Solar Powered Boat Lift

Last weekend, we were enjoying the sunshine near Olympia, Washington.  I noticed a small solar powered device next to the boat lift on my parents’ dock.  Yes, in often rainy, cloudy Washington, there is still plenty of UV light for a solar powered boat lift.

In fact, many marine speciality stores and websites offer a range of solar powered items for boat enthusiasts.  A smaller battery is positioned on the dock or canopy where it will be exposed to as much sunlight as possible (avoid shady areas and those covered by vegetation).  Solar panels cover the battery component and recharge it by converting the direct current of solar energy.

Whether you need energy to lift your boat out of the water with a hydraulic system, provide solar dock lighting, or power a security system, solar energy and boating go together well.  And, when you invest in solar energy, you may be eligible for a renewable energy tax rebate to help defray costs.

What kind of system will you need?  Here is an example from Solar Boat Dock for a single solar powered boat lift:

Solar Boat Dock one lift Assumptions.
Lift Power Usage
Lift Amps 6
Lift Wattage 720
AC voltage 120

Used over the weekend for 20 minutes or to make 4 lifts.
Wattage used over weekend 240w
Amps Used at 12 volts 20a

12 volt load while lift is running 60 amp

Recommended Inverter Size 1000 watts 12 volt inverter

Recommended Battery Bank Size 240 amp-hour at 50% discharge
Battery bank run time 2 hours

Required Solar power in Wattage 288
Recommended solar wattage with 12% power loss 322.56

Recommended charge controller size in amps 26.88.

Solar Power and Boating go together

If you are not sure what type of solar powered system you’ll need, just talk to a sales representative.  They can explain amps and wattage in simple terms.  Many can even help you with the paperwork associated with securing a tax credit or rebate.

Solar powered boat lifts are available in a range of sizes and prices to accommodate all types of boats and even personal watercraft (jet skis).

Let’s face it – you will normally enjoy recreational boating on sunny days.  It makes sense to use solar energy as part of the experience.  Avoid running electric lines to your dock, or worrying whether you need to recharge your battery.  With regular UV light exposure, a solar powered system will reliably operate to help lift your boat out of the water (and lower it back in).

Now, get out and enjoy the sun!