integrating a boat lift into your floating dock img

Common Boat Lift Problems: How to Troubleshoot Them

Boat lifts are a crucial piece of equipment for boat owners, helping keep boats out of the water and protecting them from damage. However, boat lift problems are inevitable, especially as the lift endures normal wear and tear. Whether you’re dealing with electrical issues, mechanical problems, or damaged boat lift cables, knowing how to troubleshoot and fix common boat lift problems can save you time and money. Below are some of the most frequent issues boat lift owners face and how to resolve them.

Boat Lift Won’t Raise or Lower

One of the most common boat lift problems is when the boat lift won’t raise or lower properly. This issue most often stems from electrical problems, but mechanical problems with the motor or gearbox are possible.

Things to Troubleshoot:

  • Check the Power Supply: Ensure the power supply is functioning correctly by checking the circuit breaker. If the circuit breaker trips repeatedly, consult an electrician. Next, look inside your GEM control box to see if the red LED light blinks (visible through two holes near the top of the box) while trying to raise the lift. This confirms power to the control box.
  • Check the Wiring of the Control Box: Inside the GEM control box there is an “Emergency Override Up” hole. Using a non-metallic rod (like a pencil), depress the contactor. If the boat lift raises, the wiring or electrical connections inside the GEM control box have been damaged.
  • Inspect the Motor: If your boat lift motor stops working, the issue could be a damaged start capacitor or motor failure. If you hear a buzzing or humming noise while trying to raise the lift, the start capacitor or start windings have been damaged. Regularly inspect the motor for wear and replace parts as necessary.
  • Examine the Gearbox: If the lift started to move, then abruptly stopped during operation, it is possible that the gearbox has been damaged. Although this is very rare, over time, the teeth of the worm gear can break off and jam the gearbox. Even more rarely, the input shaft from the motor into the gearbox can snap.

Boat Lift Making Noise During Operation

If your boat lift is making noise, such as a squealing noise or grinding sound, this usually indicates a lack of lubrication or potential damage to the lift’s mechanical components.

Things to Troubleshoot:

  • Inspect for Wear: Parts like the drive shaft bearings and sheaves may experience normal wear over time. Replace these parts if you notice excessive wear or damage.
  • Lubricate Moving Parts: Proper lubrication will help ensure the lift operates smoothly. If your lift requires lubrication, apply a marine grade grease into the zerk fittings for all the bearings. IMM Quality boat lifts do not require lubrication of the bearings, because we use a NASA developed self-lubricating polymer bearing. Only the chains on our Alumavator series lifts require lubrication (see owner’s manual for instructions).
  • Lubricate the Cables: Apply a marine grade penetrating oil to the lift cables to reduce friction between the strands and to prevent corrosion.
  • Tighten Hardware: Loose bolts or improperly aligned lift cylinders and components can create noise. Regularly check for loose parts and tighten them as needed.

Boat Lift Stalling Under Weight

A common boat lift problem is when the lift stalls or struggles under the boat’s dry weight. This issue can occur due to the lift being overloaded or a motor that isn’t performing at full capacity.

Things to Troubleshoot:

  • Check Weight Capacity: Make sure your boat’s wet (fully loaded) weight is within the lift’s weight capacity. Overloading the lift can damage the motor and cables.
  • Check the Center of Gravity: Make sure that your boat’s center of gravity (COG) is within the lift. Even small shifts away from the center can overload a lift.
  • Check the Voltage: Confirm that you don’t have a voltage drop at the motors. Even a small voltage drop (10 V) may cause the motors to bog down.
  • Inspect the Motor: The motor may need servicing if it struggles to lift the boat. If the motor hums, the start capacitor or start windings may be damaged.
  • Inspect the Gearbox: Check the lubricant level in the gearbox, and make sure there is no fluid seeping past the seals.

Corrosion of Boat Lift Parts

Boat lifts, especially those in saltwater environments, are prone to corrosion. Fortunately, at IMM Quality Boat Lifts, we make our lifts out of aluminum and stainless steel to minimize the impact of corrosion.

Things to Troubleshoot:

  • Rinse with Fresh Water: After using your boat lift in saltwater, rinse it with fresh water to remove salt and other corrosive substances.
  • Apply Anti-Corrosion Products: Use anti-corrosion sprays or oils to protect metal components, such as sheaves and cables, from rust.
  • Replace Corroded Parts: If corrosion has caused significant damage, it’s essential to replace the affected parts to prevent more serious issues.

Frayed or Snapped Boat Lift Cables

Boat lift cables are essential for the lift’s functionality. However, over time, the cables can become frayed or snap due to normal wear or improper use.

Things to Troubleshoot:

  • Inspect Regularly: Regularly check your boat lift cables for signs of fraying or wear. If the cables are damaged, replace them immediately.
  • Prevent Cable Damage: Avoid overloading the lift or improper balancing, as this can put unnecessary strain on the cables, leading to premature wear.

Boat Lift Tilting or Cradles Out of Level

When a boat lift starts to tilt or sink on one side, it can be a result of improperly balanced cables, or issues with the control box.

Things to Troubleshoot:

  • Adjust Cable Tension: Ensure that all boat lift cables are evenly tensioned and are wrapping on the winders properly.
  • Correct with GEM Box: The GEM box has a level button. When you press this button, the motor on one top beam will stop running while the other continues to run. This allows you to easily level the port/starboard orientation of the cradles.
  • Correct with Wedge-Locks: Leveling the cradles in the bow/stern (fore/aft) orientation can be very challenging. That is why IMM Quality Boat Lifts invented our patented wedge locks. Wedge locks allow you to easily let out or bring in more cable at a corner, making bow / stern leveling a cinch. See the owner’s manual for instructions on using the wedge locks.

Boat Lift Remote Control Problems

Some boat lifts are equipped with remote controls, which can occasionally malfunction due to issues like damaged wiring, low battery power, or signal interference.

Things to Troubleshoot:

  • Replace Remote Batteries: A simple fix may be replacing the batteries in the remote.
  • Check Wiring: Inspect the wiring between the control box and the remote system to ensure there are no loose or damaged connections.
  • Reduce Interference: If the remote isn’t responding, check for nearby devices that may interfere with the signal. Reset the system if necessary.

Electrical Issues

Electrical problems are a frequent cause of boat lift malfunctions. From a tripped circuit breaker to damaged wiring, electrical issues can prevent the lift from operating in one direction or fully raising the boat.

Things to Troubleshoot:

  • Inspect the Circuit Breaker: If the lift stops working, the circuit breaker may have tripped. Reset it and ensure the wiring is intact.
  • Examine Wiring: Damaged or corroded wiring can prevent the lift from working properly. Replace damaged wiring and check connections for corrosion.
  • Conclusion

    Boat lifts are complex systems that require regular maintenance and prompt attention to common issues. By addressing problems like frayed cables, lift noise, or electrical issues early, boat owners can avoid costly repairs and ensure their lift continues operating smoothly. If more serious issues arise, or if the boat lift troubleshooting tips mentioned don’t resolve the problem, it’s always best to consult a qualified boat lift dealer or technician for professional repairs. Properly maintaining your boat lift can keep your boat protected and your equipment functioning fine for years to come. Properly maintaining your boat lift can keep your boat protected and your equipment functioning fine for years to come. If you’re experiencing any issues with your boat lift or need professional advice, reach out to the experts at IQ Boat Lifts for reliable service, maintenance, and top-quality solutions to keep your lift running smoothly.