A method of retrieving a boat from the water by supporting the boat by two lift sections, each of which has an inflatable bunker and a cradle structure that supports and positions the bunker. The lift sections are connected to a mobile support structure which brings these lift sections to a location near the water into which the boat is to be retrieved. The lift sections are lowered and positioned into the water and the boat is floated into the lift region between them. The lift sections are raised upwardly to carry the boat from the water and to another location over a land surface.