Floe VSD7500 User manual

Visit our website at www.floeintl.com
Read and follow all safety rules and operating instructions
carefully before attempting to install or operate lift system.
ATTENTION ATTENTION ATTENTION
OWNER’S MANUAL
VSD6000, VSD7500 & VSD10000
24 Volt DC / 120 Volt AC
Boat Lift Systems
(patented Easy-Level leg system)
Retain this manual for future reference.
03/27/14

Please retain this manual for future reference
CONTENTS
Important Safety Information............................................ 2
Letter from Wayne Floe .................................................. 2
Important Safeguards ...................................................... 4
Boat Lift Capacities .......................................................... 5
Is your lift’s capacity adequate for your boat? ............ 6
Boat Lift Dimensional Specifications................................ 7
Drive Train & Ball Screw .................................................. 8
Power System.................................................................. 8
Electrical Connection Panel ............................................ 8
Batteries & Charging Options .................................... 9-10
Wired Remote & Optional Wireless Remote .............. 12
Lowering Lift Manually ................................................ 13
Leveling Boat Lift ............................................................ 13-14
Boat Lift Installation & Removal Options ........................ 15
Boat Lift Wheel Kits .................................................... 15
Float & Roll.................................................................. 16
Full Length Bunk Set Up.................................................. 17
Determining Proper Width .......................................... 17
Determining Proper Height.......................................... 17
2
Vertical Guide-In Selection & Adjustment ........................ 18
Selecting Guides ........................................................ 18
Adjusting Guides ........................................................ 18
Boat Placement/Motor Stop ............................................ 19
Proper Canopy Frame Positioning .................................. 20-21
Canopy Fabric Installation .............................................. 20-21
Canopy Wind Precaution ................................................ 21
Canopy Fabric Removal .................................................. 21
Canopy Fabric Folding Instructions ................................ 22
Canopy Fabric Care & Cleaning ...................................... 22
Optional Canopy Lighting Package ................................ 23
Inspections & Maintenance.............................................. 23-25
VSD pre-installation check list ........................................ 27
VSD-7500 Exploded View................................................ 28-29
VSD-7500 Parts List ........................................................ 30
Warranty .......................................................................... 31-33
It may also be beneficial to view the lift portion of FLOE’s
marine video, “A Look Into FLOE Dock & Lift Systems.”
Dear Friend,
Congratulations on the purchase of your new FLOE Boat Lift! Like
you, I enjoy many kinds of waterfront activities, and I know that to have
fun I need to keep my boat secure, protected, and accessible. Through my
years of experience, I’ve learned how boat lifts should not only protect
your watercraft investment, but also be convenient and easy to use -
and I have developed them accordingly.
The fact that you purchased a FLOE boat lift tells me that you
research a product thoroughly. You will find a FLOE boat lift has many innovative features that will ensure
years of dependable service, satisfaction, and enjoyment.
Because your FLOE boat lift is engineered to lift and support a tremendous amount of weight, it is
critical that you operate it safely. Anyone who operates this lift must read the entire owner’s manual before
operating the lift to make sure they are able to operate it properly and enjoy all of its features to the fullest.
See you on the water!
Wayne Floe , CEO - FLOE International
DOCK & BOAT LIFT SYSTEMS

3
While operating the lift, keep all body parts ,long
hair, loose clothing and jewelry away from all
moving parts, including (but not limited to) the
drive-train mechanism, cables, pulleys and lift
platform.
Be sure the lift cradle is completely lowered
before any adjustments or repairs are made to the
winch or drive-train mechanism.
Always keep all people clear of the boat lift
support structure and lifting cradle. Never swim or
play near a boat lift, even if it is not being
operated.
Make sure the boat lift is completely clear of
people or other obstructions prior to operating. Do
not operate a boat lift with people inside the boat.
Never operate a boat lift with protective cover
removed from drive train system.
Never allow anyone on or under this lift system,
especially while it is being operated, or it is
supporting the weight of a watercraft.
Stay clear of boat lift when someone is entering
or exiting the lift with a boat. Never try to assist
the boat’s direction while it is in motion (either
from inside or outside the boat).
Never work on or make adjustments to boat,
boat lift or boat lift accessories while the lift is
supporting the weight of the boat.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
Read and follow all safety rules and operating instructions carefully
before attempting to install and operate lift system
DANGER CAUTION
WARNING
You will be killed or seriously injured if
you don’t follow instructions.
You can be killed or seriously injured if
you don’t follow instructions.
Failure to take appropriate action
could result in mechanical failure,
product damage and/or
cause serious injury or potential death.
Your safety and the safety of others is very important. We have
provided many important safety messages in this manual and on
your lift system. Always read and obey all safety messages.
If you do not understand any of these instructions,
please ask your dealer or call FLOE Customer Service at
218-426-3563 or toll free 800-336-6337.
This is the safety alert symbol. This symbol alerts you to
hazards that can cause serious injury or potential death to
you and others, plus damage to the lift system. All safety
messages will be preceded by the safety alert symbol and
the word “DANGER”, “CAUTION” or “WARNING.”
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
All safety messages will identify the hazard and tell you how to reduce the chance of injury.
DANGER
CAUTION
WARNING

Lift must be assembled and installed properly or
mechanical failure and possible injury may occur.
Never overload a boat lift. See
capacities/specifications for important
information regarding the boat’s actual weight
and boat lift capacity limitations.
If watercraft is open to the accumulation of rain
water, be sure boat’s drain plug is pulled.
Additional water weight may cause the maximum
lift capacity to be exceeded, resulting in potential
lift damage or bodily injury.
Never operate a boat lift that is not level. Under
normal conditions a boat lift operates under
extreme force. When the lift is not level, these
forces are greatly multiplied and bodily injury or
damage to the lift can result.
Perform all inspections and maintenance on a
regular basis. Replace any worn parts
immediately to avoid potential lift failure. Ensure
all pulleys are operating properly and that all
cables and their attach points are secure and free
of excessive wear and fraying. See Inspections &
Maintenance section for all important details.
Never lift a tour boat with water filled ballast bags.
This extra weight will overload the lift.
WARNING
Bodily injury or damage to lift system may result
if installation or removal of this lift is attempted
without first reading and understanding the
installation and removal section of this manual.
If this unit is equipped with a canopy, severe wind
damage may occur if the lift is not securely held
down to the lake bottom by screw anchors or by
some other means.
FLOE lift systems have not been tested in
brackish or salt water conditions. Lift failures due
to installations in brackish or salt water locations
will not be covered by FLOE’s warranty. FLOE
will not be responsible for incidental or
consequential damages resulting from these
installations.
Never install the lift system in a body of water
whereas either the rising water or wave action
will not always flow under the main lift beam. For
example, do not install lift in bodies of water with
significant water fluctuation or large water bodies
that have excessive wave action.
The electrical system is not designed to be
substantially saturated, immersed or submerged
in water. FLOE will not be responsible for
incidental or consequential damages resulting
from electrical damages in these situations.
This manual is intended to serve as an owner’s use and maintenance guide for a lift that has been
properly assembled by a qualified, trained professional. Detailed assembly instructions
are packaged with the lift systems.
If the boat lift system is not assembled, installed, or operated properly, mechanical failure,
as well as serious injury or death, could result. See to it that all users understand
that this lift system is a piece of heavy equipment that requires the use of good
judgement and the knowledge of its dangers and limitations.
4

All dealers should have reviewed the checklist below with retail customers upon
purchase of a boat lift. If they did not cover this, retail customers must review
thoroughly and understand the statements below.
Certificate of
Boat Lift Pre-Delivery
Date of Purchase ______/______/______ Boat Lift Model ______________________________________
Customer Delivery: Each item must be initialed by the selling dealer upon sale.
______ I understand that the boat lift must be properly assembled and must be tested prior to use with a boat.
______ I understand that a serious injury or death could occur if a boat lift is overloaded, not correctly assembled,
installed, maintained or not used properly.
______ I was given an owner’s manual and I promise to read and understand it before using the boat lift.
______ I understand that it is my responsibility to get clarification on anything in the owner’s manual that I don’t fully
understand before using the lift system.
______ I understand that I must educate all persons who will be around or using my boat lift as to how to do so safely.
______ I understand that people must stay clear of the boat lift when it is supporting the weight of the boat. No one
should ever swim under it, be on it, in the boat, or in any position that could cause harm to them if the lift were
to suddenly drop.
______ I understand safe operation of the lift requires people to stay clear of moving parts and pinch points.
______ I understand that a boat lift should never be overloaded under any circumstance. A boats published dry weight
is usually substantially lower than its actual loaded weight. Your boat should be weighed with fuel, water,
batteries and contents in order to know its actual weight.
______ I understand the total capacity of the boat lift is equal to the combination load limit of the two main end lift
beams. For instance, a lift with a 5,000 pound capacity has a load limit of 2,500 per lift end beam.
______ I understand that a 5,000 pound total boat weight could easily over-load one of the main lift beams on a 5,000
pound capacity lift. For instance, if the boat was positioned so that one main lift beam supported
3,000 pounds and the other only supported 2,000 pounds, the lift would be over-loaded. For this reason, FLOE
recommends that your total loaded boat weight doesn’t exceed 85% of the lifts rated capacity and that you
locate and place the boat’s center of gravity (balance point) in the center of the two lift beams.
______ I understand that the boat lift needs to be installed level and must be kept level while it is in use. A lift that isn’t
level will have a reduced lifting capacity of 5% per 1” of being out of level.
______ I understand that I need to pull the drain plug on my boat if it is subject to water accumulation as this could
easily overload the boat lift.
______ I understand that I should never lift my boat if it has been swamped or has any significant additional water
weight in it that will overload the boat lift’s capacity.
______ I understand that if my lift is equipped with a canopy it must be properly secured or it could blow over and
cause damage not covered under warranty.
______ I understand that I must discontinue using the lift immediately and contact my FLOE dealer if any unusual
sounds or functionality are present.
______ I understand I must follow all inspection and maintenance procedures as outlined in my owner’s manual.
Selling Dealership Name__________________________________________________________________________
Selling Dealership Signature_______________________________________________________________________
Print Name
Customer Signature______________________________________________________________________________
Print Name
5

LIFT CAPACITIES
It’s recommended that the total loaded weight of the water
craft doesn’t exceed 75 to 85% of the total lift capacity.
The total capacity of a lift is the combined capacity of each
of the boat lifts two main lifting beams.
Never exceed the weight capacity of either main lift beam.
For instance a 5,000 `lb capacity boat lift is limited to 2,500
lbs for each main lift beam. It is very easy for a 4,000 lb
boat to exceed the capacity of a 5,000 lb boat by not
parking on the lift in the correct position.
BEFORE PUTTING A BOAT ON THE LIFT YOU NEED
TO KNOW THREE VERY IMPORTANT THINGS:
1. Determine the total loaded boat weight?
Weigh your boat loaded with fuel, water and everything in
that you could ever have in it when it is parked on the boat
lift. Not all manufacturers published boat weights are
accurate because they don’t account for motors, gear, fuel,
water, etc.
2. Determine the boats center of gravity or CG?
A boat’s CG is the location under the boat hull which the
boat will balance if sitting on a narrow object. Your dealer
or the manufacturer of the boat should be able to help you
locate the boat’s CG. Be sure that the motor and gear
weight have been taken into consideration.
See Illustration A.
Illustration A: above shows the boat’s balance point of
center of gravity (CG).
3. The boat should be parked so that the boat’s CG or
balance point is centered between the two main lift beams.
See Illustration B.
Illustration B: shows the boats center of gravity (CG)
centered between the two main lift beams the fact that
each of the lift beams is supporting the same amount of
weight.
Once you know that your boat is well within the boat lifts
rated capacity and the location of the boat’s CG develop a
positioning method that will ensure that all users of the
boat lift will park with the Boat’s CG in the center of the lift.
Here are a couple of suggestions to do this consistently:
· Use a motor stop.
· Note the proper location of the boat on the lift
and use some sort of marking system or labels.
· If equipped with canopy, center the canopy over
the boat when the boat’s CG is in the center of
the lift, park with the boat centered under the
canopy.
· You can even hang an object such as a tennis
ball so it just touches the windshield when the
boat is properly positioned.
If your boat is not positioned properly, you can extremely
overload one of the main lifting beams. See Illustration C.
Illustration C: shows a boats center of gravity improperly
positioned so that it extremely overloads one of the main
lifting beams.
Never exceed the lift’s rated capacity. Doing so
could cause structural/mechanical failure and
serious injury or death.
WARNING
6

The best and most accurate way to determine
whether the lift’s capacity is adequate is to log
onto FLOE’s website, www.floeintl.com, and click
on the Boat Lift Selector program. This program
will calculate optimal boat positioning and guide
you to the best lift selection for your boat. It even
has a link that will help you determine the weight
of your craft. Your dealer can also assist you in
making the best choice.
The following simple exercise is a second, but
less accurate way, to manually determine the
lift capacity needed for your boat:
1. Obtain the boat’s actual total weight including
motor, fuel, water, equipment, accessories,
etc.
2. Subtract the weight of the motor and fuel from
this number.
3. Take the boat’s weight, (the result of step 2),
divide it in half and add the weight of the
motor and fuel to that number. This number
is the approximate weight that the rear lift
beam will need to support.
4. Take this number and multiply by two. This
will equal the approximate minimum rated lift
capacity needed for the boat.
For instance: If the boat is an I/O that has a total
loaded weight of 2900 lbs. and the fuel, motor and
lower unit weigh approx. 800 lbs. it would be
calculated as follows:
• 2900 - 800 = a boat only weight of 2100 lbs.
• 2100 / 2 = 1050 lbs. This is the approximate
boat weight that will be supported by each lift
beam (not including motor and fuel).
• 1050 + 800 = 1850. This is the approximate
actual weight that the rear beam will need to
support.
• 1850 x 2 = 3700. This is the minimum overall
boat lift capacity needed.
This example does not include any additional
hardware or accessories that would affect the
capacity needed.
CRADLE
LIFT BEAM 1
VSD-7500
Each lift beam has a total
capacity of 3750 lbs.
Fig. 1
If watercraft is open to the accumulation of rain water, be sure
boat’s drain plug is pulled. Additional water weight may cause
the maximum lift capacity to be exceeded, resulting in potential
lift damage or bodily injury.
You must weigh your boat fully loaded, including fuel, gear, etc.
to get its accurate weight. It is common for published dry
weights to be considerably lower than actual loaded weights.
Lift and/or boat damage due to overloading is not covered by
your warranty.
EACH LIFT BEAM IS RATED TO SUPPORT ONE-HALF
OF THE LIFT’S TOTAL CAPACITY.
CRADLE
LIFT BEAM 2
WARNING
WARNING
HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOUR
LIFT’S TOTAL CAPACITY IS
ADEQUATE FOR YOUR BOAT
This is a guideline only. It is the operator’s responsibility to ensure capacities are not exceeded.
VSD-7500
Each lift beam has a total
capacity of 3750 lbs.
VSD-10000
Each lift beam has a total
capacity of 5000 lbs.
VSD-6000
Each lift beam has a total
capacity of 3000 lbs.
7

Top of Main Cradle
Lift Beam lowers
down to 11.5” (6000)
11.5” (7500) or
15” (10000) above
the lake bottom with
legs fully retracted.
LIFT DIMENSIONAL SPECIFICATIONS
Max. Inside Width of Guide-ins
6000 = 115.5” / 7500 = 103.5” / 10000 = 115”
Max. Inside Width of Guide-ins with
Double Vertical Style Only
7500 = 107” / 10000 = 119”
6000 = 119”
0 - 35”
Leveling Leg
Travel with
Extensions*
* Deep water extensions available. **Does not include the weight of the bunks, guides, or other accessories.
Bed travel for
6000 = 60”
7500 = 60”
10000 = 52”
Leveling Leg
Travel with
Standard Legs
Frame Length
(from one main lift
beam to the other)
6000 = 126.5”
7500 = 126.5”
10000 = 162.5”
MODEL/ DRIVE BUNKS BED INSIDE OUTSIDE FRAME
CAPACITY TRAIN TRAVEL WIDTH WIDTH LENGTH
VSD-6000 Screw-Drive Cradle Pads 60” 132” 140” 126.5”
VSD-7500 Screw-Drive Cradle Pads 60” 119” 128" 126.5”
VSD 10000 Screw-Drive Cradle Pads 52” 132” 140” 162.5”
MODEL/ LEVELING TRAVEL CANOPY GUIDE-IN MAX INSIDE WEIGHT**
CAPACITY LEG WITH OPTION OPTIONS WIDTH WITH
TRAVEL EXTENSIONS* GUIDE-INS
VSD-6000 0 -35” 21.5 - 48.5” 24’, 26’, vertical 115.5” 747 lbs.
28’, 30’, 32’ double vertical 119”
VSD-7500 0 - 35” 21.5 - 48.5” 24’, 26’, vertical 103.5” 731 lbs.
28’, 30’, 32’ double vertical 107”
VSD-10000 0 - 35” 21.5 - 48.5” 28’, 30’, 32’, 36’ vertical 115.5” 1,010 lbs.
double vertical 119”
21.5 -
48.5”
Outside Frame Width
7500 = 128” / 10000 = 140”
6000 = 140”
Outside edge of sandpad to
outside edge of sand pad: VSD
7500=135”, VSD10000=147”
8

ADVANCED SWITCH CONTROL (ASC)
The Advanced Switch Control (ASC) (Fig. 4) is located on a
separate box. It is designed to allow for easy hook up of
standard and optional components as well as the resetting
of tripped circuits.
• The black wire is for the limit switch.
• The blue wire is for the wired remote/key switch.
• The yellow wire is for the wireless receiver.
The resetable circuit breakers are designed to trip if there is
a short in the wires. The DC version has one reset for the
radio remote receiver and the optional flood lights. The AC
version has two resets, one for the radio remote receiver
and optional flood lights and the
other reset is for the drive motor.
If one trips you can reset it by
pressing in the reset button. If it
continuously trips refer to the
trouble shooting section of this
book. (Fig. 5)
Fig. 4 Advanced Switch Control (ASC). Top image is a 24
volt DC powered unit.
Fig. 2
Drive Train
(Power Unit &
Ball Screw)
When operated, the motor turns the ball-screw, allowing the
ball-nut to travel back and forth along the screw. This raises
and lowers the lift, as shown in Fig. 3.
Rotating
Screw
Ball Nut
Stainless
Steel Lifting
Cable
The drive train simply spins the
screw so that the ball nut travels
back and forth as it pulls the
lifting cable.
DRIVE TRAIN & BALL SCREW
This boat lift is equipped with FLOE’s exclusive Vertical
Screw Drive (VSD) drive train technology. The VSD system
replaces the common winch style drive-train common to
most boat lifts. It uses DC or AC powered, high-torque
electric motor along with a ball-screw and ball-nut
mechanism. See Fig 2.
Maintenance and trouble-shooting tips for the exclusive
drive-train system are addressed later in this manual.
This efficient drive train has enabled FLOE to design a lift
for mid-sized boats that is easily powered by a 24-Volt
battery system or a 120-Volt AC power system, and to
develop a line of optional accessories to keep the
batteries charged effortlessly.
To prepare your VSD lift for operation, you should first
understand the basics for setting up the electrical features
of the lift, and especially the importance of the limit switch
safety feature.
24 volt DC
DC
Limit Switch Magnet
Reset
BLUE WIRE
Wired Remote
BLACK WIRE
Limit Switch
YELLOW WIRE
Wireless Receiver
Fig. 5
9

CONNECTING THE BATTERIES
The DC lift comes standard with two battery trays and
plastic battery boxes as well as the wiring kit to connect
them to the lift’s control panel.
The two 12-Volt batteries connect together in series to
create a 24-Volt system. It is important that the two deep-
cycle batteries are connected to the cables leading from the
electrical connection/circuit breaker panel exactly as shown
in Fig. 7 below. This 24-Volt system will reduce the
amperage draw on the batteries, and maximize battery life.
CHARGING THE BATTERIES
In order to achieve peak lift performance and maximum
battery life, the batteries must be properly charged and
maintained. If batteries are run down or faulty, the lift
system will either move very slowly or not at all.
Fig. 7 - 24 Volt System
All battery and motor connections must be corrosion free
and tight. If not maintained properly, excessive heat will
be generated which can melt the connections.
WARNING
Batteries that are improperly connected can cause
damage to the lift system, the batteries, and a potential
explosion.
WARNING
SELECTING THE BATTERIES
FOR 24-VOLT DC MODELS
Batteries are not
included with the lift
system. The
recommended batteries
(Fig. 6) are two 12-Volt,
deep-cycle, Group 27
(case size), with 600 cold
cranking amps and stud
post terminals with wing
nuts (lead top posts). An
Interstate SRM-27 meets
this criteria. Fig. 6 Recommended Battery
Fig. 8 Battery
Boxes & Trays
(Note how cabling
from drive train
control panel is
neatly stowed and
completely
contained within the
battery boxes.)
Keep the cables from the connection panel inside the
battery boxes by running them through the first box, and
then into the second. The white battery interconnect
wire should also be contained within the boxes.
120 VOLT AC WARNING
For the AC
power
connection
please
contact a
licensed
electrical
contractor
to ensure
a safe
connection.
You must have
120v/20amp service to the connection on VSD drive train.
CHECK THE FOLLOWING TO ENSURE PROPER
OPERATION OF THE ELECTRIC MOTOR DRIVE...
Electrical System:
1. Power wires to the batteries & motor are properly
connected, corrosion free & tight.
2. Batteries are fully charged. When tested a 12 volt
battery will have between 12.7 and 13.8 volts.
3. Limit Switch is connected to 13-in. plug.
4. Wired Remote/Key Switch is connected to 10-in. plug.
5. Wireless Receiver (optional) is connected to 7-in. plug.
Important: • Test the upper & lower limit switches before
initial use and seasonally to ensure the drive motor shuts
off automatically before coming to a hard stop. Test by
approaching the upper & lower cradle positions cautiously
with quick on/off triggers of the remote.
• If any portion of the electrical system is submerged,
please refer to the owner’s manual for corrective action.
Cable Note: Ensure that cradle travels freely to the
bottom of the lift and keeps tension on lifting cable at all
times.
10

REPLACING BATTERIES
Always replace both batteries at the same time with the
same size, brand, and preferably the same lot number.
Unmatched batteries and from different lots will cause a
constant drain on the batteries and shorten the life of the
batteries.
SEASONAL BATTERY STORAGE
Fully charge the battery according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.
LIMIT SWITCH CONNECTION AND
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The VSD system is equipped with automatic upper and
lower magnetic safety limit switches. The magnets for
these switches are mounted to the ball nut and travel with
it along the rotating ball screw (see Fig. 3 on page 6).
The limit switches are contained within an aluminum
housing as shown in Fig. 12.
As the ball nut and its magnets pass over a limit switch,
the magnetic force trips the switch. Once a limit switch is
triggered, it prevents the drive-train system from going
beyond its normal extended or retracted travel limits.
Exceeding these limits will cause severe damage to the
lift or drive-train system.
Fig. 12 Limit Switch Housing
Charging Option #1
To charge the batteries with a 12-volt deep cycle charger,
remove the battery box lids to access the battery posts
and charge each battery individually, as you would
normally. Connect the charger’s positive (red) clamp to
the positive terminal on Battery #1, then connect the
negative (black) clamp to the negative terminal on Battery
#1. Repeat these steps for Battery #2.
Charging Option #2
To charge both batteries at once, use a 24-volt DC deep
cycle charger. A charger that meets this criteria is a
Schumacher SE-10MA 12/24 volt deep cycle charger,
which can be found at www.batteries.com. Follow these
simple steps:
Step 1: Remove the battery box lids. Connect the
charger’s positive (red) clamp to the positive post on
Battery #2. (See Fig. 7)
Step 2: Connect the negative (black) clamp to the
negative terminal of Battery #1. Charge the batteries
per manufacturers’ instructions for both the battery and
the charger.
Note: You will attach the charger’s clamps to the same
battery posts that the cables coming from the drive train
box control panel use. The same applies to the solar
panel hook-up shown in Fig. 10. Never attach the
connectors for the charger or solar panel to the same
battery terminals used by the white interconnect-
battery wire.
Charging Option #3 - To maintain battery charge with the
optional FLOE 24-Volt solar panels, mount panels per
included instructions and wire it to the batteries as shown
in Fig. 10. Be sure the panels faces the sun during peak
daylight hours. A solar panel provides continuous
charging on sunny
days. A 24V system is
shown in Fig 11. A
corner post mount is
also available for lifts
without canopy
systems.
NOTE: Solar panels
will only maintain a
charge on batteries.
Be sure batteries are
fully charged before
installing a solar panel.
When charging batteries, it is important to follow the
manufacturer’s instructions for both the battery and
charging systems to ensure that batteries are not
damaged by improper or over charging.
WARNING
Fig. 11
24 volt Solar Panel
To electronic
control box
To electronic
control box
Fig. 10
Solar Panel
& Battery
Diagram
SIDE VIEW
blackblack red
Battery boxes
include a built
in battery
condition
indicator to let
you know the
level of your
charge.
11

Never operate the lift if the limit switch housing is
removed, loose, or in any way disconnected. Doing so
can cause severe unwarranted damage to the lift and
serious personal injury or death.
WARNING
If the lift should raise or lower by itself without operating
the remote control, disconnect the battery cable ring
connectors from the battery posts immediately, if you
are able to do so without the risk of injury. Contact
your local dealer or FLOE International, Inc.
CAUTION
RAISING AND LOWERING THE
MAIN CRADLE LIFT BEAMS
Before raising or lowering the main cradle lift beams, it is
important that you understand how to operate the remotes,
what to do should the remotes fail, and how to ensure that
the lift is both level and in adequate water depth. Please
read the safety statements and information in this section
carefully before connecting power to the lift and operating it
for the first time.
If the lift is equipped with a canopy, it is important to stop
raising the boat before it or or any accessories make
contact with the canopy frame or fabric. NOTE: Many boats
have plug-in style bow and stern lights that while plugged in
are higher than the rest of the boat. Be sure these are
removed when entering or exiting the lift or lowered prior to
lifting the boat to its normal raised position.
Never allow anyone on or under this lift system, especially
while it is being operated or supporting the weight of a
watercraft.
DANGER
WARNING
Prior to entering or exiting the lift with your boat, you must
first ensure that the lift’s bunk system is lowered far enough
so that no boat hull contact is made with the bunk system.
Powering on or off the bunk system can cause severe
damage not covered by the warranty. See Fig. 14a.
Fig. 14b Do not let cradle lift beam act as a wave-
break!
When the main cradle lift beams are in their lowered
position on a properly leveled lift in adequate water depth,
the boat floats free of the bunks as it enters or leaves the
lift. (See Fig. 14a). When determining required water
depth, take wavy conditions into consideration. There
should be no chance of the boat hull lifting up on a wave
and dropping down onto the bunks. Guidance on bunk
placement is addressed in more detail on page 17.
To maintain the optimum water level for proper lift
operation, the minimum water depth is 31” and the
maximum is 81” for the VSD 7500 & 10,000 models. And
a minimum of 29.5” with the maximum of 69” for all other
vertical and VSD lifts.
Fig. 14a Properly Leveled
Lift in Adequate Water Depth
(no friction from hull hitting bunks)
Never work on or make adjustments to boat, boat lift, or
boat lift accessories while the lift is supporting the weight
of the boat.
DANGER
Stay clear of boat lift when someone is entering or exiting
the lift with a boat. Never try to assist the boat’s direction
while it is in motion (either from inside or outside the boat).
DANGER
Waves or spray from waves should not
hit motor. Warranty is void if motor is
covered with water.
Lift platform
has not
been raised
sufficiently.
Water is
hitting the
rear cradle
lifting
beam.
Fig. 13 Limit Switch 4 prong plug
The 4 prong limit switch
plugs into the electrical
connection black 4 prong
plug. Fig. 13
12

If the lift is equipped with a canopy system, the cord on
the remote should be attached with Velcro one-wrap to
the canopy upright tube and the canopy hoop.
Then run the cord forward from the frame’s midpoint, or
completely across the hoop, so that the pendant can be
located for easy access from either the boat or the dock.
(Fig. 17). Refer to the assembly instructions packaged
with the lift for details.
NOTE: If lift is not equipped with an optional canopy
system for routing the wires to the dock side and it does
not have the wireless remote option, the lift system
should be installed so that the electrical connection
panel is next to the dock.
CONNECTING AND
USING OPTIONAL
WIRELESS
REMOTE
An optional wireless remote
control (Fig. 18) will allow
operation of the lift from a
distance. This remote
includes a receiver,
mounting post and two
wireless transmitters. The wireless remote plugs into the 7-
in. yellow plug on the ASC.
For more details, see the assembly instructions.
Should the remote fail to perform properly these brief steps
will help to diagnose the problem.
1. Lift moves without buttons pushed. Unplug the
wireless remote and remove the batteries from the
transmitter. Plug the radio remote receiver back in, and if the
lift still moves, it is possible that the wireless receiver unit is
faulty. If the lift does not move, replace the batteries in the
transmitter to determine if it was transmitting when it should
not have been. Leave the battery out of any transmitter
determined to be faulty and contact your dealer.
2. Lift will not move when the transmitter button is
pushed. Check to ensure that the batteries in all
transmitters are good. If a transmitter has been dropped in
the water, dry it out or replace it. If the problem persists, it
may be due to radio interference in your area. When there
are two remotes and both are transmitting at the same time,
one signal will cancel out the other, even if the second
transmitter is for another lift.
The transmitter uses a CR2032 3-volt battery.
Fig. 18 Optional
Wireless Transmitter
WARNING
It is important that you never raise or lower the lift using
the wireless remote until you are sure no one is on or
near the lift.
CONNECTING AND
USING THE WIRED REMOTE
VSD lifts come standard with a wired remote control. The
remote plugs into the electrical connection panel. The wired
remote plugs into the 10-in. blue plug on the ASC. To raise
the lift, simply press the “UP” button, to lower the lift press
the “DOWN” button. (Fig. 16). The lift will stop automatically
when it reaches the end of its up or down travel limit or when
the button is released.
The wired remote is
weather resistant but not
waterproof and should
not be exposed to the
elements. Installation
under a canopy system
is recommended. If the
remote is not covered by
a canopy, unplug and
store indoors when not
in use. Turn the wired
remote to the off position
while storing the lift to
ensure power is not
being drawn from the
battery durng the off
season. NOTE: If the
remote is accidentally
submerged in water, to
avoid corrosion on the
contacts, it should be
taken apart and blown
out until it is dry.
Fig. 17 Velcro One-Wrap
Fig. 16 Wired Remote
VELCRO
REMOTE
PENDANT
WARNING
The main cradle lift beams should never act as a wave-
break. Make sure that the cradle lift platform is always
either raised high enough so that the waves pass under
it, or lowered completely beneath the water. Waves
breaking against the cradle lift beam will cause
unnecessary wear on the lift’s frame.
WARNING
• Submerging of the electronic components including the
electric motor in water may cause lift failure that is not
covered by warranty. • When properly installed the wave
action will flow under the main lift beams and not break
against them. This will ensure that the integrity of the lift
frame and electrical system will not be compromised.
13

INSTALLING AND LEVELING LIFT
EASY LEVEL™ LEVELING LEGS (patented)
FLOE vertical lifts come standard with FLOE’s exclusive
Easy-Level Leveling Leg. With the Easy-Level legs
you can effortlessly raise, level, or lower the lift without
getting in the water. Also, these legs allow for easy
adjustment if the lift should settle or if the water level
fluctuates measurably.
WARNING
Never adjust leveling legs (up or down) with a boat on the
lift. The added weight of the boat will apply extreme
pressure to the adjustment system causing potential
mechanical failure and/or serious bodily injury.
As you prepare to install and level the lift, keep in mind
how crucial it is to prevent a boat hull from rubbing or
hitting the bunks or lifting beams and causing undue
pressure on the lift frame. Read the warning below, and
refer back to Fig. 14a on page 11, which diagrams a
properly leveled lift in adequate water depth.
To raise or lower the lift frame, simply turn the nut inside
the leg as shown in Fig. 24. Turning clockwise will raise
the lift, counterclockwise will lower it. Use a 3/4” socket
with a socket wrench or a 14 volt (or larger) cordless drill
to adjust. Each of the four legs adjusts independently so
the lift can be perfectly leveled. As the lift is raised or
lowered, alternate among all four legs after 1-1/2” to 2” of
adjustment - similar to tightening lug nuts on a tire rim. If
the drill is working too hard, you
are lifting too much on an
individual leg and need to
proceed to the other legs.
For leveling leg adjustment
range, see boat lift
specifications, page 7. The
decal pictured in Fig. 24 and 25
has a useful measuring tape so
that you can see the water level
on each corner post. It is
important that the water level
reads the same on all four
corner posts. Once you
determine what leg extension
measurement works best for
your boat and lift, you can use a
waterproof marker to draw a line
at that point on the tape of one
corner post. This will be very
helpful in following seasons,
either for you or especially for a
hired installer who may be
unfamiliar with your boat,
shoreline, and lift.
Drill will come to a sudden stop when leg is fully
extended or retracted. When approaching the end of the
leg’s travel, reduce the speed of the drill. This will
prevent you from twisting your wrist or accidentally
dropping the drill. Do not use an impact wrench to adjust
as this will cause damage to the lift.
When positioning the lift it is important that it is placed in
adequate water depth (Fig. 14a on page 11). The cradle
must be lowered far enough for the boat to easily float on
and off without touching the lift bunks. If the boat hull
rubs on the bunks when entering or exiting the lift, the
horizontal forces can cause severe damage to the lift
and will void the warranty on affected components.
WARNING
Leveling Nut Fig. 24
Fig. 25
Measuring Tape
(being permanently
marked for next
year’s installation)
14

CAUTION
Be sure people and objects are clear of the lift and the
leveling leg during adjustment. As the lift is leveled, the
entire lift frame will move, causing the potential creation of
pinch points between the lift and dock system as well as
the sand pad and lake bottom.
Fig. 26 Cordless Drill with Socket Attachment
The 3/8” drive socket adapter bit shown in inset photo,
along with a 3/4” socket, will allow you to use a cordless
drill on the leveling nuts to lower or raise the lift’s legs.
FLOE TOOL KIT
FLOE has provided a kit with four tools for use with your
VSD boat lift.
1. Flush Style Grease Gun Tip (Fig. 27)
(for greasing the ball-screw mechanism)
2. 3/8” Drive Socket Adapter Bit (Fig. 28)
3. Limit Switch Bypass Test Plug (Fig. 31)
(See VSD Diagnostics on page 26 for instructions
on how to use the byass plug.)
The Velcro backed tool kit can be attached to the lift
frame, so that these tools are readily available when
needed. The kit is made from solution dyed polyseter and
has a fold-over flap to help protect these adapters from
the elements.
To attach the tool kit
Remove the adhesive protective paper from the back of
the vinyl pouch and place the tool kit on the corner post
as shown, see Fig. 30. Now the tools will be easy for you
or an installer to locate.
Fig. 30
WARNING
Never operate a boat lift that is not level. Under normal
conditions a boat lift operates under extreme force.
When the lift is not level, these forces are greatly
multiplied and bodily injury or damage to the lift can
result.
Fig. 27
Place tool
kit here
Fig. 28
Fig. 31
15

To install the lift with the optional wheel kits in place:
1. Raise the leveling legs so they are fully retracted with
a 14 volt (or larger) cordless drill or wrench and 3/4”
socket.
2. Once the weight of the lift is supported by the wheels,
roll the lift into position by hand, or pull it with a boat
using a “Y” cable harness. (Fig. 32 & 33)
3. Once the lift is in place, use a drill or wrench to lower
the leveling legs until the lift is level and the wheels
are off the bottom.
Boat Lift Wheel Kit. Two Pairs Shown
Fig. 31
BOAT LIFT WHEEL KITS
If the lift is in a location where it can be rolled straight in and
out, we recommend using two pair of optional wheel kits as
shown in Fig. 31 below. Attach wheel kits to lift frame
according to wheel kit assembly instructions included in
your boat lift wheel kit.
WARNING
The wheels must not touch the lake bottom once the lift
has been installed. The weight of the boat and lift must
be supported by the sand pads only.
CABLE & PULLEY SYSTEM
Boat lift wheel kits can be combined with the optional
Cable & Pulley System to enable you to harness the
power of a boat alone, or use in combination with an ATV,
winch, or other similar means, to install and remove your
lift. This system consists of “Y” harness cable
assemblies, which can be added to each side of the lower
lift frame (Fig. 33).
Fig. 33 Proper Pressure Distribution on
Lift Frame Using “Y” Cable Harness Set-Up
Never tie a rope, chain or cable to the center of a lift’s
frame beam. This can bend or break the beam. Always
use a “Y” cable harness set-up to more equally distribute
the pressure on the frame.
WARNING
The “Y” harness will distribute the weight on the frame of
the lift, so that you can then attach a cable, chain, or
rope of appropriate length from the harness to your
power source and pull the lift without damaging it.
Raise 2’
Fig. 32
Lift Being Pulled Into Lake By Boat -OR-
Being Pulled Into Shore By ATV to Remove
Do NOT attach
anything to pull
from here!
“Y” Harness
BOAT LIFT INSTALLATION
& REMOVAL OPTIONS
If the lift is in a climate where the lakes freeze during the
winter months, it may need to be installed and removed on
a seasonal basis. FLOE has several accessory options
designed to make this easier. With the exception of the boat
lift wheel kit system, these options will be mentioned only
briefly. Detailed assembly and use instructions will be
packaged with the lift accessories.
16

WARNING
When using any of the installation and removal
accessories with a power source (such as a boat, winch,
or ATV), if the lift does not move easily, do not force it.
Structural damage to the lift could result.
The Float & Roll comes standard with four molded tires,
and can either be used separately, or in conjunction with
two pairs of Boat Lift Wheel Kits. Although the boat lift
wheel kits are not required, the additional tires do not
interfere with the operation of the Float & Roll and will add
buoyancy when the lift is in the water.
A detailed instruction manual accompanies the optional
Float & Roll. Contact your dealer for additional information
on the Float & Roll, or any of the lift accessories. To see a
Float & Roll in use, view FLOE’s free marine VHS or DVD
video, “A Look Into FLOE Dock & Lift Systems.”
Fig. 35 Float & Roll
FLOAT & ROLL
The Float & Roll takes the concept behind the boat lift wheel
kit system a step farther. This system uses floats and
wheels to provide easy installation and removal of the boat
lift. It is especially useful if the lift must be floated into a slip
or cannot be simply rolled into position.
17

Never attempt to adjust the
bunk system (or any boat lift
component) with the weight of
the boat on it. Doing so could kill
or cause serious bodily injury
due to a fast dropping boat.
Adjust
vertically and
horizontally
If the lift is in shallow water and after final adjustment these tubes stick too far
below the main lift beam, they may need to be cut off flush so that they do not hit
the lake bottom and prevent the lift from lowering completely.
To adjust the width, loosen the
bolts on the lower part of the clamp
and slide it into position. Torque to
35 ft. lbs.
DANGER
Fig. 41
To adjust the height, loosen the
set bolt and raise the tube to the
proper location. Torque to 70 ft.
lbs.
Fig. 37 - Ideal bunk placement - Note
that the bunks are spread out to the
widest position on the boat hull. They sit
nicely into the contour of the hull and the
keel has plenty of clearance above the
main lift beam. If possible, this is the
most ideal bunk placement for non-
inboards.
BUNK SELECTION
& SET UP
FLOE offers two different lift bunk styles
to accommodate a wide variety of boat
hulls. Regardless of the style you select,
it is important that you follow two
important rules when installing the bunk
system. 1. If the lift is in shallow water,
make sure that the vertical support tubes
are either set or cut short enough that
they do not hit the lake bottom and
prevent the main cradle lift beams from
lowering completely. 2. Always adjust the
height of the cradle pads so that the
boat’s hull does not touch the main cradle
lift beams.
CRADLE PAD PIVOT
BUNK SYSTEM
Cradle pad pivot bunks are excellent for
stabilizing and providing superior support
for most V-hull, Tri-hull, and tunnel-hull
boats. Detailed instructions for setting up
and adjusting the pivot bunks are
included with the system. Ideal bunk
placements are shown below in Figs. 37.
In Fig. 40 bunks for an inboard motor are
shown. Fig. 41 shows pads for an
outboard motor.
DETERMINING
THE PROPER WIDTH
The proper width of the bunk system
depends on the contour of the boat hull.
As a rule of thumb, the bunks should be
spread as wide as possible. If the boat is
on a trailer, measure the width that will
provide optimal support and hull fit. The
setup of the trailer bunks may provide a
helpful guide. See Fig. 37.
Fig. 40
Fig. 41
18

PRO PARKTM
VERTICAL GUIDES
The FLOE vertical guide-in system is
designed to guide the boat by its rub
rail so it never touches or mars the
hull. It has an infinite adjustment range
limited only by the width of the lift, to
allow for a perfect fit. These are
available in pairs of double guides or
pairs of single guides.
See Figs. 42-43.
SELECTING YOUR
VERTICAL PVC GUIDE-INS
Technically, two pairs of single guides
would help safely guide the boat into
the lift. However, FLOE recommends
at least one pair of double guides for
the lift’s entry because this style has
two vertical guides mounted ahead of
the lift structure. The boat’s initial
impact with these outset guides will
slow it and start to guide the craft by its
rub rail before it even enters the lift. Adjust guides so that they are
against your rub rail.
Always enter the lift slowly to avoid
any severe impact. Severe impact
could cause damage to the guide
system, lift or boat.
WARNING
Fig. 42
Shown with two double pairs.
Fig. 43
Shown with one single pair and
one double pair.
Single Pair
Vertical Guide-Ins Double Pair
Vertical Guide-Ins
ADJUSTING THE GUIDES
1. With the guides on the lift, but not tightened, float the boat over the lift into its proper position.
2. Raise the lift platform until it holds the boat centered in place.
3. Slide the guides up to the boat’s rub rail.
4. Remove the boat.
5. Raise the lift platform and tighten the guides to 35 ft. lbs.
19

Fig. 44 - A motor stop can
help achieve correct location
every time and prevent your
motor from hitting the rear
main cradle lift beam.
Fig. 45 - Boat shown in proper position so that as much weight as possible is
transferred to the front beam. The canopy is positioned so that it covers the entire
boat.
Improper weight distribution on the main lift
beams can cause the majority of the boat’s
weight to be supported by only one beam. This
could cause an overload situation which could
result in lift failure and potential bodily injury. If
you do not know where your boat’s balance
point is, consult your dealer. When determining
balance point, the Boat Lift Selector program
on FLOE’s website, www.floeintl.com, is a
good starting point.
WARNING
BOAT PLACEMENT
& MOTOR STOP
In order to properly distribute the
weight of the boat on the lift, it is
important that the boat is parked in the
correct location. The best way to
determine this location for your
particular craft, is to log onto
FLOE’s website, www.floeintl.com,
and click on the Boat Lift Selector
Program.Because the majority of a
standard boat’s weight is generally in
the back, by parking as far forward as
possible, more of this weight gets
transferred to the front lift beam.
See Figs. 44 & 45.
How to Position a Pontoon Boat
If you have a longer craft such as a
pontoon boat that proportionally does
not have a lot of weight in the back, it
can be parked, depending upon its
length, with more rear overhang (up to
2 - 7 ft.) and still achieve proper weight
distribution. See Fig. 46. For instance,
the back of an average 21’ pontoon
boat should overhang 3’ past the back
end of the lift. For every additional
foot of length, the stern can overhang
4” more beyond the rear of the lift.
These are only general guidelines.
Consult the Boat Lift Selector Program
and your dealer for more information.
PROPER CANOPY
FRAME POSITIONING
The FLOE canopy system is
adjustable vertically and horizontally.
Detailed instructions on how to
make these adjustments are
included with the canopy system.
Once the boat’s proper position is
known, follow the simple steps below
to ensure proper canopy placement as
shown in Figs. 45, 46, & 47.
1. With the boat in place, determine
how far the canopy needs to extend
beyond the rear of the lift, remove
boat, and position the frame
accordingly. (Normally this distance
will be between 3.5 - 5 ft. for
standard boats, and 4 - 8 ft. for
Fig. 46
longer pontoons.) Do not tighten at this point. Note: It is recommended
to allow at least 6” of extra coverage in both the front and rear of the boat
and outdrive. When adjusting the horizontal position of a canopy frame,
the frame will extend further off the front of the lift than off the rear. This
depends on the length of the canopy and the position needed to cover the
rear of the boat. If this front overhang is more than 11-ft., or if the canopy
is 26-ft. or larger, a canopy frame support system is needed as shown in
Fig. 48. This will reduce flex and bowing in the canopy frame and give
you an additional 2-ft. of overhang.
2. Raise the boat to its maximum height and determine how high the canopy
framework needs to be in order to clear the tallest point of the boat.
3. Remove the boat before making adjustment. Set the canopy frame
height by adjusting the four vertical tubes and tightening each set bolt to
45 ft. lbs. See Fig. 48.
4. Tighten the horizontal adjustment bolts to 45 ft. lbs.
20