Are You Using Your Boat Lift The Wrong Way? Mistakes To Avoid

Boat Lifts Usage

The last thing you want to happen when operating a boat lift is seeing your boat sink or float away. Boat lifts are supposed to protect your watercraft by keeping it out of the water. However, not adhering to common sense and following manufacturer recommendations, can shorten the life of both your watercraft and lift. Keeping you and your boat safe should be your number one priority. Below are some tips to help you avoid mistakes when operating a boat lift.

Not positioning the boat properly

Balance is key when loading your boat onto the lift. Manufacturers rate lift capacity based on the assumption that the watercraft they are intended to lift will be more-or-less centered. When you are lifting the boat, be sure that the front and back are balanced, while the sides are even.

Avoid placing the boat too far front or back on the lift as the opposite end will become light. When waves wash up under the light end, they are much more likely to move and free the boat. The opposite end will also carry too much weight, which will cause additional strain on your boat lift cables. If these cables are worn out, they will eventually break.

Not following the weight capacity

Another mistake that you should avoid is exceeding the boat lift’s weight capacity. There is a good reason why manufacturers recommend following the required weight capacity. They do extensive testing to ensure the recommended weight capacities are accurate. Do not assume that a lift can handle a few extra pounds, as this assumption can become a recipe for disaster. Avoid a seller who insists on offering you a product that is rated even a pound less than the weight of your watercraft.

You should find a seller that will guide you into choosing the correct lift that can comfortably accommodate your boat’s weight. There are different types of lifts designed for each watercraft. When it comes to determining the weight, be sure to include the equipment, fuel, and other factors that can affect the weight of your watercraft. Although the listed poundage refers to your boat’s maximum weight, you should also take note of all the extras.

Not observing proper loading procedure

When you are loading a boat, be sure that you consider the maximum weight capacity of your boat lift, because any load that you add before lowering the boat in the water can affect your water craft’s weight. When loading the boat once it is on the water, you will also be able to identify the best weight distribution more easily.

While the general rule of thumb is to load your boat after it’s in the water, this may differ for you depending on your lift type and boat size. Refer to your lift’s instruction manual to be sure. Regardless, distributing any load weight evenly is always a good practice.

Not taking note of the lifting height

Avoid trying to raise a fully raised lift more. Continuing to crank the winch can damage some parts of your lift, including cables and pulleys. While there are winches that will shut off once the maximum height is reached, there are cases when some of its components will stop working, especially when the lift lacks routine maintenance. Be sure that you are aware of your lift’s maximum height.

For boat lifts that are not functioning correctly, it might be a sign that you need to purchase a new one. Be sure to choose models made from durable materials. They should also be designed for the type of watercraft you own.

Safety Tips: The Proper Way To Operate A Boat Lift

safety-tips-the-proper-way-to-operate-a-boat-lift

Observing safety for boat lifts will give you a relaxing and fun boating experience. Without following safety guidelines, you can cause potential damage to your boat or boat lift, or worse, become injured due to boat lift failure. Before you sail across the sea, be sure to follow these guidelines.

Follow the maximum capacity

Boat lift manufacturers remind boat owners to follow the rated capacity of boat lifts regardless of its model. You should not exceed the recommended capacity. When determining the weight of the boat, it should also include both its published weight and the weight of water, fuel and the equipment. You should also allow approximately 500 margin of error when you are calculating the boat weight.

Even a slight difference in your calculation can get you into trouble. When it comes to weighing lift cables, you have to keep in mind that they are usually higher than the rating of your lift rack. For instance, if your lift has 4000 rating, the cables could be rated for 9000. The cable rating will also depend on its condition. So if it is in perfect shape, its load capacity might be reduced.

Cables that are in perfect shape means that there is no hidden corrosion, frayed wire or burr. Aside from the cables, the racks are also rated for its labeled weight regardless of the ratings of the cable. If you are being offered a 4000 lift and assured that it can accommodate up to 4500 worth of load, do not allow yourself to fall prey to this scheme. It is important that the load is properly balanced when placed on the rack to ensure boat lift safety.

Cables on boat lifts can fail without showing some visible signs

You might be waiting for your boat lift cables to display signs of wear before you take necessary action. Unfortunately, your cables will fail without a warning. Once you hear a loud snap, it means that your boat is about to hit the water. If there is a storm, be sure that you get your boat above the water. It should be as high as possible. You need to observe proper safety procedures and raising your water vessel until the lifting rack or platform hits the frame is a big no-no. This is a common occurrence that you should avoid. Take time to assess the situation and the condition of your boat lift cable.

Exercise care when using lift motors

An electric motor provides a faster and easier way to lift your boat. However, you will still need to use a lift motor with care to prevent breaking a cable. If not used correctly, you can cause a frame and lift rack to jam together. Cable failure can cause boat or lift damage, personal injury or other worse outcome. Once the rack hits the frame or any immovable object, the issue will backfire with your cables. A damaged lift cable and a rack hitting a lift frame spell disaster.

What to do with a jammed rack?

You need to take immediate steps upon realizing that you have a jammed rack. First, you need to know which way your motor turns when you relieve the pressure by flipping the switch. The damage will occur if the rack fails to go down. If the problem is with the broken cable, your water vessel will go down fast. When you turn the motor or winch in the wrong direction, it is an indication that your boat is not floating but in the water.

boat lifts

Once you have positioned the boat properly, you need to line the boat up in the same position and location each you are placing the boat in the lift.