A. There are pros and cons to both styles. We can’t float boats over 28 or 30 feet (yet). We can’t do inboards or boats that are in the “very heavy” category (yet). We can’t do those boats with the stepped hull design (yet).
There is, however, a list of benefits to owning a SportPort.
1) Its really fast and easy to come and go. In just seconds you can back off and you’re boating. That’s convenience.
2) Lower Initial Cost:
Typically a SportPort is less expensive than buying a mechanical lift. They don’t require expensive piling work, electrical work or in many cases even a permit. Just the installation of a mechanical lift can cost as much a SportPort.
3) Lower Long term cost:
All those moving parts on a mechanical lift will require fixing or replacing at some point. A SportPort will cost less to own over time.
4) Its safer:
Electricity, cables, pulleys and thousands of pounds of boat being raised or lowered are all things you need to pay attention to so no one gets hurt. A SportPort has none of that going on.
5) Less Maintenance:
All those moving parts on a mechanical lift will require fixing or replacing at some point. When your lift is broken, you’re probably not boating that day.
6) More Security:
Most boats that sink, sink at the dock. A boat or PWC properly loaded on a SportPort won’t sink.
7) Modular and upgradeable:
Typically a mechanical lift is built for a specific size and weight of boat. If you change boats you may need a different lift. That can get expensive. A SportPort can be expanded to suit your next boat more cost effectively.
8) Resale value:
It’s easy to re-sell a SportPort because it can be used for any number of boats vs. a mechanical lift that was built for a specific sized boat. The cost to uninstall and then reinstall a mechanical lift will affect the value of that lift on resale.