Craftlander VH‑4500 Hydraulic Vertical Boat Lift
4,500‑lb Capacity | 60″ Vertical Travel |120″ Beam
Premium Performance Meets Everyday Reliability
The Craftlander VH‑4500 Hydraulic Vertical Boat Lift is engineered for boat owners who demand speed, strength, and quiet operation. With a 4,500‑lb lift capacity and a rapid 30‑second rise time, this hydraulic system provides true push‑button convenience — perfect for heavy aluminum fishing boats, mid‑size fiberglass models, and pontoons.
This hydraulic vertical design eliminates the strain and time associated with manual or cable‑only lifts, giving you consistent, smooth performance even in deep‑water or fluctuating shorelines.
Key Specifications
- Lift Capacity: 4,500 lbs
- Vertical Travel: 60″
- Rise Time: Approx. 30 seconds*
- Inside Beam Width: 120″
- Design Type: Hydraulic Vertical (Cable‑Assisted)
- Ideal For: Aluminum fishing rigs, mid‑size fiberglass boats, and pontoons
- Includes 30 watt solar panel, requires Group 31 Deep Cycle Battery
High‑Output Hydraulic System
Craftlander’s advanced hydraulic package is purpose‑built for heavy use in real‑world marine environments. The result is fast, quiet, and dependable lift performance with minimal maintenance.
Key Hydraulic Features:
- High‑pressure hydraulic pump optimized for vertical operation
- Smooth, cable‑driven lift with no jerking, binding, or twisting
- Reinforced hydraulic lines with protected routing away from impact zones
- Quiet, efficient performance — perfect for residential docks or marinas
- Sealed, low‑maintenance components for long‑term durability
- Battery‑ready and solar‑compatible for off‑grid operation
Built for Extreme Shorelines
Whether your dock sits in deep water, fluctuating levels, or steep approaches, the VH‑4500 delivers consistent, push‑button convenience. Its design provides smooth vertical travel that keeps your boat stable in variable conditions.
Why Choose a Hydraulic Vertical Lift:
- True vertical motion for deeper or variable depths
- Faster lift cycles than standard cable‑only systems
- Fewer moving parts — reduced maintenance
- High torque to handle tough lake conditions
- Quiet, premium operation at every use
Warranty & Support
- Manufactured by: NuCraft Metal Products (Michigan, USA)
- Brand: Craftlander
- Support: Backed by NuCraft & Authorized Craftlander Dealer Network
🚤 Customization Options
Extension Legs
- Standard Legs (54″) – Provide 38″ of height adjustment and is for water depths up to 7 ft.
- Deep Water Legs (72″) – Provide 53″ of height adjustment and is for depths up to 8.5 ft, with reinforced extrusion 1/4″ thick.
Boat Support Kits
This hoist can be outfitted with a range of support hardware options designed to accommodate different watercraft hull configurations. Each boat support option includes a complete hardware kit that mounts directly to the lift’s moving cradle, providing secure contact and support for your vessel.
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Standard 10′ Vinyl / Aluminum Hull Bunk Kit
This bunk configuration is well-suited for single-hull watercraft, including flat-bottom, round-bottom, and shallow-V hull designs. Each Vinyl/Aluminum Bunk Kit includes two individual aluminum extrusion bunk rails, covered with a durable, non-abrasive vinyl surface that gently supports the hull.
The maintenance-free design eliminates the need for carpeted lumber bunks and prevents the buildup of lake sediment. Adjustable mounting brackets allow the bunks to be positioned across the cradle, enabling a customized fit for your specific boat. |
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Ski 12′ Vinyl / Aluminum Hull Bunk Kit
This bunk configuration is designed for single-hull watercraft and is similar to the Standard bunk option. However, the Ski version provides additional height clearance above the cradle beam, allowing the tracking skegs—fins located on the underside of many ski and wakeboard boats—to clear the cradle when entering or exiting the lift.
This setup is ideal for Deep-V and Ski/Wake style hull designs. Each kit includes two individual aluminum extrusion bunk rails, covered with a durable, non-abrasive vinyl surface that gently supports the hull. The bunks are maintenance-free and resist trapping lake sediment, unlike traditional carpeted wood bunks. |
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Pontoon Rack
This configuration is designed for pontoon and tritoon boat styles. When properly set up, it provides one of the easiest and most reliable methods for positioning a pontoon on a vertical lift.
The Pontoon Rack Kit includes four vertical, cradle-mounted aluminum assemblies arranged in pairs. A set of 2″ × 10″ × 14′ non-treated lumber boards (not included) span between each pair of assemblies, creating sturdy support surfaces that lift from beneath the deck of your pontoon or tritoon.
This proven design has been widely used for many years, valued for its simplicity, durability, and user-friendly operation. |
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Vinyl / Aluminum Pontoon Saddle Bunk Kit
Available in 12′ lengths, this configuration is ideal for pontoon and tritoon watercraft. Each kit includes two sets of aluminum extrusion bunk rails covered with a durable, non-abrasive vinyl surface, along with two sets of saddle brackets that allow the bunks to span between the lift’s I-beams. This design ensures a precise fit for the round pontoons of your watercraft.
For tritoon boats, an additional set of bunks can be added— to ensure full and even support.
The Vinyl/Aluminum Saddle Bunks are completely maintenance-free and resist trapping lake sediment, unlike older-style carpeted wood bunks. When properly installed, each set mounts on the exterior of the cradle, supporting the underside of the pontoons securely and evenly. |
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Tritoon Vinyl / Aluminum Triple Bunk Kit
This configuration is specifically designed for tritoon watercraft. The kit includes three 12′ Vinyl/Aluminum bunk sets for the outer pontoons and the center pontoon, providing complete and balanced support across all three toons.
The Vinyl/Aluminum Bunks feature durable aluminum extrusion rails covered with a non-abrasive vinyl surface that protects the pontoon hulls during loading and unloading. These bunks are maintenance-free and do not trap lake sediment, unlike traditional carpeted wood bunks.
When properly installed, this system delivers secure, full-length support for all three pontoons, ensuring smooth operation and reliable protection for your vessel. |
Loading Guide Options
Loading Guides are optional accessories that can be added to your lift at any time. They are highly recommended for boaters who operate in rough or windy conditions or for inexperienced drivers who need added assistance when docking.
These guides are designed to make entering and exiting the lift easier by providing a visual and physical alignment aid. They help keep your boat centrally positioned within the hoist frame, reducing the chance of contact with the lift structure and ensuring a smooth, controlled loading experience.
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15′ Heavy-Duty Vertical Load Guides
Craftlander’s New Vertical Load Guides measure 15 feet in length and feature six or eight rigid aluminum uprights with durable PVC covers. Each upright can be easily attached anywhere along the side rail, offering flexible configuration to suit different boat sizes and styles.
Vertical load guides provide contact where your boat’s hull is designed to handle impact, offering superior protection during docking. This kit is specifically engineered to fit a 4-inch I-beam, making it compatible with Craftlander vertical lifts ranging in capacity from 2,500 to 8,000 lbs. These guides work exceptionally well with larger wakeboard and ski boats. |
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Full-Length Carpeted Side Guides
The Full-Length Carpeted Loading Guides utilize four heavy-duty aluminum upright brackets that attach to the hoist’s I-beam. These brackets support carpeted lumber rails reinforced with steel backer plates, which span the entire length of the hoist on both interior sides.
The carpeted rails serve as centering aids to help properly position your watercraft on the lift. However, this guide option is not recommended for watercraft featuring side hull decals, as direct contact with carpeted surfaces may cause decal damage. |
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12′ Pontoon Guide-Ons
Crafted from vinyl and aluminum, these 12-foot Pontoon Guide-Ons are an excellent parking assist accessory. They create a protective barrier between your pontoon or tritoon and the interior lift framework, helping to prevent accidental hull contact.
Ideal for beginners or those in windy or high-wake areas, these guides run the full length of the lift from front to rear, extending slightly beyond each end of the frame for enhanced coverage and alignment assistance. |
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Foam Post Centering Guides
The Foam Post Centering Guide is one of the most traditional and widely used guide systems. Mounted at the four corners of the lift platform, these guides feature soft foam-covered posts that gently contact the boat’s hull to maintain proper centering.
Available in sets of four, these guides are safe and effective for virtually any style of watercraft, offering a reliable solution for smooth, stress-free loading in all conditions. |