[IrvingVet]

I am trying to confirm correct boat lift size for Annapolis, MD area.

A 2001 Tiara 3100 Open/Gas is around 12,300lbs dry wet. Boat has a generator, no hardtop. I assume with full gas tanks, water, a couple of people would add another 2,000lbs to include some snow in the winter.

Looking for correct size lift. 15,000 to 16,000lbs or a 20,000lb lift. Trying to stick with 4 pilings.

Any comments on Galvanized vs Aluminum? Some comments were mixed on the Internet.

IrvingVet
2001 Tiara Open (Reel Vet)

[Chris Burkard]

Irving,

Your calculations are good. 16,000 lbs. should be just fine.

If you intend to get a larger vessel in the future, I would go larger if you can. A Tiara 36 Open (gas or diesel) requires a 24,000 lb. lift.

If your lift will touch salt water, go with aluminum. Galvanized, will eventually rust out. Aluminum will last much longer and give you peace of mind for a much longer time period. Keep the lift out of the water. Don't let is sit submerged for long periods of time. Also, keep all the pulleys, fasteners and cables properly lubricated. I would spray them down on a regular basis (monthly if possible).

Good Luck!

[sawdustdad]

I had a 20,000lb lift installed for my 3300 Open. The cost of the additional size over 16,000 is minimal. When I got my 3700 Open, I was able to get the lift upgraded to 25,000 lb (still on 4 pilings) but the boat maxed it out. Lived with it for a year, but was always concerned. I've since moved and now have the 3700 on a 40,000 lb lift. (thinking ahead to a 4200 or 4300 open....). My point--plan ahead! it's much cheaper to put the larger lift in NOW.