Sling lift for 2007 Tomcat

[BoatDay]

I own a 2007 tomcat and am considering switching from a traditional (cradle) boat lift to a sling lift. During the winter months, the tide drops to a level that does not allow me to get the cradle under the boat. I only need 15” to float my boat out to the channel…. But with my current lift, I need about 30” of depth to get my boat off the lift. I’ve tried dredging and it doesn’t last because I am on open water. The waves just wash the sand back into the hole that was dredged. I am wondering if a sling style lift would be safe and of any of you have used a similar style lift on a tomcat.

Thanks for your help.

Scott

 

[Gulfcoast John]

Hi Scott,

Cat O' Mine rode the slings on a Travel Lift just fine. I wonder about wind knocking it into your pilings or wearing rub rails or bimimi based on your pic. I bet your local contractors have seen it all. The owner told me the slings cost $3,000 each (but they haul huge boats).
Best, John

 

[thataway]

I have used the cradle for all of our boats over 18 feet. It gives about 10 to 12 feet support under each hull, and can start at the transom, and be under the weight of the engines and fuel tanks. I prefer the weight be distributed over a long portion of the hull---it is possible to get a "hook" in the last bit of the hulls if the entire boat is not supported. I didn't want to take a chance--straps are much cheaper than a cradle. Straps would have to be replaced every few years--5 probably at a mininum. The Cradle and lift (13,000 lb lift) cables are original from 2002--so they are now over 20 years old and to visual inspection are still in good condition.

Fortunately in our area the severely low tides occur only during the winter "northers"--with a Northerly wind blowing the water out of the Bayous, bays, and Gulf of Mexico. When it is too low to clear my bunks of the Cradle, it is too low to get in and out of the sandbar at the entrance to the bayou where we live.