What type of boat lift cradle works best?

[mobius481]

I will be installing a boat lift here shortly and I've seen various cradles for inboard ski/wakeboard boats.  I have a 2018 Axis A22 and it will be a hanging lift.  Does anyone have any strong feelings between just a deep V with runners attached up high enough to clear the shaft and prop, or a "u" style cradle where members that run perpendicular to the boat are straight and then they cut out to form a u so that when you land on the running boards the cross braces don't hit your prop?  Are there other options I'm not thinking about?  

Also, should I just have 2 running boards or should I insist on going to 4 like the trailer is set up?  If it matters at all, my boat will hang during the season and be in dry storage in the winter.  Thanks in advance.  

Edited April 4, 2022 by mobius481

[pauley71]

This is the type of lift I have.  Roughly 31" between the bunks and no issues with the prop shaft.  My beams are two 2x8's per side.  I don't think there is any need for more than two.  The trailer has to support the boat as its going down the road but just picking the boat up, there is very little stress.

If you are buying .. over buy!  I'm on my 3rd upgrade b/c the boats keep getting heavier.  7k MINIMUM (IMO).

[mobius481]

My plan is to install either an 8k or 10k lift.  My kids may start taking the boat out on their own soon and I'm worried they could forget to empty the ballast before putting the boat on the lift.  I want to have that covered.  

 

As for your set up, I had the same when I converted the old lift that came with the slip.  I didn't like how close the runners were and how my boat sat on the lift.  But maybe it's the best option.