel loading platforms are made exclusively for the ShoreMaster SM 1064 and SM 1264 Jet Ski Lifts by PWS.

image of Jet Ski Lift Platform

Jet Ski Lift Platform

The jet ski Lift platform kit consists of a stainless steel, perforated platform that mounts securely to the lift rack.

  • No need to drill holes and risk damage to the cables inside.
  • The platform never rots.
  • Simple to install – one 9/16” wrench is all you need.
  • Stainless steel platforms provide a stable loading or working platform.
  • The walk platform allows easy access to both sides of the Jet Ski – in or out of the water.

Additional benefits

  • It allows you to put a cover on your Jet Ski while high and dry.
  • Why scramble over your jet ski to put a cover on?
  • No more getting tossed around by waves while trying to work.
  • No more trying to stand on the lift rack and risk falling or injury.

Imagine being able to service your jet ski without having to stand in the water.  Now you have a loading platform to set your equipment on when working on the engine or re-fueling your unit.  You can do all kinds of work and stay dry.

How About another Great Idea?

Also offered by Pier & Waterfront Solutions – a Jet Ski winch extension post kit.

The extension post kit allows you to move the winch higher on your ShoreMaster lift post.  Now you have better access to the wheel from the dock –  even if the dock is above the lift wheel.   No need to lie on the dock in order to reach the wheel.

Reminder

Pier & Waterfront Solutions specializes in ShoreMaster docks, lifts and accessories both residential and commercial.   We service the rest.

PWS is located in the center of Door County at 7325 St Hwy 57.  It is located 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and South of Sturgeon Bay at the intersection of Idlewild Road.  

See a complete list of articles at “News” on our website.

Want us to address a dock or boat lift topic for you?  Feel free to give us a call.  We believe that an informed consumer makes better decisions.

Call Jerry at 920-493-4404 or Email Jerry@wisconsinpws.com for more information.  
Jet Ski Lift – Yearly Maintenance Guide

Jet Ski Lift – Yearly Maintenance Guide

Remove the Jet Ski Lift from the water

Jet ski lifts need to be removed from the water for the winter in Northern climates to prevent major damage.

Dock-mounted lifts that rotate over the dock should be stored over the dock and secured in case of storms. The Jet ski itself should NEVER be stored on the lift for the winter.  Ice accumulations can severely damage the lift.  Non-rotating or free standing lifts need to be removed from the water

 

Jet Ski Lifts- simple yearly Maintenance 

Jet ski lifts require simple winterizing maintenance at the end of the boating season in order to prolong it’s life.

ShoreMaster Cantilever Jet Ski Lift

ShoreMaster Cantilever Jet Ski Lift

Here are some things you should do:

  1. Inspect the jet ski lift at the end of the season for worn parts, frayed cables (extremely important), loose bolts, etc
  2. For electric powered jet ski lifts, remove the motor and store it inside of a building or relieve the tension on the bungee cords, if so equipped.
  3. If the water will be freezing during the winter, move the lift to dry land
  4. Check bearings for noise and proper operation
  5. Make sure there is no vegetation or sand in the rack frames
  6. Check all pulleys and other wearable parts for damage. On older models, with plastic pulleys, rotate the pulleys by hand to insure none of the pulley edges are broken.  In general, these must be replaced.
  7. Ensure that the lift moves freely up & down without binding or straining.  A general rule when lowering the rack is to maintain downward pressure on the rack.
  8. For electric jet ski lifts, remove the motor and store it out of the weather or, at a minimum, relieve the tension on the bungee cords, if so equipped.
  9. All cables should have a quick spray of penetrating oil applied to them,  including on the cable wrapped around the winch drum.  However, DO NOT APPLY any oil inside the winch mechanism itself.
  10. Is it time to replace the carpet on the lift bunks or should you consider replacing them with maintenance-free vinyl bunks?

 

When should I consider these adjustments

Fall or early Spring is a good time to order replacement parts for your jet ski lift.  Call or email Pier & Waterfront Solutions for replacement parts. When spring arrives the lift manufacturers have very busy shipping schedules and parts can take longer to get.

Be ready for summer fun.

image of jet ski

Enjoy the summer on your jet ski

 Remember

Pier & Waterfront Solutions (PWS) specializes in all ShoreMaster docks, lifts and accessories.

Located in the center of Door County at 7325 St Hwy 57, just south of Sturgeon Bay at the intersection of Idlewild Road.  Our staff looks forward to serving all of your waterfront needs year round.

Equally important, if you found this article helpful –  Go to “NEWS” on any page of our website for a complete list of articles.  These articles are meant to keep you informed on the latest product information and maintenance issues. Check out our “older entries” also.

The wide variety of articles on dock and boat lifts issues will answer many of your questions.   PWS believes that an informed consumer makes better decisions.

Call Jerry at 920-493-4404 or Email Jerry@wisconsinpws.com for more information.