Choosing the Right Magnum Boat Lift Model for Your Vessel: Guide for Boat Owners

Dec 4

Selecting the right boat lift can be a confusing process for boat owners. It’s a decision that can last decades, protecting your investment and also ensures a seamless, enjoyable boating experience. Fortunately, Magnum Boat Lifts offers a wide range of lift models designed to accommodate everything from small personal watercraft to massive offshore vessels. In this guide, we’ll break down the various Magnum Boat Lift models, highlight their unique features, and provide useful knowledge to help you in making your decision. As always, we highly recommend contacting your local dealer for more specific information. There are many factors that come into play when making this decision, this guide can’t cover them all.

Overview of Magnum’s Range of Products

Magnum Boat Lifts is known for its extensive product line of boat lifts engineered for durability, performance, and versatility. Here’s a quick overview of the different models available:

Mini Mag: Ideal for small watercraft like jet skis, kayaks, and lightweight boats. Compact and efficient, this lift is perfect for tight dock spaces.
Rotomag: Known for its unique rotating design, providing easy access for fueling, covering and maintaining smaller vessels.
2800: A “just the right size” option for lighter boats that only requires 2 pilings.
Davit: A classic choice for smaller boats and personal watercraft, typically mounted on seawalls or pilings.
S Model: Great for calm water sites for boats up to 10,000 lbs., known for its straightforward, low-profile design.
HD Model: Heavy-duty version of the S Model, capable of handling larger boats up to 20,000 lbs.
CBX Model: The low-profile classic, engineered for extreme durability and reliability, only available through factory trained installers.
Hybrid: Great for narrow slips. Overhead-beam style. With lifting cradles available in either galvanized steel or aluminum, and with capacities up to 16,000lbs.
Side Mount: Also known as an “Elevator style lift” is great for maximizing dock space when outside pilings are not an option. The Magnum Side Mount lift can mount to the side of the dock or seawall. Utilizing two “tracks” for the cradle to raise and lower thereby eliminating the need for outside pilings.
Boat House: Designed for installation in enclosed or partially enclosed boat houses, protecting your vessel from the elements.
Super Heavy-Duty Models: Including the Magnum 25K, 30K, and 40K options. These larger boat lifts are built to ensure reliability and withstand the test of time. All Super Heavy-Duty Models come standard with enclosed gears and remote control providing a safe, secure and user-friendly option for docking your larger watercraft.

Matching Lift Capacity to Vessel Size and Weight

Choosing the right boat lift starts with understanding your vessel’s weight and dimensions. Overloading a lift can cause premature wear, mechanical failure, and potential safety hazards. It is best to reference the boat manufacturer for accurate weights. When looking at the information available from the manufacturer, consider all variable weights that are at play. Many manufacturers list their models with a “dry weight” or displacement. These numbers do not include fuel or water and often do not include the motor(s). Also consider how much gear you will be adding to the boat. The weight of things like coolers, fishing gear, and food can add up quickly.

The weight of the boat is the most critical factor when selecting a lift, but if you haven’t chosen a specific vessel yet, estimating can be a challenge. To help you get started, we’ve put together a general reference guide that outlines typical boat sizes and types commonly matched with each lift capacity. While not exact, this can give you a reliable starting point for narrowing down your options.

Jet Skis and Personal Watercraft (1,500 lbs.)
Beam no more than 7’ | Length overall no more than 13’
Tenders and Runabouts (2,800 lbs.)
Beam no more than 8’ | Length overall no more than 19’
Pontoons and Sport Boats (8,000 – 10,000 lbs.):
Beam no more than 9’ 3” | Length overall usually around 27’ to 29’ or under
Center Consoles and Sport Boats (12,500 - 15,000 lbs.):
Beam no more than 13’ | Length overall usually around 37’ or under
Offshore and Cabin Cruisers (20,000 lbs.):
Beam no more than 14’ | length overall usually around 40’ or under
Yachts and Commercial Vessels (25,000 - 40,000 lbs.):
Beam no more than 16’ | Length overall rarely longer than 53’

Assessing Your Dock’s Limitations Before Choosing a Lift

Aside from the lift’s capacity it is important to understand the limitations of the slip you will use for the lift. Things like the length, width, and water depth are major factors in what kinds of boats/lifts you should keep there. Here is a breakdown of what you should be looking for and how to interpret your options.

· Length of the slip: How long the slip is for your boat/lift. Some lifts have no pier or obstructions that run perpendicular to the direction the boat will sit. Others have finger piers, pilings, or other boats. For example, if the slip has a wraparound pier that cuts across where the bow of the boat will go, it may limit the length of the boat you can fit into the slip/lift.

· Width of the slip: How wide the slip is for your boat/lift. If your lift uses a 4 or 8 piling configuration, there is a limit to the width of the boat you can fit on the lift. Magnum has standard dimensions for lifts that can accommodate almost any boat model at each capacity. However, local regulations and structural limitations can reduce these lifts to smaller than standard widths which may limit the beam of the boat you can get into the slip/lift.

· Depth of the water: How deep the water is for your boat/lift. Another very important factor that many people forget. First, it is important to recognize if your water access is tidal, and if so, what that fluctuation typically is. If on average, there is only 3’ of water where the lift is you will only be able to get a boat that drafts very little water in and out of the lift reliably. This will ultimately affect the capacity of the lift that is right for you.

Customization Options for Unique Dock and Waterfront Conditions

Every waterfront is unique, and Magnum offers various customization options to accommodate existing slip layouts, unique mounting requirements, and dock configurations. Some of these options include:

Extended Cradle Beams: For boats with wider beams or specific hull designs.
Extended Lift Travel: Perfect for tall piers and large tidal fluctuations.
Motor Upgrades: For faster lift speeds and power accommodations
Gearing Upgrades: Direct drive gears reduce maintenance and take up less space
Multiple Mounting Configurations: Including piling, seawall, and other custom mounting options

If your dock experiences harsh weather, rough water or extreme tidal swings, consider a heavy-duty lift like the HD or CBX models for added stability and strength.

User-Friendly Design and Accessibility Features

Magnum lifts are known for their user-friendly designs and features. Consider these user-friendly options that make it easier to get out on the water.

Low-Profile Design: Found in the S, HD, and CBX models, ideal for any dock layout providing unparalleled access to your vessel.
Wireless Remote Controls: For easy lift operation from the dock or your boat.
Direct Drive Gears: American made Aqua Marine Supply gears provide smooth, quiet operation, reducing wear on components.

Talk to your Local Dealer about what Lift is Right for you

Asking a professional is always the quickest and easiest way to find out the right information. Follow the list below to get the information you need when reaching out to our team for custom solutions tailored to your specific needs:

Which Magnum Boat Lift is Right for You?

Do you know exactly what boat you are looking to put on the lift?
If yes, make sure you have the year make and model.
If not, come up with a spec that you are looking for (length/type).
Is your dock exposed to harsh conditions or frequent storms? (Yes/No)
How often do you use your boat? (Monthly, Weekly, Daily)
Do you have an existing slip or looking for help laying a new one out?
How long do you plan on keeping this boat? Many boat owners “upsize” or move to a larger watercraft after a while. If you already have plans to change vessels in the future, it is best to factor that into your initial lift purchase.

Once you’ve answered these questions, your marine contractor or Magnum’s support team can form a tailored lift recommendation for you. We’re here to help you protect your investment and make your boating experience as effortless as possible.

Benjamin Norfolk