FAQs

How do I choose the right capacity Magnum boat lift?

Your lift capacity must exceed your boat’s fully loaded weight including the hull, motors, fuel, water, and any gear that you plan to store on board.

Does boat weight include fuel and gear?

Yes. Always calculate weight including fuel, batteries, water, equipment, and accessories. Most boat manufacturers list Dry Weights or Hull Weights which may exclude one or all of these variables.

Can I use a larger lift than I need?

Yes. Oversizing can improve longevity, safety, and performance.

What water depth do I need for a boat lift?

Minimum depth depends on your vessel and hull type. Most Magnum lifts will only add 6-8 inches to the draft of your vessel. This is one of the many advantages of using galvanized steel.

Will my lift work with a wake or surf boat?

Yes. Magnum offers configurations designed for wake/surf and other complex hull designs.

Do I need a permit to install a boat lift?

In most areas, yes. Requirements vary by county, state, and body of water.

How long does installation take?

Most residential installations can be completed in one day by a boat lift professional. Larger projects may take longer.

Can lifts be installed in tidal water?

Yes. Magnum lifts were originally designed for tidal and fluctuating water levels.

Can lifts be installed in boathouses?

Yes. Custom boathouse configurations are available.

Can I relocate my lift if I move?

In most cases, yes. Relocation feasibility depends on site conditions and lift configuration.

What does Magnum’s warranty cover?

Our warranty covers manufacturing defects on structural and mechanical components. Coverage varies by model.

Can I service my own lift?

Basic maintenance can be done by owners. However, we highly recommend working with our network of dealers even for routine maintenance, boat lift professionals are trained specifically to handle these tasks and can save you money in the long term. Major repairs should be handled by these professionals.

How do I schedule service?

Contact your local dealer, if you are unsure who you should talk to give us a call or submit a form here and we can help you find the right people.

How often should boat lift cables be replaced?

‍ ‍Boat lift cables wear similarly to tires on cars, use and stress are the primarily impact life span. Cables should be inspected annually and typically last about 5 years, but the timeframe is heavily dependent on use and stress.

What type of grease should I use on lift gears?

‍ ‍In order to find the right grease, you need to identify what type of gears you are looking to grease. Learn more about the different gears and greases here.

How often should I service my boat lift?

‍ ‍We recommend a full inspection and service once per year, ideally before peak boating season. Boat lifts are heavy equipment machines and should be respected as such.

Why is my lift uneven when raising the boat?

Uneven lifting is usually caused by two things. Either the motors are not sharing the load equally and therefore not running at the same speed or there are mis-wrapped cables, if you can identify a mis-wrapped cable you can usually resolve the issue by letting the lift down to remove the mis-wraps and bring everything back up.

Can I lubricate my own lift?

Yes. Basic lubrication can be done by owners. Reference the Magnum Owner’s Manual here.

Do boat lifts need a GFCI?

Yes. All Magnum boat lifts should be connected to a properly grounded GFCI-protected circuit to reduce the risk of electrical shock and equipment damage. This GFCI can be in the panel, outlet, or factory supplied power cord. Defer to your local electrical code for more details.

Can I leave my boat lift plugged in all the time?

No, you should not leave the lift plugged in or leave the power supply connected when the lift is not in use. Leaving the power supply connected will promote electrolysis and may use the lift as a ground.

What causes corrosion on boat lifts?

Corrosion will happen over time to all boat lifts regardless of the steps taken to prevent it because of the oxygen in the air around it. However, you can significantly reduce the pace that it progresses by taking a few simple steps. Learn more here.

How do I prevent electrolysis on my boat lift?

Proper isolation of components, GFCI protection, and regular inspections are the best defenses. In high-risk areas, sacrificial anodes may also be recommended.

Can lightning damage my boat lift?

Yes. Nearby lightning strikes can damage motors and controls. Surge protection and proper grounding can reduce risk.