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First lift, new boat, getting it setup right


mikeayu

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I'm taking delivery of my first Malibu next week, and have installed my first boat lift - a Craftlander vertical lift - for summer storage.  I beleive the trailer has more than 2 bunk boards, but the lift only has 2.  Any issues with only having the 2 boards on the lift?  I've gone with 2x6 rather than 2x4 for extra support.  And planning to match the width to the main 2 on the trailer.  Any advice on what else to look out for on setting it up? 

 

thx

Mike

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Does it have a cut-out for the fins and running gear?  Also, I'd consider a nose snubber (or similar stop)  to prevent going to far forward, cut-out or not. And if the  boat is staying on the lift for any amount of time, a second set of bunks would be a good idea.  Make sure the  spacing matches the stringers (based on your trailer).

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Most every lift I know of only uses 2 bunks (including mine), so I wouldn't be concerned about using only 2.    There are various threads if you search around here on bunk spacing, but I think most application I've seen have the bunks spaced somewhere between 30-36" depending on the model.    The advice above to match stringers is good.   

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Thanks, appreciate the advice.  The bunks have 2 height settings, and I have them set at the higher setting.  Waiting to get the boat to measure if that will give me the clearance needed before I put it on the lift!  Like the idea for a nose snubber,  would need to figure out how to design that (build something off the bunks or off the guides on the side, or could do something off the dock...) 

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8 hours ago, mikeayu said:

would need to figure out how to design that (build something off the bunks or off the guides on the side, or could do something off the dock...) 

Craftlander sells guide posts and if the front ones are  narrower than the max width of the hull, you will stop.  Or be on The Qualified Captain.

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Picked up my boat today and am doing the final fitting.  The long bunks on the trailer are 47" apart on the inside,  I think I'll go with that (there are a shorter pair more inboard further forward, but I'm guessing more of the weight is on the wider ones that go all the way aft and support the engine area. 

I did find that even in the high position for the bunks that the running gear doesn't clear the cross bar.  Goign to see if they can provide higher lifts for the bunks.  In the meantime,  I'll either have to leave it pretty far back (about 3 feet of hull behind the cross bar (don't like that idea because that puts the engine right above or maybe even behind the cross bar. ). Seems maybe better to drop the lift lower to drive over then put the running gear ahead of the cross bar.   Does that sound like the right approach? 

 

thx

Mike

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Thanks,  will definitely be easier to put it behind.  And then I don't have to worry about the end of summer having the water level get too low to get it off the lift!! (the joy's of boating in another California drought...)

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