A–Z reference

Boat lift glossary.

Straightforward definitions for boat lift components, controller features, hull terminology, installation details, and maintenance concepts.

A

Air TankA flotation chamber that uses displaced water and compressed air to raise or lower a hydro-pneumatic boat lift.Automatic Boat Lift ControllerA controller that manages lift movement with automated sequences rather than requiring each valve action to be held manually.

B

Battery BackupA reserve power source intended to support a limited function when shore power is unavailable.BeamThe widest measurement across a boat.Boat Lift CapacityThe maximum loaded boat weight a lift system is engineered to support.Boat Lift ControllerThe dockside or lift-mounted system used to operate the motors, valves, and safety functions of a boat lift.Boat Lift RemoteA handheld transmitter used to command compatible boat lift functions from a distance.BunkA padded structural support that contacts and carries the boat hull on the lift.Boat Lift MotorThe electric motor that drives a cable, pump, blower, or other lift mechanism.

C

Center of GravityThe point around which a boat’s loaded weight is balanced.Control BoxThe enclosure that houses boat lift switches, electrical controls, indicators, and related components.Cradle LiftA boat lift that raises a structural cradle supporting the boat on bunks.

L

Lift CycleOne complete sequence of lowering and raising a boat lift.Lightning ProtectionElectrical protection intended to reduce damage from transient voltage associated with lightning events.Limit SwitchA device that stops or changes equipment operation when a defined travel point is reached.Loaded Boat WeightThe real operating weight of the boat with fuel, batteries, water, equipment, and normal gear aboard.

D

Deep-V HullA hull with a pronounced V shape designed to soften travel through rough water.DisplacementThe weight of water displaced by a floating boat, commonly used as a measure of the boat’s actual weight.Dock-Mounted ControllerA boat lift controller installed on a dock, piling, or nearby support rather than on the floating lift itself.Dry WeightA manufacturer-listed boat weight that often excludes fuel, water, batteries, gear, and optional equipment.

E

Exhaust HoseHose used in a hydro-pneumatic lift system to route air during raising and lowering.

F

Free-Floating Boat LiftA lift system that floats with changing water level rather than being fixed at one dock elevation.

G

GFCIGround-fault circuit interrupter protection that disconnects power when it detects an electrical imbalance.

H

Hydro-Pneumatic Boat LiftA lift that raises and lowers by moving air and water through flotation tanks.Hull StrakeA longitudinal ridge or feature on a boat hull that influences handling and water flow.

K

Key-Fob RemoteA compact wireless transmitter with buttons assigned to lift functions.

M

Manual Boat Lift ControlDirect push-button or switch operation that runs the lift while the operator commands it.Marine-GradeA general description for materials or components selected for wet, corrosive, or waterside environments.Mounted Dock LiftA boat lift supported by fixed dock or piling infrastructure rather than floating freely with the water.

P

PhotocellA light-sensitive switch that activates or deactivates a circuit based on ambient light.Plug-and-Play ControllerA controller supplied with matched connections and key installation components to simplify setup.

R

Remote RangeThe maximum stated distance between a remote transmitter and its receiver under specified conditions.

S

Shore PowerElectrical power supplied from land-based utility service to equipment at a dock or marina.

T

Tank CountThe number of flotation tanks used by a hydro-pneumatic boat lift.TransducerA hull-mounted or transom-mounted sensor used for depth, sonar, speed, or other marine electronics.Trim TabAn adjustable plate at the transom used to change running attitude and balance.Two-Axis AccelerometerA sensor that measures orientation along two axes.

V

Valve ConfigurationThe number, type, and arrangement of valves controlling airflow in a hydro-pneumatic lift.

W

Walkway LightA dockside light intended to illuminate the boarding and control area.Weather-Resistant EnclosureA housing designed to limit exposure of electrical components to rain, spray, dust, and environmental conditions.

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