Thought I would share my experience with the installation of a DC motor and solar kit from Lake Lite. Overall, I am extremely pleased with the results. Shipping was fast and Lake Lite assisted with an adjustment to my order the day I placed it. Parts were packed well and all parts arrived within 48 hours. I purchased the DC auto stop motor and 20w 12v solar kit.

We have already used the lift 6 or 7 times in the past few days and I am absolutely thrilled to no longer have to hand crank the boat up/down.

My lift sits in a somewhat shady area, so, we will see how well the solar performs and keeps my battery charged.

The battery tray fit perfectly to my Shorestation lift. Seems to be very well made and sturdy for holding the battery. I had to move one of the canopy supports over a couple inches to accommodate the tray. I bought a 24mdc battery and box from a local auto parts store. The box was a little cheaper locally than the one offered by Lake Lite.

The instructions for the hookup of the voltage regulator, solar panel and battery were very good. Wires marked well.

The solar panel and J-arm were easy to assemble and appear to be really high quality. I originally missed installing the rubber grommets and had to disassemble and reassemble the J-arm to the panel. Also, the instructions were not clear as to how to thread the wire through the arm. It turned out that pushing the wire from the bottom to the top was the best way to get the connectors passed the bends. The J-arm fit nicely and is sturdy and looks great. The panel angle adjustment made it easy to point towards the afternoon sun.

Now, for the motor. I have a Shorestation lift and ran into one issue. The instructions simply say to remove the Acorn Nut and wheel. After removing the nut, I could not get the wheel off. There was a set screw in the back which I could not loosen. Having never removed a boat lift wheel, I hit a road block. I finally figured out that the wheel was threaded onto the shaft. I had to put a wrench on the shaft at the back of the box to hold it and then turn the wheel off the shaft. A simple thing, but, the Shorestation Installation Guide should mention that. I spent nearly an hour trying different things before I realized the threading thing. I tried calling tech support, but, no answer on a Saturday. A call back would have been nice.

I also was not able to remove the break dog. I needed a 1" socket and do not have one. I was able to actually use a large cable tie to pull the brake out of the way and secure it away from interfering with the motor.

Mounting the motor itself was straightforward. Getting the bracket for the cover to line up correctly took some time to adjust and get tightened.

We were able to pair our phones to the motor and use our phones to control the lift. Very straightforward process. The remotes provided with the motor work great as well.

I had a little trouble setting the auto stop positions. Will try again this week as I have more time.

The entire process took me about 3 hours. Well over the "20 minute" estimated installation time, but, obviously, included the solar setup and my failure to understand how to "remove the wheel".

A follow-up after a couple weeks: Motor is working great. Battery is staying at 100%. Great product.

Thought I would share my experience with the installation of a DC motor and solar kit from Lake Lite. Overall, I am extremely pleased with the results. Shipping was fast and Lake Lite assisted with an adjustment to my order the day I placed it. Parts were packed well and all parts arrived within 48 hours. I purchased the DC auto stop motor and 20w 12v solar kit.

We have already used the lift 6 or 7 times in the past few days and I am absolutely thrilled to no longer have to hand crank the boat up/down.

My lift sits in a somewhat shady area, so, we will see how well the solar performs and keeps my battery charged.

The battery tray fit perfectly to my Shorestation lift. Seems to be very well made and sturdy for holding the battery. I had to move one of the canopy supports over a couple inches to accommodate the tray. I bought a 24mdc battery and box from a local auto parts store. The box was a little cheaper locally than the one offered by Lake Lite.

The instructions for the hookup of the voltage regulator, solar panel and battery were very good. Wires marked well.

The solar panel and J-arm were easy to assemble and appear to be really high quality. I originally missed installing the rubber grommets and had to disassemble and reassemble the J-arm to the panel. Also, the instructions were not clear as to how to thread the wire through the arm. It turned out that pushing the wire from the bottom to the top was the best way to get the connectors passed the bends. The J-arm fit nicely and is sturdy and looks great. The panel angle adjustment made it easy to point towards the afternoon sun.

Now, for the motor. I have a Shorestation lift and ran into one issue. The instructions simply say to remove the Acorn Nut and wheel. After removing the nut, I could not get the wheel off. There was a set screw in the back which I could not loosen. Having never removed a boat lift wheel, I hit a road block. I finally figured out that the wheel was threaded onto the shaft. I had to put a wrench on the shaft at the back of the box to hold it and then turn the wheel off the shaft. A simple thing, but, the Shorestation Installation Guide should mention that. I spent nearly an hour trying different things before I realized the threading thing. I tried calling tech support, but, no answer on a Saturday. A call back would have been nice.

I also was not able to remove the break dog. I needed a 1" socket and do not have one. I was able to actually use a large cable tie to pull the brake out of the way and secure it away from interfering with the motor.

Mounting the motor itself was straightforward. Getting the bracket for the cover to line up correctly took some time to adjust and get tightened.

We were able to pair our phones to the motor and use our phones to control the lift. Very straightforward process. The remotes provided with the motor work great as well.

I had a little trouble setting the auto stop positions. Will try again this week as I have more time.

The entire process took me about 3 hours. Well over the "20 minute" estimated installation time, but, obviously, included the solar setup and my failure to understand how to "remove the wheel".

Prior to purchase, Keith was very knowledgeable and helped me with all my questions. Received everything in good packaging and with clear instructions. I appreciate that they called to explain I’d ordered add’l parts that were already included in the main kit, saving me some unexpected $. All parts needed for a pretty easy DIY assembly. Thanks, and I’ll definitely be referring envious neighbors on the lake to Lake Lite!