Summer in Minnesota moves fast. One minute, the docks are going in, and before you know it, you’re trying to squeeze every last sunset cruise and lake day out of the season. That’s why for many boat owners, protecting and simplifying their time on the water matters just as much as the boat itself. And for Tyler Kramer, owner at CrossPoint Marine Co., he and his team are determined to help Minnesotans enjoy every moment of summer on the lake.
“I’ve been around the lake my whole life,” says Tyler. “We saw a real need in the boating community to provide a better boat lift and a higher quality product that stands the test of time and helps boaters truly get the most out of the short lake season. So, that’s what we set out to do.”
CrossPoint Marine’s boat lifts are engineered with a cantilever hydraulic system, a fully welded heavy-duty aluminum framework, and a clean design. The biggest difference in CrossPoint’s lifts?
“They're more stable and robust than standard cable and hydraulic lift designs on the market,” explains Tyler. “We also have fully contouring bunks, so you don’t have any pressure points on the boat’s hull. It contours and pivots to shape the boat’s hull. Our framework is also designed to accommodate any V-hull boat, inboard and outboard designs, and we also intentionally built extra clearance with water sports enthusiasts in mind to allow for running gear and fins on surfboards.”
CrossPoint’s lifts are also 100% solar-powered. Each lift runs off a hydraulic pump located inside of a handsome dock box. A high-power solar panel is mounted on top of the dock box, complete with a voltage regulator for safety and performance.
“We decided on solar because of the ease of use for our customers,” says Tyler. “We have wireless and wired remotes, making it easy to operate the lifts. And with solar, you don’t have to worry about pulling a wire down by the docks or digging electrical land, which creates safety hazards. Our lifts are designed to be easy, portable, and user-friendly. We created a lift that we would want to use and do use ourselves. Our lifts are really a home-grown product created right here on Lake Minnetonka.”
And having a local team that knows the lake so well is essential. “Lake Minnetonka is a unique case. There are so many different situations and lake bottoms,” explains Tyler. “Knowing the lake ensures we won’t run into any issues and have the right knowledge and equipment ready to navigate each boater’s specific situation and get you ready for summer as soon as possible.”
Because CrossPoint focuses solely on lifts and doesn’t handle seasonal installation and removal, they can provide a high level of service for their clients, answering calls and responding much more quickly to resolve issues and ensure each customer is taken care of.
“For me, it’s all about helping people enjoy their summers hassle-free and improve their boating experience so they can focus on each other and not worry about their boat,” emphasizes Tyler.
Protecting your boat, your investment, helps owners feel secure, eliminating unnecessary stress so they can enjoy the best parts of being a boat owner. “The more you’re in the industry, the more you see the need for high-quality boat lifts,” says Tyler. “Invasive species, wave action, wind, and weeds all can do damage to your boat. A lift is no different than having a garage for your car. Having it out of the water protects your investment and gives you that peace of mind.”
CrossPoint also offers a variety of boat canopies in different sizes and styles to provide your boat with overhead protection, helping extend its life and use.
Tyler’s advice? “If you’re in the market for a lift, take a look at all the products in the industry and then talk to people who install them and decide who you know you can trust to take care of you years down the road. Knowing your lift is built to last, and that you have a team you can rely on for support, makes all the difference.”
Lifts allow boaters more convenient loading and unloading, the boat runs better and lasts longer, and essentially let owners get the most out of their boat without the extra stress.
“We have such a short window of time in the summer,” says Tyler. “Those special moments with family and friends creating memories out on the water are so fleeting. We want to make sure we can help you take full advantage and make the most of those summer days on the lake.”