Midwest Industries, Inc. Ida Grove, IA 51445 800-859-3028 www.shorestation.com 0004115
Page 3 of 44 12/20/2009
USING YOUR HOIST
Basic Hoist Operating Tips and Guidelines
IMPORTANT: Before using your Shore Station hoist, read this Owner’s
Manual for detailed operation instructions and safety information.
Here are some basic guidelines to follow:
Know the maximum capacity of your hoist.
It is important not to exceed the maximum load capacity of your hoist. Overloading could cause mechanical failure
and serious personal injury. Be especially cautious to remove the drain plug on boats which are stored on hoists
without canopies. The weight of the boat could greatly increase during a rainstorm and exceed the hoist’s load
capacity.
Never board a boat while it is raised on the hoist
Always lower the hoist platform before boarding the boat so the boat is almost floating free from the platform, but
is still stabilized by the platform. This will aid in the user’s ability to load while not placing excess weight on the
hoist.
Do NOT let Children Play on or around the Hoist
Children should not be allowed to play under or around the hoist.
Use Caution During Maintenance and Repairs
Always remove the boat from the hoist and fully lower the platform before any maintenance and repairs are
performed. Only remove the safety shields after the platform is fully lowered. Never reach through the wheel and
manipulate any of the winch mechanisms when the platform is raised.
Remove the drain plug from the boat before leaving for any length of time, especially if the hoist does not
have a canopy cover. Accumulation of water in the boat from a rainstorm may increase the weight of your boat
passed the capacity of the hoist.
Properly Positioning the Boat on the Hoist
The boat should be positioned on the hoist so that there is an equal amount of weight on each platform. This
position will vary from boat to boat because the center of gravity on every boat is different. The equal weight
distribution is determined by how far forward or backward the boat is positioned on the hoist. Once identified,
adjust the motor stop (adjustable on 1500 – 9,000 lb. aluminum hoists) or front end boat stop (USED ON
INBOARDS) so it will stop the boat in this position in future use.
Positioning an Inboard Boat on the Hoist
When placing an inboard boat on the hoist, it is necessary to install a front-end boat stop on your hoist. This
option will protect your drive shaft and prop from being bent when the platform is raised to support the boat. The
boat must be positioned rearward far enough so the bunks are supporting the boat before the drive shaft contacts
the cross member as the platform is raised. A new hoist installation for an inboard should NOT have the motor
stop installed. If an existing hoist is going to be used for an inboard, the motor stop should be removed before
placing the boat on the hoist.
Platform Height Positioning
The height that the platform should be positioned when the boat is removed for use is best determined by
lowering the hoist platform until the boat is about to float above the platform. Once at this point, start the engine
and put the unit in reverse. With the engine idling, continue to lower the platform. As the boat breaks free from the
platform, the power of the engine in reverse will pull the boat out of the hoist. Discontinue lowering the platform at
