WHAT IS A 4-POST BOAT LIFT?

A 4-Post Boat Lift is a cradle-style lift system supported by four pilings. It is commonly selected for open slips, private docks, and other piling-supported waterfront layouts where the vessel can be safely positioned between the pilings.

A 4-Post Lift uses top beams, cables, lifter beams, bunks, and drive units to raise and lower the vessel. When properly configured, this design provides stable vessel support and dependable lifting performance.

A typical 4-Post Lift may be a strong fit for applications with:

  • Open slips or piling-supported dock layouts

  • Adequate space to guide the vessel between pilings

  • Residential or light commercial waterfront use

  • Vessel support requirements that benefit from a traditional cradle-style system

  • Custom bunking, guide pole, catwalk, or drive system needs

Designed for Demanding Marine Environments

Built for strength, structure, and long-term performance.

Neptune 4-Post Boat Lifts are built with aluminum and stainless-steel construction for use in challenging waterfront conditions. Every lift is configured around the vessel, structure, and site so the system supports the boat properly and performs reliably over time.

Each 4-Post Lift can be evaluated based on vessel weight, beam, hull design, center of gravity, propulsion, installed equipment, piling layout, water depth, electrical requirements, and access needs.

Built with proven Neptune materials and components:

  • Aluminum and stainless-steel construction

  • Welded construction on many lift systems

  • Direct Drive, G3 High Speed, and G6 SuperFast drive options

  • Stainless-steel cables

  • Custom bunking options

  • Heavy-duty adjustable guide poles

  • Optional SEArmor package for added component protection

  • Wireless remote and limit switch options

  • Catwalk and boarding options available

HIGH-SPEED DIRECT DRIVE PERFORMANCE

Faster Lifting. Smoother Operation. Fewer Maintenance Points.

Neptune offers multiple direct-drive systems designed to improve lifting speed, simplify operation, and reduce maintenance compared with belt- or chain-driven configurations.

Direct-drive systems eliminate belts and chains, helping create smoother, more efficient lifting performance. For boat owners who use their boats often, faster lift operation can make launching and storing the vessel easier every time they return to the dock.

Available drive options

Standard Direct Drive: Dependable lifting performance for everyday use.

G3 High-Speed Direct Drive: Increased lift speed for boaters who want faster operation.

G6 SuperFast Direct Drive: Neptune’s highest-performance drive option for maximum lifting speed.

Technical Specifications

Neptune 4-Post Boat Lifts are available in multiple capacity and drive configurations. Use the specifications below as a planning reference. Final lift design may vary based on vessel weight, beam, hull shape, piling conditions, water depth, electrical requirements, and optional upgrades. Specs shown should be confirmed with Neptune or an authorized dealer before final selection or installation. Select a drive system to view specifications.

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.

GALLERY

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.

Vessel & Application Considerations

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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