Can Hoyer Lifts Be Installed on Boats? — Practical Challenges and Feasible Solutions for Onboard Transfers

For those who love the ocean, lakes, or rivers, boating is not just a leisure activity but a symbol of freedom. However, for individuals with complete mobility impairments caused by spinal cord injuries, strokes, ALS, or other conditions, safely boarding a boat from a dock, using the restroom onboard, or getting into the water for swimming has become an almost insurmountable barrier.

Naturally, a question arises: "Can we install the home Hoyer lift on a boat to facilitate boarding, alighting, and transfers on the deck?"

The answer is complex:

✅ Standard household Hoyer lifts must never be used directly on boats;

✅ However, there are marine-specific lifting devices designed for aquatic environments that enable safe transfers.

This article will reveal the truth about marine transfer systems, their applicable scenarios, and safety boundaries.

I. Why Can’t Ordinary Hoyer Lifts Be Used on Boats?

Common floor-standing Hoyer lifts (such as the Hoyer Advance and Drive Elite) perform reliably on land, but they face multiple critical limitations on boats:

1. Corrosive Environment

Seawater and lake water contain salt or minerals, which rapidly corrode steel bases, hydraulic rods, and screws;Humid air accelerates the aging of electronic components, making electric models highly prone to short circuits.

2. Dynamically Unstable Platform

Boats sway with waves, preventing the lift base from remaining level;Shifts in the center of gravity during lifting can easily cause the lift to tip over or the patient to fall.

3. Space and Structural Limitations

The decks of most private yachts or fishing boats are narrow, with insufficient operating radius;The load-bearing capacity of boat decks is limited, making it impossible to anchor heavy equipment;There is no standard power supply (12V/24V DC vs. household 220V AC).

4. Prohibited by Safety Regulations

Regulations from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and national coast guards stipulate that no mechanical equipment 未经 classification society certification may be used during navigation;Household medical equipment does not have certifications for water resistance, tip-over prevention, or shock resistance.

⚠️ Important Warning: Using a household Hoyer lift on a boat is a high-risk behavior that may lead to serious accidents.

II. What Does a True "Marine Transfer Device" Look Like?

Professional marine lifting systems (Marine Patient Lifts or Boat Hoists) are an independent category designed exclusively for aquatic environments, with the following core features:

1. Fully Corrosion-Resistant Structure

The main body is made of 316 stainless steel, anodized aluminum, or marine-grade engineering plastic;All fasteners are made of titanium alloy or coated stainless steel, resistant to salt spray corrosion.

2. Boat-Specific Installation Methods

Fixed type: Secured to the deck reinforcement beam via flange bolts;

Portable type: Equipped with a weighted base and non-slip rubber pads, suitable for small boats;

Some high-end yachts integrate hidden lifting platforms that are flush with the deck.

3. DC Power Supply and Waterproof Rating

Powered by 12V or 24V marine batteries;The motor and junction box have an IP68 protection rating (capable of short-term submersion);The remote control uses waterproof buttons instead of a touchscreen.

4. Specialized Slings and Safety Locks

Slings are made of quick-drying PVC-coated fabric, resistant to UV rays and mold;Equipped with double-safety hooks to prevent detachment due to 海上颠簸 (seasickness-induced jolting).