Boat Lifts

[MikeR397]

I'm looking into boat lifts for a T220 which is around 5400lbs full of gas/fluids. This is in a ~3ft deep canal spot but has some significantly deep muck as well, gentle current, no wake zero waves. Does anyone have any thoughts on Captain's Choice? Here is their pricing: https://www.schneiderfab.com/hydraulic-lifts.html . 

I went to our local deck's and dock's shop and was quoted $30,000+ for a new Shoremaster or Flo setup rated at 6500lbs (not installed, just parts), and that's with the "blowout season end 10% off sale" lol. Captain's Choice 6500lb setup looks to be well under 1/2 the price: a 6500# hydraulic lift with motor/remotes/battery/solar panel= $9200 ; 28ft canopy/cover $3300, for a total of $12,500. You can upgrade to plastic bunks, add side steps, add vertical PVC guides, and add leg extensions for additional (very reasonable) fees. This looks like a pretty great option to me as there's no way in hell I'm spending $30k on a lift. 

The other reason I'm interested in Captain's Choice that I know someone interested in selling his 3 year old Captain's Choice 6500lb setup he's used for a T250 as he's moving soon. He's looking for about $8500 (possible a little less) and his setup includes a lot of the add on features as well (PVC Guides, Side step, leg extensions (don't really need/want these as I'll store my boat with the tower down since it needs to come down for a bridge anyway want it closer to canopy), pump box tray, 4 wheel kit (not sure what this is??), and was probably around $13.5k at today's prices (presume he could have paid as low as $10k new since hoist prices were MUCH cheaper back in 2020/2021). 

Anyway, looking or suggestions on a full lift setup that isn't $30k. I have a 5k# rated Shoremaster vertical lift for my pontoon currently (keeping pontoon), but understand the hydraulic cantilever design is more common for wake boats like this Captain's Choice as it's quieter and faster? My concern is the hydraulic cylinders/valves/lines sitting under water and getting a leak -- also relevant is I do NOT remove my small dock, jetski hoist, or pontoon hoist from the canal during winters as the canal has enough current is almost never freezes, and if it does when temps get below 10 degrees for a couple days, only 1-2'' of ice forms max for a few days. I've never had an issue with anything for 10 years, and simply winterize and then raise the pontoon all the way up under the canopy for the winter to store it right there, no shrink wrap needed. I'm planning to do the same with the T220 setup. 

Edited September 16, 2023 by MikeR397