FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What if my lift is larger or smaller than the standard sizes?
In some cases a 3rd smaller bag may be needed if the lift has a lot of extra weight due to canopy size, accessories, and specific models - see Buddy Bag Kit on our Accessories page. We also manufacture smaller 2ft, 3ft, 4ft, 5ft bags and oversized 9ft, 10ft, 11ft, 12ft bags.
Does the system stay attached to the lift underwater all summer?
Yes. That is the most unique and convenient feature of the Boat Lift Helper system. Whenever you need to move your lift the Boat Lift Helper system is ready when you are. Whether it be in the middle of summer when water levels fluctuate or end of the season for removal, no need to get back in the cold deep water and no need to lift and reattach anything. Simply bring your air source and away you go.
Can I install this when the lift is already in the water?
Yes and no. It is designed to be installed on land. But customers have installed in the water. Water temperature, water clarity and water depth all can play a role on how easy or hard it might be. Some will try to raise one end of the lift near the surface of the water to get that bottom beam closest to the water level. Otherwise, with the warmer water in the summer, you could try to bring the lift closer into shore so you can try to install then to be ready for the cold fall.
Do you offer something detachable?
We do have a Detachable System as well that uses straps and hooks instead of the L-bracket mounting hardware. Contact us today to find out more about the Detachable System.
How long will this system last?
The membrane used for the air-lift-bags is a military grade material that has a very high abrasion rate and puncture rate. We put quality top of mind while manufacturing this complete system. As for longevity, we have been testing and using our very first system for 15 years now with no signs of deterioration. We expect many more years of use. See TESTIMONIALS for more on this 15 year old system.
*3 year warranty included on each system.
How do I inflate the bags?
Since it only take 3PSI to fully inflate the bags
We have 2 primary methods of inflation:
1. Raft inflator pump that can reach 3PSI. We sell one under our ACCESSORIES page which can be added to your kit.
2. Air compressor with a standard chuck just as if you were to inflate a car, truck or bicycle tire.
The best option is to use a power inverter, a battery, and a 120v pump. See inverter in ACCESSORIES page. Or a portable generator and our pump/an air compressor.
Almost every 12v pump that we have tried did not work in the fall or took too long to inflate (15+ minutes to inflate one bag).
Last resort, a hand pump can inflate the bags but will require substance amount of work.
What if I don't have power by the shoreline?
Do the bags get removed at the end of the season?
Yes. We do recommend to store the bags flat in a garage/shed. Primarily to prevent animals from chewing on the bags but also to protect against theft and the winter elements.
We designed the system to be easily removed. Each bag can easily be removed by removing 3 carriage bolts that are held together with brass lock nuts, followed by detaching the hose (the brass couplers help with this process). It should take roughly 3-5 minutes to remove the system. See video of bag removal.
The mounting brackets are aluminum. The brackets are adjustable and can accommodate 99% of boat lifts. The L-brackets can expand to a width of 2-4” and will reach a height up to 6”.
We have larger10" L-brackets to fit larger beams.
What are the L-brackets made from and what size do they accommodate?
Are the bags repairable if they are punctured?
Yes. We have 3 options for you.
Hot air gun repair. This method requires you to have and know how to use a hot air gun and a hand roller. With a patch piece of material and the hot air gun and roller, you can melt the two materials together to create the repair.
Patch and sealant. We sell a kit for $89 plus shipping and handling (USD). This kit includes; adhesive sealant, patches, all-purpose cleaner, hand roller, scouring pad, and a repair guide.
We fix, you ship. Repair price will vary on repair needed. Estimate $60-$125 for most repairs. Customer pays shipping both ways. (No charge for the repair if it falls within the Warranty Information within the first 3 years).
New airbag. Extremely rare that you would need a new airbag, but replacement cost for 1 airbag starts at $550.
While we designed the system to stay on one lift all season long, some customers have used one kit on multiple lifts. We do not recommend it. We can provide a discount for purchasing multiple system. Contact us to get information on our new detachable system.
Can I use this on multiple lifts?
Although we have not tested it, the bags can physically be attached to the sides. The issue with that is when you go to inflate/deflate the bags, the lift will either lean towards the dock (could cause damage) or lean away from the dock (too far to reach the valves). It would also interfere with a wheel kit if you had that attached to the sides.
Can I attach the bags to the side of the lift instead?
YES! That is one the biggest driving factors of why we created the system the way it is. Fill the bags to the proper 3PSI and the system will float to the top of the water. One of our customers told us about a foot and a half of muck and the Boat Lift Helper system still popped it free. See TESTIMONIALS page for more customer feedback.
Will this raise the lift out of deep mud/muck?
Not designed for large bodies of water such as Mille Lacs Lake, Winnebago, Oneida, Simcoe, Nipissing or any of the Great Lakes unless in a protected bay.
Large body of water?
There is no Duty since the product is made in the US (Minnesota). There is a GST/HST, as well as a FedEx' brokerage/entry fee.
