Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How do I buy your products?
A1: To purchase our products, visit our Dealers/Installers page on our website.
Q2: How do know which size product I need?
A2: To determine what size product you need, measure your lift cradle I-beams. We will need the actual height and width of the I-beams to make sure you get the appropriate Secure-A-Lift kit.
Q3: What height should we install the Secure-A-Lift piling brackets at?
A3: We recommend that you install our system at a height which is higher than any expected storm surge. The tops of our piling brackets need to be roughly at the same height as the top of the lift cradle I-beams, such that the chains are horizontal.
Q4: Does my lift cradle need to be above my dock height?
A4: We recommend that yes, the bottom of your lift cradle I-beams are at minimum 1-2 inches above your dock. Even when our Secure-A-Lift system is engaged there can be a little bit of movement of the cradle and we want to make sure the I-beams can't damage your dock if anything flexes. We also need to be able to find a home for the piling brackets that allow us to install the attachment hardware, set the proper bracket alignment to the chain, and allow you to be able to insert the chain into the piling bracket slots.
Q5: How do I access the outside devices if I do not have a dock on both sides of my boat?
A5: We can provide a small hook that can be screwed into the end of a wooden pole that will allow you to engage the chain and hook it into the piling brackets, provided you can get into your boat when it is at storm height. If you aren't able to get into the boat, it will be necessary to use another boat, paddle board, kayak, etc. to access the outside devices. Keep in mind that it still only takes a few seconds to grab the chain and drop it into the slots when you are out there. It is much quicker and requires much less effort that installing straps or ropes.
Q6: How do I tighten the chains?
A6: When the system is installed, the attachments points on the I-beams are adjusted such that there is only 1/16"-1/8" of slack at each chain. If you want to take this remaining slack out of the chains, you only need to move the lift cradle down an inch or so and the slack disappears.
Q7 : I have electrical conduit and water lines on my pilings. Will this cause an issue?
A7: Typically we can work around existing electrical conduit or water lines. In most situations we can slightly relocate the clamps that hold these in place to move them to an acceptable location. Other times we are able to install our piling brackets over these obstacles, or under them.
Q8: I have a tri-toon with 3 flat bunks on the lift cradle. Will your system work with these?
Q8: Typically, yes! We need a clear spot of 6" on each side of the I-beam for our Light Duty systems, and 7.5" for our Heavy Duty systems for our attachment assembly to be installed and adjusted.
Q9: Will your system work if I have a walkway on my lift cradle?
Q9: Typically, yes! We need a clear spot of 6" on each side of the I-beam for our Light Duty systems, and 7.5" for our Heavy Duty systems for our attachment assembly to be installed and adjusted. There is typically room inside of these walkways to place our system, and our securing chain would be below the walkway when it is engaged.