Using Jet Ski Lift to Support SPORT 13

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thum
Posts: 6
Joined: Fri Nov 04, 2022 11:14 am
Location: Annapolis, MD

Using Jet Ski Lift to Support SPORT 13

Postby thum » Fri Nov 04, 2022 11:22 am

I am currently restoring a 1973 SPORT 13. I am trying to find a place to keep it off my dock. The previous owners of my house installed a jet ski lift [that was later clarified to have a rating of 1,500-lbs capacity and is mounted to a single piling].

Q1: will a jet ski lift [later clarified to have a rating of 1,500-lbs capacity and mounted to a single piling] be an adequate platform on which to keep a 1973 SPORT 13?

The lift's weight limit [of 1,500-lbs would not be exceeded by the weight of the SPORT 13 boat].

Q2: have other SPORT 13 owners have had success [using a jet ski lift]?

I hope to get advice from other SPORT 13 owners.

I am considering lengthening the bunks on the lift to accommodate the longer hull.

Q3: [how close to the lift's rated capacity of 1,500-lbs should be the weight lifted]?


Thanks.

ASIDE: First post on the forum. I can't express how helpful this forum has been in my restoration efforts.

Jefecinco
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Joined: Fri Oct 09, 2015 6:35 pm
Location: Gulf Shores, AL

Re: Using Jet Ski Lift to Support SPORT 13

Postby Jefecinco » Sat Nov 05, 2022 10:29 am

Before proceeding any farther with your plans I suggest you determine the actual weight of your SPORT 13 boat loaded with whatever you contemplate having aboard when you lift it. A truck stop scale will enable determining the weight. Don't neglect adding the boat cover weight and have the fuel tank full.

If the weight is within the safe limits for your lift I would give it a try. If you want to be absolutely sure lift you boat several inches above the water and let it hang there for a hour or so. When swinging the boat to its resting place lift it no higher than required.
Butch

thum
Posts: 6
Joined: Fri Nov 04, 2022 11:14 am
Location: Annapolis, MD

Re: Using Jet Ski Lift to Support SPORT 13

Postby thum » Sat Nov 05, 2022 7:08 pm

Thanks for the tips Butch. Those are some great ideas.

This SPORT 13 boat a bare-bones model. I haven’t done much modification to it, so I can’t imagine it weighs too much. To my knowledge, the foam is dry too. I‘ll try weighing it tomorrow.


To clarify, the lift attaches to a single piling. The rated capacity of the lift is 1,500-lbs.

dtmackey
Posts: 760
Joined: Thu Sep 28, 2017 9:29 pm

Re: Using Jet Ski Lift to Support SPORT 13

Postby dtmackey » Thu Nov 10, 2022 12:44 pm

So let's see:
  • 340-lbs for a classic 13'-footer
  • 132-lbs for the largest possible (full) gas tank that fits in the boat (14-gallons);obviously less weight for smaller tanks
  • 50-lbs for a Group 24 battery and cables
  • 229-lbs for the heaviest 40-HP engine on the market (Suzuki DF40); obviously less for other engine
  • 15-lbs for harness, cables, and controls

That gets you to 766-lbs,which is about half the rated capacity of the lift using my worst case numbers. You could take the boat to a scale, but then you get two weights to find out what trailer weight to deduct.

I'd say there is no way you need to worry unless you left the plug in the boat and it filled with rainwater, but it would take nearly 100-gallons of water to hit the load limit of 1500-lbs.

D-

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Phil T
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Location: Was Maine. Temporarily Kentucky

Re: Using Jet Ski Lift to Support SPORT 13

Postby Phil T » Thu Nov 10, 2022 5:46 pm

Check all the fasteners, pulleys, and cables. Everything.
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