Boat lift motors are essential for boat owners who want to protect their boats from the damage caused by water. These motors are designed to lift boats out of the water and keep them safe and secure. Whether you have a small boat or a large yacht, a boat lift motor is a must-have accessory.
When looking for a boat lift motor, there are several things to consider. The most important factor is the weight of your boat. You need to make sure that the motor you choose can handle the weight of your boat. Other factors to consider include the type of lift system you have, the size of your boat, and the location of your lift.
At our company, we spent countless hours researching and testing boat lift motors to identify the ones that are reliable, efficient, and easy to use. We understand that boat owners want the best for their boats, which is why we have compiled a list of the top boat lift motors on the market.
In this article, we will discuss the benefits of using a boat lift motor and the factors you should consider when choosing one. We will also review the top boat lift motors and provide recommendations based on our research and testing. With our help, you can find the perfect boat lift motor to protect your boat and enjoy worry-free boating.
Boat Lift Motors Buying Guide
Motor Compatibility | Ensure compatibility with your lift system (belt-driven, direct drive, or shaft input). |
Installation & Wiring | Choose motors that are easy to install with clear instructions or are pre-wired. |
Power & Efficiency | Select a motor with sufficient horsepower to lift your boat. |
Durability & Safety | Opt for UL-listed or NEMA-compliant motors for safety and longevity. |
Additional Features | Look for user-friendly features like easy-access wiring or lock-on switches. |
Environmental Suitability | Choose a motor suited for the water type (saltwater or freshwater) you’ll use. |
Accessories & Components | Verify if additional items like switches or wiring harnesses are needed. |
By prioritizing these features, you can confidently choose a boat lift motor tailored to your requirements.
Best Boat Lift Motors
We understand that choosing the right boat lift motor can be a daunting task. With so many options available in the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s why we’ve done the research and testing for you to bring you the best boat lift motors in the market. Our roundup includes motors that are easy to install, durable, and efficient. Whether you’re looking for a motor for a small boat or a larger vessel, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top picks below.
SMC YCN5654BX Boat Lift Motor
If you’re looking for a high-quality and powerful boat lift motor, the SMC YCN5654BX is a great option to consider.
Pros
- Easy wiring access
- Direct replacement for many boat lift motors
- UL Listed and NEMA Standard
Cons
- Some users reported incorrect sizing
- Not suitable for freshwater use
- Higher price point than some other options
We recently installed the SMC YCN5654BX on our boat lift and were impressed with its performance. The easy wiring access made installation a breeze, and the motor fit perfectly as a direct replacement for our previous motor.
One of the standout features of this motor is its UL Listing and Nema Standard certification, which gave us peace of mind knowing that it meets industry safety standards.
While some users have reported issues with sizing, we didn’t experience any problems with fit. However, it’s important to note that this motor is designed specifically for saltwater use and may not be suitable for freshwater applications.
Overall, we highly recommend the SMC YCN5654BX for anyone in need of a reliable and powerful boat lift motor.
BH-USA Elite 1 HP Heavy Duty 56 Frame Boat Lift Motor
If you’re looking for a reliable boat lift motor, the BH-USA Elite 1 HP Heavy Duty 56 Frame Boat Lift Motor is worth considering.
Pros
- The motor is powerful and can easily lift any PWC.
- It’s easy to install and comes pre-wired with clear instructions.
- The motor is compatible with various belt-driven flat-plate hoists.
Cons
- The wired switch that comes with the motor is cheaply made.
- The motor doesn’t work on direct drive mount hoists.
- The stock wired motor comes with a 16′ cable which may not be long enough for some users.
We recently installed the BH-USA Elite 1 HP Heavy Duty 56 Frame Boat Lift Motor on our boat lift, and we were impressed with its performance. The motor is powerful and can easily lift our PWC without any issues. The motor is also easy to install, and we appreciate that it comes pre-wired with clear instructions. We were able to install it ourselves without any professional help.
One thing to note is that the wired switch that comes with the motor is cheaply made. The red knob has a screw in it to screw to the stem that comes out of the switch, but there are no threads in the stem, so the handle just falls off. We ended up replacing the switch with a higher quality one, which wasn’t a big deal, but it’s something to keep in mind.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the motor doesn’t work on direct drive mount hoists. It’s only compatible with belt-driven flat-plate hoists. Additionally, the stock wired motor comes with a 16′ cable which may not be long enough for some users. Longer cable options are available, but they take 3-5 days to ship.
Overall, we’re happy with our purchase of the BH-USA Elite 1 HP Heavy Duty 56 Frame Boat Lift Motor. It’s a reliable and powerful motor that gets the job done. We recommend it to anyone in the market for a new boat lift motor.
BH-USA Elite Boat Lift Motor
If you’re in the market for a reliable boat lift motor, the BH-USA Elite Boat Lift Motor is a great option.
Pros
- The motor is enclosed and UL listed, making it safe and durable.
- It’s easy to install and comes with clear wiring instructions.
- The motor is compatible with a range of direct shaft input mounts.
Cons
- It doesn’t work with flat plate belt driven hoists.
- Longer cable options take 3-5 days to ship.
- The motor only option doesn’t include a wiring harness or switch.
We recently installed the BH-USA Elite Boat Lift Motor on our boat lift and have been impressed with its performance. The motor is enclosed and UL listed, giving us peace of mind knowing it’s safe and durable. It was also easy to install and came with clear wiring instructions, making the process simple and straightforward.
We appreciate the motor’s compatibility with a range of direct shaft input mounts, allowing us to use it with our existing boat lift setup. However, it’s important to note that it doesn’t work with flat plate belt driven hoists.
While the stock wired motor comes with a 16′ cable, longer cable options take 3-5 days to ship. Additionally, if you opt for the motor only option, it doesn’t include a wiring harness or switch, so BH-USA recommends using a licensed electrician to wire or rewire any electrical component.
Overall, we highly recommend the BH-USA Elite Boat Lift Motor for its reliability, ease of installation, and compatibility with direct shaft input mounts.
BH Bremas Maintained Boat Lift Switch
If you’re looking for a reliable boat lift switch, then the BH Bremas Maintained Boat Lift Switch is a great option.
Pros
- The UL, NEMA, CE, SA compliance ensures that this switch is safe and reliable
- The durable molded plastic housing and gasket sealed box make this switch resistant to damage from the elements
- The lock-on switch stays in position once moved from neutral, making it easy to operate
Cons
- The switch only works for lift motors up to 1 1/2 HP with a maximum of 20 amps, so it may not be suitable for larger boats
- The wiring directions for some brands of boat hoist motors are not included, which could be frustrating for some users
- The switch may be difficult to install for those without experience in wiring or electrical work
In our experience, the BH Bremas Maintained Boat Lift Switch is a solid choice for those in need of a boat lift switch. The switch is easy to operate and has a durable design that can withstand harsh weather conditions. Additionally, the switch is compliant with several safety standards, which gives us peace of mind when using it.
One potential downside is that the switch is not suitable for larger boats with more powerful lift motors. Additionally, some users may find the wiring instructions to be incomplete or difficult to follow. However, with a little bit of experience in wiring or electrical work, the switch can be installed without too much trouble.
Overall, we recommend the BH Bremas Maintained Boat Lift Switch for anyone in need of a reliable and durable boat lift switch.