A marine travel lift, also known as a boat hoist or a boat lift, is a specialized type of material handling equipment designed for lifting and moving boats and other watercraft out of the water and onto land for maintenance, storage, and repair. These lifts are commonly used in marinas, boatyards, and shipyards.
A typical marine travel lift consists of a large steel frame with four or more wheels or tires that can be moved along a set of rails or on a paved surface. The lift has a hydraulic or electric lifting mechanism that is used to raise and lower the boat. The boat is typically supported by slings or straps that wrap around the hull of the boat.
There are different types of marine travel lifts available, ranging in size from small lifts that can handle boats weighing a few tons to large lifts that can handle boats weighing hundreds of tons.
Common Features of Marine Travel Lift
Adjustable sling configuration: Marine travel lifts can often be configured with adjustable slings to accommodate boats of different sizes and shapes.
Remote control operation: Many marine travel lifts are equipped with remote control systems, allowing the operator to control the lift from a safe distance.
Articulating arms: Some marine travel lifts are designed with articulating arms that can reach over obstructions and lift boats from the water in hard-to-reach locations.
Self-propelled: Some larger marine travel lifts are self-propelled and can move under their own power, making it easier to move boats from one location to another.
Load monitoring systems: Many marine travel lifts are equipped with load monitoring systems that can provide real-time feedback on the weight of the load being lifted, ensuring safe and accurate operation.
Marine travel lifts are an essential piece of lifting equipment for boat owners and marine businesses, as they provide a safe and efficient way to move boats out of the water for maintenance and repair. They are also important for boat storage, allowing boats to be stored on land when not in use to protect them from the elements and prolong their lifespan.
Travel lift types
There are several types of travel lifts available, including:
Marine travel lift: A marine travel lift is a specialized type of travel lift designed specifically for lifting and moving boats and other watercraft out of the water and onto land. They are commonly used in marinas, boatyards, and shipyards.
Container travel lift: A container travel lift is designed for lifting and moving shipping containers. They are commonly used in ports, shipping yards, and container terminals.
Rubber tired gantry crane: A rubber tired gantry crane, or RTG crane, is a type of travel lift that is commonly used in ports and container terminals for lifting and moving shipping containers.
Straddle carrier: A straddle carrier is a type of travel lift that is designed for lifting and moving shipping containers. They are commonly used in ports and container terminals.
Crawler crane: A crawler crane is a type of travel lift that uses a set of tracks or crawlers to move around a job site. They are commonly used in construction, demolition, and infrastructure projects.
Hydraulic gantry crane: A hydraulic gantry crane is a type of travel lift that uses hydraulic cylinders to lift and move heavy loads. They are commonly used in industrial settings for lifting and moving large machinery.
The type of travel lift you choose will depend on the specific application and requirements of your operation. It’s important to carefully evaluate your needs and consider factors such as load capacity, mobility, and safety features when selecting a travel lift.