Dockside Assistance: Jet Ski Lifts and Slings

Jonathan Timianko

— 4 min read
Dockside Assistance: Jet Ski Lifts and Slings

From mooring whips and dock bubblers to bow thrusters, boat lifts and customized docks, we boaters appreciate all the dockside assistance we can get. Anything that results in easier docking and launching or safe vessel storage is a plus.

Stow your ski high and dry – or at least tethered safely and conveniently at the dock with jet ski lifts and slings. Keeping your ski out of the water offers the benefit of keeping it protected from bumps and scratches at the dock. No matter how many fenders you use, they never fail to occasionally miss a spot.

Benefits of Jet Ski Lifts

If your lakeside dock or private boat slip rental doesn’t have a designated jet ski lift or sling, you may want to consider adding one. Let’s discuss.

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Photo: DECO Boat Lifts (Facebook)

Types of Jet Ski Lifts

Jet ski lifts come in two main types: connected (to the dock) and freestanding.

Connected Jet Ski Lifts

Connected, or fixed-mount, lifts are affixed directly to the dock (much like your typical boat lift). This is the most popular type of jet ski lift. Some can even rotate 180 degrees over the dock, which offers convenience for things like adding fuel, putting the cover on and maintenance and repairs right at the private boat slip for rent.

While popular, convenient and downright nice, this type of jet ski lift requires a heavy-duty dock due to the weight (of both the lift and the ski when it’s on the lift). Fixed mount lifts also require more maintenance than a drive-on dock.

Freestanding Jet Ski Lifts

With the freestanding version, you’ll find there are two types: vertical and cantilever. Both stand on their own (not attached to a dock), which makes it convenient to move them if needed. You actually don’t even need a dock at all for this type of jet ski lift.

As its name implies, the vertical jet ski lift raises the ski up vertically, allowing you to store it higher out of the water. This type needs more maintenance due to the cables that raise and lower the ski.

The cantilever lift raises your ski using a metal frame that’s attached to a main frame with hinges. Pulleys and a cable are used to put the ski into and out of the water. With fewer parts, this type is more durable and requires less maintenance, making it an excellent choice to have near a private boat slip rental.

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Photo: IMM Quality Boat Lifts (Facebook)


Considerations for Choosing a Jet Ski Lift

  • The weight of your ski
  • Whether you want an electric or manual lift - Manual lifts are operated with a winch or large wheel. The electric version uses the push of a button. They’re not that far different in terms of price, so why wouldn’t you go with the ease of a button? Electric lifts do require more maintenance, though.

Other types of Jet Ski Storage

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Photo: Amazon

Jet Ski Sling (or hoist) – A jet ski sling is just what it sounds like … a triangular-shaped arrangement of straps that hold the jet ski. A lift is mainly used to move the ski from one spot to another (such as for maintenance or to move to winter storage), so you probably wouldn’t use it as a long-term storage option. It’s a terrific way to store the ski out of the water for a few hours or overnight while you’re actively using it at a private boat dock for rent.

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Photo: Sandy Allen

Drive-On Floating Jet Ski Docks – Simple and convenient, drive-on floating docks can be driven directly onto from the water (as well as pushed off, or backed up, into the water when you’re ready to go). There aren’t any moving parts like winches, cables and such.


Boat Swim Platform – If your boat is large enough, you can store your jet ski right on the swim platform via davits or rails.

Here are a few companies to check out in your search for the perfect jet ski lift or sling for your private boat dock rental. Many of them also specialize in lifts for pontoon boats, wake boats, kayaks, sailboats and jon boats.

  • DECO Boat Lifts
  • IMM Quality Boat Lifts
  • Golden Boat Lifts
  • ShoreStation PWC Lifts
  • JetDock Drive-On Docking
  • Ultimate Boat Lifts
  • The Boat Lift Store

We hope this has answered any questions you may have about ways to store your jet ski. These nimble vessels are a terrific accompaniment to the boating lifestyle. Consider adding a jet ski lift to your private boat slip rental!

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