I picked up my Pro Angler in the snow a month ago and it sat on my screened porch for a few weeks while I decided where to store it permanently. I wanted to store it inside and my garage was the only place it would possibly fit. That said, there's not much space in my garage once the cars, bikes and assorted other stuff are packed in tight. The only available space was on the ceiling. So after much consideration, I settled on a Racor Pro Heavy Lift as the best option.
The weight of the PA was a limiting factor in my choices for lifting it above my vehicles. The strap hoist systems I looked at were not rated to handle the bulky PA, but the Pro Heavy Lift can elevate 250 pounds! I also like that it doesn't require hanging ropes that would be irresistable to my kids. I was also concerned that straps might cause hull deformation. I found the Pro Heavy Lift unit on Amazon for $117 with free shipping -- it arrived at my house in 4 days.
The unit was fairly easy to install. I have a tall ceiling in my garage, so that gives me a bit more room to work with. I reused the plastic shipping material that was wrapped around my PA at the dealer to cover the metal grid platform. I cut the plastic and attched it to the platform using cable ties.
The platform is raised and lowered by a gear mechanism that is operated using a long metal handle. It lowers to just under waist high, so it's easy to get the PA on the platform.
It takes a little maneuvering, but flipping it upside down isn't difficult and the platform is very stable.
The PA is a little tippy toward the bow, so I wrapped a couple of short pieces of 4x4 with the plastic padding and placed them under the boat rails on either side just forward of the side grab bars. This takes most of the weight of the boat off the grab bars.
I moved the boat to one side of the 4'x4' platform, leaving just enough room to strap the seat and a gear box to the platform. I was also able to tuck the paddle, flag, mirage drive, and wheel cart under the boat.
I also put a couple of lag screw eyes in the ceiling joists at the bow and the stern and attached tie down straps to the handles. There is no pressure on the handles, but I figured it offers a redundant system to keep the boat from falling if the lift fails somehow.
She fits nicely above the minivan!
This setup really exceeded my expectations and will provide a great way to store my PA safe and sound inside the garage and still offer quick and easy access. Spring is coming!