The whips are no longer necessary. Purpose: none. The main reason for the lift was that the large waves were pulling the whip bases right out of the dock despite the large lag bolts and extra support underneath.
As for planning for the fall, that is months away. This unit weighs less than #3's lift. I think a few strong men can move it easily enough.
Where are we going to put it for the winter? Good question.
I appreciate the insight provided by #3 in planning this whole thing. This help, along with the hydroplane venture, make him the early leader (along with 229) for WPROTY.
I am wondering if the whips are still necessary? What purpose do they provide? You are lifting the boat out of the water with the lift? Tell me you are not using it as a docking cage and the whips are holding it in place.
It looks good. You will be amazed at how nice the boat will look at the end of the year. So easy to clean. You maybe tempted to just put it directly into the barn?
Advice... Start planning the pull out party early. Do not use all of your friends the first year or two or three. Try to spread them out. If at all possible, tell the kids they are old enough to do it with their friends. Your friends will disappear quickly from year to year. We are getting old.
Ok after searching the craigslist and speaking to many dealers, my beautiful bride found a nice boat lift for the family. Unfortunately, it resided in New Hampshire near Bow Lake and on route 4 at the Ski Doo Dealership. After attaining the dimensions and other important information, I loaded up the snowmobile trailer and headed north from North Easton, MA 99 miles to the dealer. I looked it over and said, I'll take it. Cash transacted, forklift assisted transfer, many tie downs and fingers crossed for the long journey to Westminster MA with a boat lift much wider than the trailer.
I took back roads from 4 to 43 to 101 to 13 (cop followed me here and did NOT pull me over) to 31 to Honey Bee Lane. Ok, who knew about the metal gate in front of the Yarmaluk's house. I didn't. I got stuck there. Old man Yarmaluk saw a bewildered #7 trying to figure out how to get past. With a measuring tape I discovered I had 2" on each side to clear. The dirt road actually turns there so brush was a factor in passing.
Mrs. #7 and I unloaded it on the firepit and dragged it into the water. What an adventure. I'm sure the dimensions make it illegal to transport like I did. I'm stubborn and the first to admit it.
#2 and Mrs. #7 & #6 helped set it up and adjust it for hours. I could not help due to a broken ankle (another story, not as interesting).
Special thanks to Mrs. #7 for the wonderful birthday, Christmas and Father's day present.
