Okanagan Lake is the reason most boaters come to Kelowna. Where you keep your boat between outings decides how much of the season you spend on the water and how much you spend on maintenance.
At Eldorado Yacht Club, every slip is an out-of-water lift. Your boat is raised clear of the lake when you're not using it, then lowered and ready when you arrive. Here's why that matters on this lake in particular.
1. A healthier hull, season after season
Fibreglass gelcoat isn't fully waterproof. Over time, water that soaks in can cause osmotic blisters, and boats left in the water for long stretches are the most at risk (West Marine). Lifting the hull out between outings limits that exposure.
A lifted boat also doesn't sit in the water collecting algae and growth on its bottom, so there's less scrubbing and less wear on the finish (ShoreMaster).
2. Ready for Okanagan Lake weather
Okanagan summer storms arrive fast. On July 24, 2023, gusts reached up to 80 km/h in Kelowna and boats were washed up on shore (Global News). Environment Canada regularly warns boaters of thunderstorm gusts up to 70 km/h (KelownaNow).
A boat kept in the water rides out that chop against its lines and the dock. On a lift, it sits clear of the waves until you're ready to go.
3. Easier on you, and on the lake
B.C. has no confirmed invasive zebra, quagga or golden mussels in its waterways, but inspectors found six boats carrying adult mussels in 2025 (B.C. government). The province estimates an infestation could cost B.C. $64 million to $129 million a year (iNFOnews).
Anyone trailering a boat in B.C. must stop at every inspection station on their route and pull the drain plug, with fines of $690 and $345 for not doing so (B.C. government). A boat that stays moored on Okanagan Lake all season isn't travelling between lakes, which is how mussels spread, and you're not stopping at stations every weekend.
4. No trailer, no launch ramp, no parking hunt
With lift moorage there's no hitching up, backing down a ramp or finding somewhere to leave a truck and trailer. You walk down the dock, the boat comes down off the lift, and you're on the water.
5. Security you don't have to think about
Eldorado Yacht Club's docks sit behind a locked gate, so your boat is stored safely between outings.
Lift moorage at Eldorado Yacht Club
Eldorado Yacht Club offers only out-of-water lifts, sized for boats up to 30,000 lbs and 40 ft in length. Lift sizes run from 1,600 lbs for personal watercraft up to 20,000 lbs and a Super Lift, plus lifts for seaplanes. See the full lift chart and dock map on our Moorage page.
- Short-term moorage for a weekend or a week on the lake.
- Seasonal moorage from the start of the boating season to the close of services each year.
- Annual moorage keeps your boat on its lift year-round, including through the winter.
The club sits at Eldorado Resort on Lakeshore Road, seconds from two hotels, two lakeside restaurants and some of the Okanagan's best beaches. Our own gas bar sells premium ethanol-free fuel, and the dock carries hot food, snacks, gear and on-site boat cleaning.
Boat lift moorage: common questions
What is boat lift moorage? Your boat is kept on a lift at its slip, raised out of the water when you're not using it and lowered when you head out.
What size boat can Eldorado Yacht Club lift? Lifts accommodate boats up to 30,000 lbs and up to 40 ft in length, with smaller lifts for personal watercraft and lifts for seaplanes.
Can I keep my boat on a lift over the winter in Kelowna? Yes. Annual moorage keeps your boat on its out-of-water lift year-round, including the winter months.
How do I book moorage? Seasonal and annual moorage options are on our Moorage page. For short-term moorage, contact us.
Plan next season's moorage
We're closed for the season until May, and now is the time to plan for 2027. Send us a moorage inquiry or call the Yacht Club office at 250-763-3625.