Lifts for boats help to protect your boat and prevent damage from occurring. To make sure that it continues to function properly, regular maintenance is important. By properly maintaining your boat lift, expensive repairs and replacements can be avoided. Here are some regular maintenance steps that you can take to help you to avoid damage and to save time and money on repairs.
Follow the weight warning
Each boat lift comes with specific weight specifications, and you should never use a boat lift to lift a boat that exceeds the maximum weight listed for your boat lift. If you do so, the excess weight can cause significant damage to your lift.
When you are preparing to purchase a boat lift, pay attention to its maximum weight and other specifications to ensure that the lift that you buy can handle your boat. IMM Quality Boat Lifts offer a range of different types of lifts for boats that can handle various sizes and weights. For example, the vertical lifts can handle boats weighing from 4,500 up to 200,000 pounds while the elevator lifts can handle boats weighing from 4,500 up to 30,000 pounds. You should also make sure that your lift is designed for the hull of your boat.
Remove the cradle and cables from the water
While the materials used in lifts for boats resist corrosion, you should not leave the cradle and cables in the water for extended periods. Removing them from the water can help to prevent them from wearing out because of barnacle growth, salty water, and electrolysis. Make a habit of raising the cradle when it is not in use and after you return from boating.
Rinse the cradle and cables assembly
A heavy-duty cable is used to raise your boat out of the water and to lower it back in when you want to use it. Before you turn your boat on, make sure to rinse the cradle and cables to remove algae, salt, and barnacles. This can help to prevent corrosion from happening over time.
Oil the lift cables
The cables for your boat lift are made out of stainless steel. To minimize abrasion from the cables rubbing together, you should regularly apply penetrating oil. Make sure that the oil that you purchase does not contain grease.
Regularly inspect the cables
Deformities, kinks, and abrasions of the cables indicate that they need immediate repairs. You should regularly inspect and maintain your boat lift cables to prevent a failure that could damage your boat, dock, or lift. Inspecting and maintaining the boat lift cables can also help to prevent serious injury accidents.
Regularly inspect the cable winder
Inspect the cable winder regularly to see how it is winding the cable. If you see slack in the cables, it can cause tangling and uneven wear. The life of the cables can be shortened by uneven wear.
Monitor the sheave alignment
Check the alignment of the sheave. If the sheave is poorly aligned, excessive pressure can be applied to the lift cable. Poor sheave alignment can reduce the life of the cable and sheave. If you are unsure about the alignment of the sheave, contact IMM Quality Boat Lifts for help.
Get help from IMM Quality Boat Lifts
Following these maintenance steps regularly can help you to extend the life of your boat lift and to keep it functioning properly. If you need more information about maintaining your boat lift or would like to learn about the lifts for boats that we offer, contact IMM Quality Boat Lifts today at (800) 545-5603.
