Floating Lift in NY (permits?)

598 Views 4 Replies 2 Participants Last post by bravajo, Mar 12, 2008

bravajo

Discussion Starter · Mar 10, 2008

Folks;

I have a "floating lift" for my boat. The lift consists of a flexible membrane bladder (like an inflatable runabout) in a "V" or horseshoe shape. The boat pulls into the center of the bladder and it is inflated with air. The bladder acts as a raft to raise the hull from the water and avoid bottom paint. It all works fine.

I am considering slipping my boat at a Marina in New York. The owner of the marina is fine with the whole thing as long as it does not violate any rules or regulations.

I am trying to determine if I require any permits to use such a lift at a Marina in NY. I sent a couple of letters out to try and get the answer to this question but I can't find anyone familiar with this kind of lift (seems there are regulations governing both a floating dock OR a mechanical lift but that is not what I have).

Any ideas?

Thanks,
Joe.

PS: The bladders have a smaller floating footprint than the boat (both length and beam) and run in a depth no deeper than the draft of the hull. It does not require the addition of any anchors, pilings, augers or anything to the marina...it just ties to the dock like a boat would.

This post edited by bravajo 09:29 PM 03/10/2008

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bravajo

Discussion Starter · #3 · Mar 11, 2008

Doughboy,

Thanks. It is slightly different in design than a hydrohoist but similar. I wrote a letter to the Division of Permits of the DEC and am awaiting a reply.

Do you happen to know if I (the owner) needs the permit or the marina needs the permit?

If it is work/cost on my side then it is easier than asking the marina to do it for me.

Thanks,
Joe.

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bravajo

Discussion Starter · #5 · Mar 12, 2008

The DEC's answer to me was that "permits needs are decided on a case-by-case basis" and that I should submit my "case" to them for review. I have done so.

In the meantime I contacted a local floating-lift dealer who was adamant that the use of a my lift does not require a permit because it behaves just as a boat would.

There is probably a rule somewhere about this but I'll be damned if I could find it. There is plenty of talk about "floating docks and ramps" and "stationary lifts" but I can't find anything to address a floating lift.

I am tempted to call it a "16' boomless sailboat w/o a motor" which doesn't require a registration in NY and docking my powerboat on top of my "sailboat"

(for the humorless...this was a joke)

Thanks,
Joe.

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