A boat lift installation can be daunting, but with the help of a professional installer, it's a relatively simple process. To understand how boat lifts work, it helps to first understand how boats move on water.

Boat movement is controlled by two fundamental principles: thrust and rotation. Thrust is generated by the engine and prop-turning motion creates rotation. The two work together to move the boat forward or backward, left or right.You can Read more here  about boat lift installation.

When you step off the dock into your boat, your weight pushes down on the deck – this is called static thrust. The weight of your body also creates a small amount of forward thrust as blood rushes to your feet in anticipation of hitting the water.

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This forward thrust is negligible when you're standing on land, but can make a noticeable difference when you're in the boat and moving forward.  

Static thrust also supplies power to the engine while underway and helps to keep the boat moving in a straight line. Rotation comes from the propellers – these rotating blades create drag on either side of the boat, which slows it down. In open water, waves push against the boat from all directions – this is dynamic thrust. 

Dynamic thrust works together with static thrust  to move the boat forward or backward. In sheltered waters, the waves push and pull on the boat in a circular motion – this is called rotational thrust. Rotational thrust is the main source of power that moves the boat forward or backward.