Abstract: Hoisting of boats is made faster and performable by a single operator by utilizing an hoisting apparatus which can be used with any lifting crane available and which comprises a balance having at least a longitudinal beam and two tubular crossbeams, out of the extremities of which extend, respectively, horizontal arms telescopically extensible and retractable driven by remotely controlled hydraulic cylinders. A vertical leg is rigidly fixed at the free extremity of each horizontally extensible arm and the leg is provided with a cantilevered foot carrying a support plate keel of the boat to be hoisted. The hanging of the balance on the crane's hook is implemented by means of a suspension carriage running along the central longitudinal beam of the balance, the longitudinal position of which may be remotely controlled by the operator by means of a hydraulic cylinder. A mechanism for rotating the suspended load in respect to the crane is also disclosed.