Abstract: In a front mounted lift for watercraft, the torque exerted by the lift on the dock is limited by a combination of a first buoyant force, being air trapped within the lift tanks, and a second buoyant force, being flotation devices connected to the rear of the lift. In a preferred embodiment, the primary buoyant force is achieved by the extension of an air supply and exhaust hose into each tank compartment to a level below the uppermost level of the tank chamber. When the water level in each tank compartment covers the hose opening, the air trapped in the tank provides a buoyant force to counter most of the submerged lift weight. The depth of the hose is selected so that the weight of the lift slightly exceeds the primary/buoyant force. This permits the lift to sink but significantly minimizes the torque exerted on the connection of the lift to the dock. The secondary buoyant force preferably consists of a pair of buoyant guides which prevent the rear of the lift from sinking to an undesirable depth.