WHAT IS A 4-POST BOAT LIFT?

The Industry Standard for Piling-Mounted Boat Lifts

A 4-Post boat lift raises a vessel vertically between four pilings using a cradle and cable system powered by a drive motor.

This configuration is widely used for residential docks, canal homes, and marina slips because it provides stable lifting performance and straightforward operation.

4-Post lifts are ideal when your dock includes pilings surrounding the boat slip, allowing the vessel to be lifted straight up out of the water.

Common applications include:

  • Waterfront homes along Florida canals

  • Intracoastal waterway properties

  • Private marina slips

  • Open-water dock installations

DESIGNED FOR SALTWATER ENVIRONMENTS

Florida’s coastal waters expose marine equipment to constant salt, humidity, and tidal changes.

Neptune 4-Post lifts are engineered specifically to withstand these conditions.

Standard construction includes:

  • Quality Materials: All-aluminum and stainless steel construction. Marine-grade 6061-T6 aluminum structural framing.

  • Choice of Drive Systems:

    • Standard Speed Direct Drive

    • G3 High-Speed Direct Drive

    • G6 SuperFast Direct Drive

  • Reliable Components:

    • Marine-grade stainless steel motors

    • Grooved cable winders for smooth operation

    • Easy-adjust stainless steel cables

    • Heavy-duty guide poles that adjust easily

    • Tough aluminum bearing blocks

    • Better Construction: Welded (not bolted) for extra strength

  • Quality Details: Aluminum pulleys with stainless steel axles and grease fittings

  • Added Protection: Optional SEArmor™ corrosion-resistant package

  • Long-Term Coverage: 10-year limited warranty

Invest in a Neptune Four-Post Boat Lift today and enjoy the perfect combination of American craftsmanship, smart technology, and outstanding durability. Give your boat the protection it deserves with the most reliable lift on the market.

HIGH-SPEED DIRECT DRIVE PERFORMANCE

Faster Lifting When It Matters

Neptune offers multiple direct drive configurations designed to improve lift speed and operational performance.

Available drive options include:

  • Standard Direct Drive – dependable lifting performance

  • G3 High-Speed Direct Drive – increased lifting speed

  • G6 SuperFast Direct Drive – Neptune’s fastest lift system

Direct drive systems eliminate belts and chains, creating smoother operation and reduced maintenance.

This allows boat owners to raise and lower vessels more efficiently, even with heavier loads.

Technical Specifications

Select a drive system to view specifications. (Specs shown for the 4,500 lb model.)

Direct Drive Specifications

Lift Capacity Top Carrier Lift Beam Motor Power Lift Speed Electrical Cable Travel Bunks Min Piling
4,500 lbs5" x 12' 6" Channel6" x 11'0" I-Beam (2) 3/4 HP46"/min120V / 30A
or
240V / 20A
5/16" x 20'12'+3" x 8" x 12' Carpeted(4) 8" Pilings
7,000 lbs5" x 12' 6" Channel6" x 12'0" I-Beam (2) 1 HP46"/min120V / 30A
or
240V / 20A
5/16" x 20'12'+3" x 8" x 12' Carpeted(4) 8" Pilings
10,000 lbs6" x 12' 6" Channel8" x 12'6" I-Beam (2) 3/4 HP23"/min120V / 30A
or
240V / 20A
5/16" x 32'12'3" x 8" x 12' Carpeted(4) 8" Pilings
13,000 lbs7" x 12' 6" Channel8" x 12'6" I-Beam (2) 1 HP23"/min120V / 30A
or
240V / 20A
5/16" x 32'12'3" x 10" x 12' Carpeted(4) 8" Pilings
16,000 lbs7" x 12' 6" Channel10" x 14' I-Beam (2) 1 HP23"/min240V / 20A 5/16" x 32'12'3" x 10" x 14' Carpeted(4) 10" Pilings
20,000 lbs8" x 12' 6" Channel10" x 14' I-Beam (2) 1 HP15"/min240V / 20A 5/16" x 48'12'3" x 10" x 14' Carpeted(4) 10" Pilings
24,000 lbs8" x 15'0" Channel12' x 15' I-Beam (2) 1 HP15"/min240V / 20A 5/16" x 48'12'3" x 12" x 18' Carpeted(4) 10" Pilings
30,000 lbs (w/remote)8" x 15'0" Channel12' x 16' I-Beam (4) 1 HP22"/min240V / 30A 3/8" x 50'12'3" x 12" x 20' Carpeted(4) 10" Pilings

Specifications may vary based on installation conditions and optional upgrades.

GALLARY

Product Resources

Download technical information and planning resources for Neptune lift systems.

Available downloads include:

4-Post Boat Lift Specification Sheet  - Direct Drive

4-Post Boat Lift Specification Sheet  - G3

4-Post Boat Lift Specification Sheet  - G6

Neptune Lift Planning Guide

Installation Overview Guide

Warranty Information

Related Lift Systems

Depending on your dock configuration, you may also want to explore other Neptune lift systems.

Elevator Boat Lifts

Elevator Yacht Lifts

8-Post Yacht Lifts

Beamless Boat Lifts

Each lift system is engineered for different vessel sizes and waterfront environments.

Boat Types That Use 4-Post Lifts

Neptune 4-Post lift systems are commonly used for a wide range of vessels.

Typical boats lifted with 4-Post systems include:

  • Center Console Boats

  • Offshore Fishing Boats

  • Dual Console Boats

  • Bay Boats

  • Sport Boats

  • Small Motor Yachts

Depending on lift capacity, these vessels typically range from 20 to 40 feet in length.

Selecting the proper lift capacity requires evaluating the vessel’s fully loaded weight, hull design, and beam width.

FAQ SECTION

What is a 4-post boat lift?

A 4-post boat lift is a piling-mounted cradle lift that raises a vessel vertically using cables and a drive motor. It is one of the most common lift types for waterfront docks.

How much weight can a 4-post boat lift hold?

Neptune 4-Post lifts are engineered for vessels up to approximately 30,000 pounds, depending on configuration and structural requirements.

Are 4-post boat lifts good for saltwater?

Yes. When constructed with marine-grade aluminum and corrosion-resistant components, 4-post lifts perform well in coastal and saltwater environments.

How much space is needed between pilings for a 4-post lift?

The required spacing depends on the vessel’s beam width and lift configuration. Neptune specialists evaluate dock layout and vessel dimensions to determine proper installation.

How fast does a Neptune lift raise a boat?

Lift speed depends on the drive system selected. Neptune offers standard direct drive as well as high-speed G3 and G6 configurations.