How to Measure a Hewitt Boat Lift

Replacing the canopy on your Hewitt boat lift doesn't have to be complicated, but getting accurate measurements is the single most important step in making sure your new cover fits right the first time. Whether you have a flared front, flat front, or tower-style frame, this guide will walk you through exactly what to measure and how to do it.

Before You Start: Identify Your Frame Style

Hewitt boat lifts come in three main canopy frame configurations, and each one is measured a little differently. Take a quick look at your existing frame and figure out which style you have:

• Flared Front – The frame has rounded, curved corners on the front and back ends, giving it a softer, more aerodynamic look.

         

• Flat Front – The frame has squared-off ends with bows running straight across, no flare.

         

• Tower (Gambrel) – A taller frame with a distinctive peaked, gambrel-style roof profile and angled side panels.

           

Knowing which style you have determines which measurements matter most.

Tools You'll Need

You don't need anything fancy to measure your lift accurately:

• A 25-foot or longer tape measure (the longer, the better)
• A notepad or the spec sheet from Hewitt/your canopy supplier
• A second person to help hold the tape (highly recommended for longer frames)
• A camera or phone to snap reference photos

The Four Key Measurements

For most Hewitt frames, there are four critical dimensions you'll need. They're labeled A, B, C, and D on the official spec sheets:

A – Overall Length of Frame Measure from the very front of the frame to the very back, end-to-end. This includes any flared or curved portions.

B – Inside Width of Frame Measure the distance between the inside edges of the two side rails. This is the clear opening width.

C – Length of Side Rails (without ends) This applies mostly to flared front frames. Measure only the straight portion of the side rail, not including the curved ends.

D – Outside Width of Frame Measure across the outside of the frame, from the outer edge of one side rail to the outer edge of the other.

Tolerance tip: Hewitt allows a tolerance of plus or minus 1 inch on all measurements. If you're between two standard sizes, double-check your numbers before ordering.

Measuring a Flared Front Frame

   

The flared front is one of the most common Hewitt styles. Here's the order to follow:

1. Start with the overall length (A). Run your tape from the very front edge of the curved bow to the very back edge of the rear curved bow.
2. Measure the side rail length (C). This is just the straight section between where the front curve ends and the back curve begins.
3. Measure the outside width (D). Pick a bow near the middle of the frame and measure straight across, outside-to-outside.
4. Measure the inside width (B). Same bow, but measure between the inside edges of the side rails.

Standard flared front sizes range from 18' x 100" all the way up to 45' x 138", so there's a good chance your frame matches a standard part number. Common widths are 100", 110", 120", and 138".

Measuring a Flat Front Frame

       

Flat front frames are simpler because there's no curved end to worry about. You only need three measurements:

1. Overall length (A) – Front of frame to back of frame.
2. Inside width (B) – Between the inside edges of the side rails.
3. Outside width (C) – Outside edge of one rail to the outside edge of the other.

Flat front frames typically come in shorter sizes, ranging from 10' to 20' in length, with widths of 71", 100", 110", and 120".

Measuring a Tower (Gambrel) Frame

Tower frames are taller and have an angled, peaked top, but the basic length and width measurements work the same way as a flat front:

1. Overall length (A) – End to end along the top.
2. Inside width (B) – Between the inside edges of the side rails at the base.
3. Outside width (C) – Outside edge to outside edge at the base.

Tower frames are typically 22' to 30' long and 120" wide. Because of the height and angled panels, taking a clear photo of the end profile is especially helpful when ordering.

What to Do If Your Frame Doesn't Match Standard Sizes

If your measurements fall outside the standard size chart, don't panic. You'll just need to fill out a detail sheet that captures a few additional dimensions:

• Frame height – From the bottom of the frame to the highest point (peak)
• Bottom of frame to start of radius – Where the curve begins on flared frames
• Bottom of frame to end of radius – Where the curve ends
• Distance between radii – The straight section between the two curved ends
• Total number of bows – Count every cross-bow including the ends
• Spacing of bows – Distance from center of one bow to the center of the next
• Attachment method(s) – How the existing canopy attaches (ball bungees, hooked bungees, etc.)

Take photos from multiple angles and include them with your order. The more detail you provide, the better your custom canopy will fit.

Standard Attachment and Valance

Most Hewitt canopies use the same attachment method:

• Ball bungees wrap around each bow on the sides
• Hooked bungees attach to a welded ring on each bow at the ends
• Standard valance is 12 inches

If your existing setup uses something different, make a note of it on your order form.

Final Tips for an Accurate Order

• Measure twice. A second pass will catch the inevitable misread on the tape.
• Measure the frame, not the old canopy. Old canopies stretch, shrink, and shift. The frame is the source of truth.
• Write down the brand and model. Even within Hewitt, there are subtle variations between model years.
• Check the tolerance. Remember the ±1" allowance — if your number is right at the edge of a size, the standard part should still fit.

Wrapping Up

Measuring a Hewitt boat lift canopy is straightforward once you know what to look for. Identify your frame style, take the four key measurements (or three for flat front and tower frames), note your attachment method, and double-check your numbers against the standard size chart. If your frame falls outside standard sizes, the detail sheet plus good photos will get you a custom fit that lasts for seasons to come.

A well-measured canopy means a tight, weather-resistant fit that protects your boat investment — and saves you from the headache of returns and remakes. Take your time, get the numbers right, and your new canopy will go on like it was made for your lift, because it was.