Looking for seaplane lift ideas.

I've been keeping my plane in the water most of the time, but it was recently discovered we have zebra mussels.

In the interest of not spreading mussels to other lakes, I'd like to keep it high and dry except when in use.

My shoreline is basically a 45 degree angle down to the water, then it levels off to 1-2' of water for approx 16 feet, then drops straight down to 20'.

I conventional pontoon lift won't work because of this. I'm thinking something floating that sinks to get the plane on and off. Even if I have to make something.

Thoughts?

Might find some ideas

https://www.faa.gov/documentlibrary/med ... 395_1a.pdf

Is it possible to work on the shoreline so you could use a rail system? if so, that is the easy way to get the plane out of the water.

Steve

Seattle Seaplanes, on Lake Union, has an interesting solution to this.

They have a dock, that is on large hinges and, underneath It has inflatable barrels hooked up to an air compressor.

So air goes out, the dock can go down into the water, plane goes on top, then air goes back in.

I personally like a modified boat lift with a customized platform. However It's hard to recommend a solution without knowing what existing docking [fixed or floating] you have already.

nickelb wrote:Seattle Seaplanes, on Lake Union, has an interesting solution to this.

They have a dock, that is on large hinges and, underneath It has inflatable barrels hooked up to an air compressor.

So air goes out, the dock can go down into the water, plane goes on top, then air goes back in.

This is my favorite idea.

Ross is my neighbor. His shoreline is unusable for storage save for 1-2' of walkable area at the water's edge as it's basically a steep 35 foot bank. So the idea of a platform that can be raised above the water's surface easily seems like the best plan.

Would love to see a photo of the bladders on the Seattle Seaplanes dock. have you seen in operation? What's the cycle time?

Boat lifts that work on compressed air are popular in my part of the world. These guys make them: https://ozarkboatdocks.com

I'm equally a fan of marine railways if the nature of the shoreline permits, getting the airplane well above the waterline is gold. A high torque electric motor can climb a reasonable steep incline.

nickelb wrote:Seattle Seaplanes, on Lake Union, has an interesting solution to this.

They have a dock, that is on large hinges and, underneath It has inflatable barrels hooked up to an air compressor.

So air goes out, the dock can go down into the water, plane goes on top, then air goes back in.

I personally like a modified boat lift with a customized platform. However It's hard to recommend a solution without knowing what existing docking [fixed or floating] you have already.

Here are some pics of my current situation. Any way to get some pictures of Seattle Seaplanes solution?

Did my initial CPL with them, don’t have any good photos, but I do remember it working well though it didn’t get the planes way above the waterline

Found these online, think it would work well if you couldn’t modify a mechanical boat lift or something

Thanks!

Ross, what lake is this?

Kurt

We employ a modified B Model (side Tie) HydroHoist. I found the tanks and pump for sale from an old unit and widened the structural steel crossmembers to fit our Beaver. We have our own sawmill so making the decking was no issue. We used oak on the first round, its lasted 10 years. We will replace deck this year with eastern white pine. This lift is simple and safe. The stern sinks to form a ramp, slide her off. When you return, stick her on the ramp, tie the float bows so she cannot slide aft and hit the air pump, which pushes the water out bottom discharge holes in tanks and she's floating high and dry and safe. I contend this is the simplest and most cost-effective solution to keep your floatplane high and dry. This is a 9000# model, 32" diameter tanks at 23' length I believe.

G44 wrote:Ross, what lake is this?

Kurt

Ely Lake by Eveleth, MN

TR wrote:We employ a modified B Model (side Tie) HydroHoist. I found the tanks and pump for sale from an old unit and widened the structural steel crossmembers to fit our Beaver. We have our own sawmill so making the decking was no issue. We used oak on the first round, its lasted 10 years. We will replace deck this year with eastern white pine. This lift is simple and safe. The stern sinks to form a ramp, slide her off. When you return, stick her on the ramp, tie the float bows so she cannot slide aft and hit the air pump, which pushes the water out bottom discharge holes in tanks and she's floating high and dry and safe. I contend this is the simplest and most cost-effective solution to keep your floatplane high and dry. This is a 9000# model, 32" diameter tanks at 23' length I believe.

Where did you find the old tanks and pump?