Model: 4-Person, 1000-pound capacity, with an extra wide car
Track: 125' 2-pitch lift, 100’ @ 25° and 25' @ 39°
Area: Lake Muskoka, Muskoka
Year: 2019
We first looked at this property in 2012 and had to wait for other projects to be completed. After considering multiple routes between multiple possible stations over the years, this year we built this 2-pitch lift than runs from the edge of a main deck to the side of the dock.
To decide the final track line we try to look at all the conditions the completed lift will need to meet to be dynamically integrated into the cottage and cottage activities. This corner of a main cottage deck was both central and out of the way and it made the perfect place to locate the upper station. Our goal was to set the upper station as close to the back left corner as we could.
This overview, taken from an upper deck, shows how well the lift fits into the deck. Shorline Construction renewed the decking, Excel Enclosures provided the railings, and McMorran Electric provided the branch line to power the lift. When they were complete we integrated the lift control buttons and associated wiring into the gate posts. Because the top of the track was very close the ground, we had to mount the lift control panel in it’s own housing and off to the side.
Because this station platform is not high off the ground, the owner opted to not interlock the gate with the lift. On 2-pitch lifts we normally recommend interlocking both gates but here the second pitch is short and there’s a direct line of sight between the stations, so interlocks aren’t essential.
The dock was nearly perfectly lined up to become the lower station without any modifications so we set the track close enough for a comfortable step yet far enough away to not touch the dock. A wheelchair could easily navigate the gap if that were necessary. The 24 VDC lift control wires run up the middle of the button box post and we integrated the buttons into the post. This lift has 2 station buttons, a STOP button, and a PARK button that sends the car up the hill and automatically stops it after 20’, keeping it handy and out of harms way.
Looking up the track to the cottage. Although the steeper lower section is short, a 2-pitch lift was needed to keep the track legs entirely on the shore. It also keeps the station near the shoreline and minimizes the intrusion of the lift on the dock and the chances of damaging the ;lift with a boat.
It’s always great to not have to climb the stairs.