If you operate a marina, boatyard, or dry-stack storage facility, you know that moving boats on land is a unique challenge. Standard forklifts simply cannot handle the awkward weight distribution, long loads, and corrosive saltwater environment that come with marine applications. A boat forklift — also known as a marina forklift or marine forklift — is a specialized piece of equipment designed specifically for lifting, transporting, and stacking boats both in and out of the water. This guide covers everything you need to know before buying one.
What Is a Boat Forklift?
A boat forklift is a high-capacity industrial truck engineered with features tailored to marine environments. Unlike standard forklifts, these machines typically offer:
Negative-lift functionality: The ability to lower forks below ground level to enter and exit the water
Extended fork lengths: Often 18 to 32 feet or more, to handle boats with long load centers
All-wheel steering: For exceptional maneuverability in tight marina aisles
Corrosion-resistant components: To withstand saltwater exposure
Boat forklifts are the fastest and most cost-effective boat handling system for marinas and boatyards, enabling space-saving dry-stack storage with high efficiency and profitability.
Top Boat Forklift Manufacturers
Several manufacturers dominate the boat forklift market, each offering unique strengths:
Manufacturer Specialty Capacity Range
Wiggins Lift Co. Marina Bull, Yard eBull (electric), Marina FLX 30,000 – 70,000 lbs
Marine Travelift Boat hoists, marine forklifts, hydraulic transporters 15 – 1,000+ tons
Toyota Material Handling High-Capacity Marina Forklift Up to 52,000 lbs
TOPWIN Machinery Boatlifters for dry-stack storage 4 – 42 tons
Ascom S.p.A. Marine forklifts, boat hoists, cranes Various
SANY Group Heavy-duty marine forklifts Various
Taylor Machine Works High-capacity industrial forklifts Various
Wiggins Lift Co. is particularly notable for introducing the industry's first commercially available zero-emission large-capacity forklift — the Yard eBull, fully electric and manufactured in the USA. Their Marina Bull series is designed with the lowest center of gravity and heaviest counterweights in the industry.
New Boat Forklift Prices (2026)
Boat forklifts are significant capital investments. Prices vary widely based on capacity, features, and manufacturer:
Capacity / Model Price Range Notes
20-ton TOPWIN Boatlifter ~$198,000 Diesel, dry-stack storage
25-ton TOPWIN Marina Forklift ~$198,000 For yachts and large vessels
Toyota THD7200-48 (52,000 lbs) Request a quote High-capacity marina forklift
Wiggins Marina Bull (30k–70k lbs) Call for quote Custom-built, USA-made
16-ton TOPWIN Marine Forklift ~$198,000 DF Cummins engine
Note: Prices are manufacturer's suggested retail prices and do not include taxes, freight, dealer preparation, or optional accessories.
Used Boat Forklifts – A Cost-Effective Alternative
For many marina operators, buying used is the most practical path. Used boat forklifts typically sell at 30–60% below new prices, though availability varies by region.
Where to Find Used Boat Forklifts:
Machinio – Extensive listings for used marine forklifts and Travelifts
Forklift Exchange, Inc. – Specializes in buying and selling used marina forklifts nationwide since 1980
GovPlanet – Auction platform for Wiggins Marina Bull and other equipment
RB Auction – Industrial equipment auctions including forklifts
Boat-dealers.org – Dealership directory with marina equipment listings
Used Listings Example:
Wiggins Marina Bull (inoperable) – Available at auction via GovPlanet
Marine Travelift 30 AMO Boat Hoist (1979) – Call for details
Wiggins Model W156Y 15,000 lb forklift – 588 hrs, 105HP Cummins diesel
What to Look for When Buying a Boat Forklift
1. Capacity and Load Center
Boat forklifts are rated at specific load centers — often 96 inches or more. A machine rated for 52,000 lbs at a 96-inch load center may only handle 16,750 lbs at a 45-foot load center. Always match the specification to your boat lengths and weights.
2. Lift Height and Negative Lift
You need both positive lift for stacking and negative lift to enter the water. Typical negative lift ranges from 3.6 to 4.0 meters.
3. Power Source
Power Type Advantages Considerations
Diesel High power, long runtime, proven reliability Emissions, fuel costs
Electric (Lithium) Zero emissions, low maintenance, quiet Higher upfront cost
LPG Cleaner than diesel Lower power for heavy loads
4. Tires and Undercarriage
Marina environments are corrosive. Look for pneumatic tires and heavy-duty undercarriage protection. The Wiggins Marina Bull LoPRO features the lowest center of gravity and heaviest counterweights in the industry.
5. All-Wheel Steering
Marinas have tight spaces. All-wheel steering dramatically improves maneuverability and is a standard feature on many modern models.
6. Corrosion Protection
Saltwater exposure is relentless. Verify that the machine has marine-grade paint, sealed electrical systems, and corrosion-resistant hydraulic components.
New vs. Used – Which Is Right for You?
Factor New Used
Price $150,000 – $400,000+ $30,000 – $150,000
Warranty Full manufacturer warranty As-is or limited
Customization Built to your specifications Limited to existing config
Technology Latest features (electric, telematics) Older technology
Lead Time Weeks to months Immediate availability
Depreciation Highest in first 3 years Already depreciated
Financing and Leasing Options
Many dealers offer flexible financing:
Lease-to-own programs starting at competitive weekly rates
Equipment financing through specialized lenders
Rental options for seasonal or trial use
Contact manufacturers directly for quotes:
Wiggins Lift Co.: sales@wigginslift.com | +1 (805) 485-7821
Toyota Material Handling: Request a quote via dealer
Maintenance Considerations
Boat forklifts require specialized maintenance:
Regular hydraulic fluid checks – Marine environments stress hydraulic systems
Corrosion inspections – Saltwater damage is the #1 killer of marina equipment
Tire replacement – Pneumatic tires wear faster on paved marina surfaces
Engine servicing – Diesel engines need regular oil and filter changes
Conclusion
A boat forklift is one of the most significant investments a marina or boatyard can make. Whether you choose a new Wiggins Marina Bull, a Toyota High-Capacity Marina Forklift, or a used TOPWIN Boatlifter from auction, the key is matching the machine’s capacity, lift height, and maneuverability to your specific operation.
Request quotes from multiple manufacturers, inspect used equipment thoroughly, and always factor in maintenance and corrosion protection when calculating total cost of ownership.