A limit switch device for a boat lift includes a lower gear connected to and rotated by a drive shaft of the boat lift, and an interengaged upper gear operatively connected to an electronics module of the limit switch. The interengaged gears are enclosed within a gear housing that is sufficiently narrow to restrict the gears from laterally disengaging one another. The limit switch electronics module is mounted above the drive shaft and disposed interiorly of the gear mechanism. The module does not protrude beyond the frame bearing blocks that rotatably support the drive shaft and winder of the boat lift.