Palm Beach, Broward & Martin County
Boat Lift Installation
South Florida
The right boat lift saves your hull, protects your investment, and makes getting on the water easier every single time. We install every major brand for every vessel type — and we size it right for your specific waterway the first time.
Why a properly installed lift matters
Keeping Your Boat Out of the Water Is One of the Best Investments You Can Make in South Florida
In South Florida's saltwater environment, every day your hull sits in the water is another day of barnacle growth, copper ablation, waterline staining, and saltwater corrosion working on your investment. A properly installed boat lift solves all of that — your boat stays cleaner, lasts longer, and is ready to go the moment you are.
But "properly installed" is the key phrase. A lift that's undersized for your vessel, set at the wrong height for your waterway's tidal range, or attached to a seawall that can't handle the load is a problem — not a solution. We've repaired plenty of lifts installed by contractors who got those details wrong.
At JKT Marine, we size every lift on-site using your actual vessel weight, your waterway's actual tidal range, and your dock's structural capacity. That's how you get a lift that works every time for 20 years — not one that struggles from day one.
Find the right lift for your vessel
Boat Lift Types We Install in South Florida
Not every lift is right for every vessel or waterway. Here's how we match the right system to your situation:
4-Post Boat Lifts
The most common and versatile lift for South Florida canal and Intracoastal properties. Four posts provide maximum stability in tidal and wake conditions. Works for center consoles, dual consoles, sport boats, and pontoons.
2-Post / Cantilever Lifts
Works well for smaller vessels on calmer canals where dock space is limited. Mounts directly to the dock face — no pilings required. Good for runabouts, smaller outboards, and entry-level center consoles.
Vertical Boat Lifts
For larger vessels including sportfishers, twin-engine center consoles, and express cruisers. Vertical lifts provide maximum clearance and handle the weight demands of bigger offshore boats common throughout South Florida.
Elevator / Floating Lifts
Floating lift systems that rise and fall with the tide — excellent for Intracoastal and inlet-adjacent properties where tidal variation is significant. Sunstream floating lifts are a top choice for South Florida's active tidal waterways.
PWC / Jet Ski Lifts
2-post and 4-post lifts sized specifically for personal watercraft. Drive-on floating platforms also available. Keep your jet ski fully out of the water to prevent hull fouling and saltwater damage.
Covered Boathouse Lifts
Lift systems designed to work inside an existing or new boat house. Maximum protection from sun, salt, and weather — ideal for premium vessels and properties with covered dock structures.
Authorized dealer & installer
The Brands We Install — And Why Being Authorized Matters
Factory-trained installation, full warranty coverage, and genuine manufacturer parts — not generic replacements that wear out faster in South Florida's saltwater environment.
Heavy-duty 4-post lifts. Excellent for larger vessels and high-wake exposure waterways.
Versatile range from small runabouts to large sport boats. Popular throughout Palm Beach County.
Strong performer in South Florida's tidal environments. Good value for mid-size vessels.
Built for South Florida conditions. Corrosion-resistant hardware throughout. Great warranty coverage.
Reliable mid-range option. Available in configurations for most standard South Florida vessels.
Floating lift systems ideal for tidal waterways. Premium choice for Intracoastal properties.
Not sure which brand is right for you? Call us — we'll give you an honest recommendation based on your specific vessel and waterway, not whatever we have in inventory.
Let's Get Your Boat Lift Sized and Installed
We come to your property, assess your dock, your waterway, and your vessel — and give you a detailed quote on the right lift for your situation. No pressure, no obligation.
What to expect to pay
Boat Lift Installation Cost — South Florida 2026
Typical ranges for residential installations in Palm Beach and Broward County. Permitting, dock modifications, and piling work are additional and itemized in every quote.
| Lift Type | Capacity | Typical Installed Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2-Post / Cantilever Lift | Up to 6,000 lbs | $4,000 – $8,000 |
| 4-Post Lift (standard) | Up to 10,000 lbs | $7,000 – $14,000 |
| 4-Post Lift (heavy duty) | Up to 20,000 lbs | $12,000 – $22,000 |
| Vertical / Large Vessel Lift | 20,000–30,000+ lbs | $20,000 – $40,000+ |
| Floating / Elevator Lift | Varies by model | $8,000 – $20,000 |
| PWC / Jet Ski Lift | Up to 2,000 lbs | $3,000 – $10,000 |
Our installation process
How JKT Marine Installs Your Boat Lift
- Free on-site assessment — we come to your property, measure your waterway depth, assess your dock and seawall, and confirm your vessel's actual wet weight. This is where we size the lift correctly.
- Lift recommendation and quote — we recommend the right brand, model, and capacity and give you a detailed itemized quote. No pressure, no upselling.
- Permits filed immediately — we handle all permit filings the moment you confirm — Palm Beach County, Broward County, SFWMD, FDEP, or Army Corps depending on your location.
- Order and delivery — once permits are approved we order your lift directly from the manufacturer and coordinate delivery to your property.
- Installation — our experienced crew handles the full installation — typically one to two days. Full mounting, electrical connections, and cable tensioning included.
- Final walkthrough — we walk you through operating your lift, show you the maintenance points, and make sure you're completely comfortable before we leave.
What sets us apart
Why South Florida Homeowners Choose JKT Marine for Boat Lift Installation
- We size using actual vessel wet weight — not the manufacturer's dry weight which is consistently too low
- Authorized installer for 6 major brands — full factory warranty, genuine parts, trained installation
- We assess your dock and seawall before installation — a lift on a compromised structure fails
- All permits handled — Palm Beach, Broward, SFWMD, FDEP, Army Corps — every filing
- Owners on every job site — your installation is never delegated to a subcontractor
- We serve Palm Beach, Broward, and Martin County — one contractor for your whole South Florida waterfront
- Annual maintenance service available — cable inspection, motor service, bunk adjustment, hardware lubrication
- Straight pricing — the quote we give you is the number you pay
Common questions
Boat Lift Installation FAQ — South Florida
Do I need a permit to install a boat lift in South Florida?
Yes — virtually all boat lift installations in Florida require permits. Palm Beach County and Broward County both require building permits, and depending on your waterway, SFWMD, FDEP, or Army Corps review may also be required. JKT Marine handles every filing from start to finish. You don't call a single agency.
How do I know what size lift I need?
The most important number is your vessel's actual wet weight — the boat fully loaded with fuel, gear, and water. Most people underestimate this significantly. A 24-foot center console rated at 4,500 lbs dry often weighs 6,500+ lbs loaded. We assess on-site so your lift is sized for real-world use, not a spec sheet.
How long does boat lift installation take?
Physical installation is typically one to two days once permits are approved. Permitting timelines vary — Palm Beach and Broward County residential lifts typically run 4–8 weeks. Army Corps review adds time for Intracoastal properties. We file immediately after you confirm to minimize wait.
Can you install a boat lift on my existing dock?
In most cases, yes. We assess your existing dock and seawall to confirm they can handle the lift load. Some older docks need piling reinforcement or cap work first — we'll tell you upfront and can handle that work too. One contractor, start to finish.
What boat lift brands do you install?
JKT Marine is an authorized dealer and installer for Golden, Hi-Tide, Tide Tamer, Hurricane, Neptune, and Sunstream. We can also install and service other brands — call us if your brand isn't on this list.
Do you offer boat lift maintenance after installation?
Yes — annual maintenance service includes cable inspection and replacement, motor service, bunk and cradle adjustment, and hardware lubrication. South Florida's saltwater environment is hard on lift components. Annual service is the best way to prevent failures and extend your lift's life.
What areas do you serve for boat lift installation?
JKT Marine installs boat lifts throughout Palm Beach County, Broward County, and Martin County — including West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Lighthouse Point, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and all waterfront communities in between.
Get Your Boat Lift Sized and Quoted — Free, No Obligation
Call us, send photos of your vessel and dock, or request a free on-site visit. We'll come back with a real recommendation and a detailed quote — not a guess.
Licensed CGC1537758 · Fully Insured · Serving Palm Beach, Broward & Martin County · Authorized Dealer: Golden, Hi-Tide, Tide Tamer, Hurricane, Neptune, Sunstream