A method and an apparatus (1, 11, 21, 31) for moving one or more loads (5, 15, 25, 35a, 35b,45), in which method loads are moved along a channel (2, 12, 22, 32a, 32b, 49, 49) on or in fluid, wherein the channel (2, 12, 22, 32a, 32b, 49, 49) extending substantially horizontally in lengthwise direction has a cross-section, which cross-section defines an open section (13, 33a, 33b) and a closed section (14, 34a, 34b), wherein the fluid in the open section is directly in contact with surrounding air, and the fluid in the channel can flow from the open section to the closed section and vice versa through opening or openings located below the surface level of the fluid in the open section, and the load or loads (5, 15, 25, 35a, 35b, 45) are moved by floating them at least partially inside the closed section.

A method and an apparatus (1, 11, 21, 31) for moving one or more loads (5, 15, 25, 35a, 35b,45), in which method loads are moved along a channel (2, 12, 22, 32a, 32b, 49, 49) on or in fluid, wherein the channel (2, 12, 22, 32a, 32b, 49, 49) extending substantially horizontally in lengthwise direction has a cross-section, which cross-section defines an open section (13, 33a, 33b) and a closed section (14, 34a, 34b), wherein the fluid in the open section is directly in contact with surrounding air, and the fluid in the channel can flow from the open section to the closed section and vice versa through opening or openings located below the surface level of the fluid in the open section, and the load or loads (5, 15, 25, 35a, 35b, 45) are moved by floating them at least partially inside the closed section.

A marine rail lift has a lift deck assembly configured to receive a watercraft thereupon and move between a raised position and a lowered position relative to a parent dock. A plurality of track rails connected to the side walls of a berth of the parent dock define a movement path of the lift deck assembly between the raised position and the lowered position. A plurality of retractable track pins engage the lift deck assembly to the track rails. A lift control system is operatively engaged with the lift deck assembly and configured to displace the lift deck assembly between the raised position and the lowered position. The lift control system manages the volume of air contained within one or more lift tanks of the lift deck assembly to control displacement of the lift deck assembly through buoyant force.

A marine rail lift has a lift deck assembly configured to receive a watercraft thereupon and move between a raised position and a lowered position relative to a parent dock. A plurality of track rails connected to the side walls of a berth of the parent dock define a movement path of the lift deck assembly between the raised position and the lowered position. A plurality of retractable track pins engage the lift deck assembly to the track rails. A lift control system is operatively engaged with the lift deck assembly and configured to displace the lift deck assembly between the raised position and the lowered position. The lift control system manages the volume of air contained within one or more lift tanks of the lift deck assembly to control displacement of the lift deck assembly through buoyant force.