7 Tips for Maintaining Your Boat Lift

Just like vehicles, boats are huge investments that cost thousands of dollars. But, unlike cars, boats are mostly in water meaning they are moved by waves and swells and can be damaged by corrosive minerals salts in the water. That's where a boat lift comes in handy.

 

Related Blog: Frequently Asked Questions About Boat Lifts

 

As the boat lift protects your boats, how do you ensure it's always in its peak performance so that it can do its job? Through proper and regular maintenance, you can avoid damage and expensive repairs or even replacements.

Below are simple maintenance tips you can consider to ensure your boat lift is functioning optimally and to save money and time needed for repairs.

 

1. Observe the Weight Warning

Boat lifts must meet the set specifications, which means you cannot add more than the specified weight on your boat lift since it can cause extensive damage.

Every boat lift is built for a specific hull design and rated for a particular weight. Thus, adding another boat not designed for the specific boat lift can damage it.

 

2. Always Remove Cables and Cradle From the Water

Although a boat lift is made from materials that are resistant to corrosion, avoid leaving cables in water for long periods. This way, you will protect the cables from wearing out due to the salty water, growth of barnacle, and electrolysis especially when you are away.

For example, you can always raise your boats cradle when not in use and lower it when you return.

 

3. Rinse the Cables and Cradle Assembly

Your boat highly depends on a heavy duty cable to raise your boat in and out of the water. Thus, before you start the boat, always rinse the cables and the cradle to get rid of salt crystals, algae and barnacles especially if the water is salty. This practice helps prevent abrasion and corrosion, which could eventually result in breakage.

 

4. Apply Oil Regularly

Boat lift cables are made of stainless steel, and that's why you need to apply penetrating oil on a regular basis to reduce abrasion.

The penetrating oil also ensures that the cable strands do not rub against each other.

Note: When buying penetrating oil, ensure it doesn't contain grease.

 

5. Inspect Cables For Signs of Wear

If you notice severe abrasions, kinks, and other deformities on your cable, it's a sign that you need to repair it right away.

If you don't inspect and maintain the cables regularly, it might lead to catastrophic failure which can damage your boat lift, dock, the boat or cause severe injuries. 

 

6. Monitor the Winder

Slack can cause tangling among other damages. To avoid it, check how the cable winds up onto the winder. Uneven wear can shorten the lifespan of the cables.

 

7. Inspect for Right Sheave Alignment

Poor sheave alignment can cause unwanted pressure on the lift cable. This can shorten the life of both the sheave and cable. If unsure of the alignment, call us immediately.

 

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Need More Help?

With the above maintenance tips at hand, you are sure to get the full benefit of your boat lift, spend more time on the water, and save money. However, if you are busy and would like to leave the maintenance to someone who clearly understands boat lifts, contact us today.

We have friendly and skilled in-house service technicians ready to answer all of your queries to ensure your boat lift is performing optimally.

 

Topics: blog