Boat Lift Canopy

The dangerous thrill of off-road parasailing

Like most other forms of parasailing, off-road parasailing involves a person being towed behind a vehicle in a specially designed parachute/sail at speeds fast enough to cause the chute to lift. Unlike the most common form of parasailing, off-roaders use 4x4 trucks instead of boats.

"I found this [sail] for $500 on Craigslist and a few hours later me and a friend were the new proud owners," said Kewley. "I remember the sellers being a bit confused when they asked what kind of boat we have and I answered by saying we don't have a boat, but my Xterra should do just fine."

The Xterra itself, named Penny, is a modified 2008 Off Road version with upgraded suspension, tires, a light bar, and a tow hitch that's just as good for pulling a parasail as it is for helping other trucks get unstick. Though it makes a good parasailing vehicle, he says other trucks could work as well.

A regular car, however, would probably not work. The biggest necessity in doing this type of parasailing is space, which is why boats are so popular for the activity. The distances needed to keep a sail in the air and then gently slow it to the ground are great, so Kewley and his friends use trucks in the middle of the desert.

"We try to map out a big loop, keeping in mind that the car will have to drive at least 25mph to keep the parasail flying. Depending on the area it can make for some intense off-roading," said Kewley. "We once got all four tires off the ground trying to keep it flying."

It requires a crew of people to safely guide and maintain a flying sail because hardened desert is a little less forgiving than water.

"We always start the parasail directly downwind from the vehicle, if not the whole canopy will swing itself downwind once it's off the ground. Once the rider is suited up and harnessed in the car will slowly pull forward until the 200ft rope is taught. With two people holding each side of the parasail canopy open the driver will pretty much floor it.

The rider will just take a few steps forward and then is launched skyward pretty quickly, it's always one of the best parts of the ride; going from a standstill to 150ft up in a few seconds. In the back of the car we'll have someone keeping an eye on the parasail, constantly telling the driver it's altitude. If the terrain gets too rough, and the parasail starts dropping to 50, 40, 30ft, the driver will know he's got to pick up the pace or things will literally come crashing down.

Boat Lift Canopy Question ? - TheMalibuCrew.com

We have some pretty nasty storms in Northern Wisconsin and I have never taken my canopy off the lift during boating season. I have heard stories of liifts blowing away but that was when there was no boat on the lift. I would say as long as your boat is on the lift you are fine. If you are going to take yor boat off the lift for an extended period of time, then remove the canopy. When I first got it the canopy/lift was used so I had it "re-stitched" by a local shop. They basically just put new stitching over the old stitching, so it was tight. $100. Then a few years later a massive storm with straight line winds came thru and it took the canopy with frame attached right off the mounts, sheared the bolts. Pulled it off the beach and reattached, new hardware.. A few years later another storm came thru and I watched it pick the front of the lift up about 2 feet, hover, then drop it. Did that twice. Thought I was gonna lose the whole thing, but it held on. Those were like 70mph winds, took down big oak and maple trees all over the neighborhood. 2 years ago I had small tears starting in the corners, I should have known it was at the end of its life cycle. Had the corners stitched, and a week or so later on a sunny afternoon with a south wind the canopy slowly shredded, it was toast. I just put on a canopy this summer also and have worried about the same thing. I worry though, because I have witnessed the worst case scenario. A nasty, nasty summer storm in Northern Mi (Walloon Lake) several years ago in the middle of the night. So bad that the family actually took cover. Woke up the next morning and noticed something funny about the neighbors lift. On closer look the lift, with boat on it, had been completely flipped over. It was a nice Nautiue too. never had a problem with my canopy, and I've got a pretty long one. As long as the boat is on the lift I dont think there will be a problem. I've attached my canopy to the frame with small zipties. I'd imagine that the zipties would break or pull right out of the canopy before it takes the boat and lift away. Maybe not? I hope to never test it. never had a problem with my canopy, and I've got a pretty long one. As long as the boat is on the lift I dont think there will be a problem. I've attached my canopy to the frame with small zipties. I'd imagine that the zipties would break or pull right out of the canopy before it takes the boat and lift away.

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