An improved floating boat lift incorporates a passive hydraulic pivoting
lift mechanism, onto which a boat can be driven and positioned ready for
storage using only the motive power of the boat itself. The passive
hydraulic pivoting lift mechanism provides mechanical advantage in the
pivoting action of the apparatus by way of passive hydraulic action,
while at the same time dampening pivoting of the apparatus. Embodiments
further allow for adjusting the elevation of the pivot point relative to
the surface of the body of water by way of adjusting the buoyancy of the
pivoting lift mechanism.