Project Spotlight
Client
Residential Development
Bradenton, FL
Boating / Marine
HSI Jib Cranes
Rebuilding a Better, Stronger Boat Lift System
After a hurricane destroyed their original boat lift, a coastal community in Bradenton was left without a reliable way to move boats over their seawall. Since the previous system wasn’t built to handle larger vessels or tough storm conditions, they were seeking something more durable, more capable, and above all, safer to operate.
Our experience with top marine brands such as Brunswick Boats (Sea Ray, Boston Whaler, Bayliner), Nautique and others gives us unique insight into the needs of boat owners, manufacturers, marinas, and coastal developers.
So, when the customer reached out to us, our team went to work developing a system that would provide them with years of safe and reliable service.
The Solution
We designed and installed a completely new lift system, including electrical wiring and integration, purpose-built for durability and effortless operation.
The new setup features rugged HSI (Handling Systems International) jib cranes capable of moving boats over the seawall completely hands-free. Together, they can lift up to 12,000 lbs., giving the client the capacity they need without the stress and safety issues of the previous system.
How It Works
The new boat lift system uses two jib cranes, each with a 3-ton lifting capacity, working in tandem, one powered and the other operating as a follower. This configuration allows for controlled movement of the boat over the seawall, brought over transom-first.
As the powered stern jib rotates in from the outside, the follower bow jib rotates outward, away from the center of the seawall. This creates space for the stern to move in without obstruction. When the powered jib passes the 90-degree point (the seawall center line) the follower jib begins rotating back toward center.
Once the powered stern jib continues past the inside 90-degree mark (180 degrees from its starting position), it swings the follower jib with it. This motion carries the bow of the boat over the seawall and beyond the centerline.
At that point, reversing the powered jib back to the inside 90-degree mark completes the motion, bringing the bow jib fully into position.
The end result is a smooth transition that doesn’t require anyone to physically push or guide the boat mid-air. The design keeps rotational forces vertical, reducing stress on the jibs and spreader bar, while making the entire operation safer and more efficient.
Why Choose a Jib Crane for Your Next Boat Lift?
- Hands-free transfer: operators don’t have to interact with the boat mid-air
- Safer operation: with no lateral strain, there’s less wear on the cranes and no risky manual intervention
- Built to last: system design reduces mechanical stress, making it much more durable over time
- Higher capacity: jib cranes are capable of lifting larger vessels safely and easily
Ready to get started on your next project?