PSG-1
Well-known member
Built this using 8x8" pilings, and 6" X 9 lb/ft I-beam. The brackets on top of the pilings are made from 1/4"x6" flat plate, bent to fit securely on top of the pilings, lag-bolted to the piling with stainless lags, and the beam is welded to them.
I'm using 2 ton chain hoists, although, it's unlikely I would ever max those out, as I'm basically using it to lift my johnboat, maybe my jet boat, or maybe the occasional jet ski.
The heaviest boat I would ever lift would be my parents' 18 ft Sea Hunt with a 150 Merc....it probably weighs 3000 lbs total. If I ever do lift that boat to do some bottom painting, etc, I will definitely proceed with caution, as I'm not sure what the load rating would be for that size I-beam across a 14 ft span.
At some point, I'll probably run another beam between the front and back beams, to give the structure more strength. Not that it needs it, as I spaced the front and rear far enough apart that when I lift a 16-18 ft boat, it's not pulling them inward or outward........ unlike that questionable improvised lift I constructed earlier this year when I was stripping paint off the jet boat hull. And using come-alongs for lifting, too! [-X
Pretty much the reason I built this one. Something I know will be safe.
I'm using 2 ton chain hoists, although, it's unlikely I would ever max those out, as I'm basically using it to lift my johnboat, maybe my jet boat, or maybe the occasional jet ski.
The heaviest boat I would ever lift would be my parents' 18 ft Sea Hunt with a 150 Merc....it probably weighs 3000 lbs total. If I ever do lift that boat to do some bottom painting, etc, I will definitely proceed with caution, as I'm not sure what the load rating would be for that size I-beam across a 14 ft span.
At some point, I'll probably run another beam between the front and back beams, to give the structure more strength. Not that it needs it, as I spaced the front and rear far enough apart that when I lift a 16-18 ft boat, it's not pulling them inward or outward........ unlike that questionable improvised lift I constructed earlier this year when I was stripping paint off the jet boat hull. And using come-alongs for lifting, too! [-X
Pretty much the reason I built this one. Something I know will be safe.
