Walk any cove on Lake of the Ozarks and you’ll see plenty of air lifts alongside hydraulic and cable lifts. Each works differently and wears out differently.
Air (pneumatic) lifts
Air lifts use tanks that fill with air from a blower to float the boat up, and release air to lower it.
- Strengths: handle varying water levels well, few moving parts above water.
- Common problems: slow lifting, leaks in tanks, valves or hoses, one side higher than the other, worn blowers.
Hydraulic lifts
Hydraulic lifts use a pump and cylinders to raise a cradle.
- Strengths: precise, fast lifting and lowering.
- Common problems: leaking seals and hoses, pump issues, uneven lifting.
Cable lifts
Cable lifts use a motor and winch to pull a cradle up.
- Strengths: straightforward and familiar.
- Common problems: frayed cables, worn pulleys, motor or gearbox wear.
Which is best?
It depends on your boat’s weight, your water depth, how much the water level changes at your dock, and your budget. A local lift tech can recommend the right type, and service the one you have. See boat lift repair.