Choosing a Boat Lift Motor or Winch Box
Most of what's here is Lake Lifter gear for lifts that raise the boat with a winch and cable. Before ordering, figure out which kind of drive you want and what power you have at the dock.
Direct drive motor or integrated winch box?
- Direct drive motors bolt straight onto the lift's existing winch shaft, with no belts or pulleys. Lake Lifter rates them for lifts up to 7,000 lb.
- Integrated motor and winch boxes put the motor and winch in one sealed aluminum box. They come in 5K, 6K, 7.5K and 10K lb sizes, plus 1.6K and 2.5K PWC versions. The lift needs proper winch box mounting.
- 1M and 2M systems are Lake Lifter's single and dual motor 24V DC cable hoists. A 2M setup uses a master box and a slave box so both motors run together.
Power and controls
Pick AC if you have shore power at the lift. DC motors run on 12V or 24V batteries, and Lake Lifter recommends 24V for its DC winch boxes, using a deep-cycle or AGM battery of 550+ CCA. It does not recommend LiFePO4 batteries for those boxes. Controls range from a manual key switch to a wireless key fob or Bluetooth app control, and wireless models can store upper and lower stop points.
What to check before ordering
- Your lift's rated capacity and cable setup.
- The winch shaft or mounting on your lift. Winch installation kits are listed by lift style.
- Battery voltage and where the battery and solar panel will mount.
- Whether you need a matching replacement control box or just the motor.
Common mistakes
- Buying a DC motor without planning the battery and charging.
- Using an impact driver to run the lift by hand during a power failure. Lake Lifter says to use a standard drill with a 9/16 in. deep-well socket.
- Replacing a control box with one that doesn't match the motor's power type and control style.
Solar panels, trays and wiring are in solar charging and batteries. Not sure what your lift takes? Send a photo of the winch and lift tag to office@blueridgedock.com or call 618-294-6905.
Lift Motors & Winch Boxes FAQ
Will a Lake Lifter direct drive motor fit my lift?
Lake Lifter direct drive motors bolt directly onto an existing lift winch shaft with no belts or pulleys and are rated for lifts up to 7,000 lb. Winch installation kits are listed by lift style. Check your winch and shaft before ordering, or send a photo to Blue Ridge Boat Docks.
Should I choose an AC or DC boat lift motor?
Choose AC if you have shore power at the lift. DC motors run on 12V or 24V batteries and are often paired with solar charging, which avoids running electric to the water. For its DC winch boxes, Lake Lifter recommends 24V and a deep-cycle or AGM battery of 550+ CCA.
What is the difference between a 1M and 2M system?
A 1M is Lake Lifter's single motor 24V DC cable hoist and uses one master control box. A 2M is the dual motor version, with an L/R master box and a slave box so both motors run in sync. Replacement cables, boxes and motors for both are sold here.
How do I raise my lift if the motor loses power?
Lake Lifter says its integrated winch boxes can be run by hand with a standard drill and a 9/16 in. deep-well socket. It warns against using an impact driver. Check the battery, fuse and cables before assuming the motor has failed.
Can Blue Ridge install a lift motor for me?
Yes. Blue Ridge Boat Docks installs and services boat lift motors and winch boxes in Southern Illinois, eastern Missouri, Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee. Choose delivery with installation at checkout, or call 618-294-6905 to set up a service visit.
