Key Takeaways
Consistent preventative maintenance protects lift components from corrosion, wear, and environmental stress.
Monitoring cables, motors, and structural elements helps ensure safe and reliable operation.
Simple maintenance routines can significantly extend the operational life of a boat lift system.
Your boat is an investment that you want to protect for years to come. It only makes sense that your boat lift system should last at least as long as your boat. If your boat lift is well-built and properly maintained, it can last up to 25 years. Look at these potential problem areas as part of regular boat lift maintenance
Weight Warnings
Make sure your lift is designed to handle the weight of your boat plus anything you have in it. Don’t let people get in or out of the boat while it’s on the lift to avoid straining the system. When you’re not using your boat, remove the plug so that rainwater can’t collect and add extra weight.
Lift Cables and Pulleys
Rinsing your lift cables after use with fresh water prevents abrasion, damage, and breaks. Lubricate your cables with penetrating oil instead of grease. Replace any cables with rust spots, broken strands, fraying, or kinks, or after two years of normal use. Pulleys should be greased biannually, and nuts and bolts should be tight. Monitor your drum as the cable is winding onto it to avoid slack, tangling, and uneven wear.
Motors, Gearboxes, and Drive Units
If your boat lift has a motor, examine it for signs of rust or water retention. Make sure that your top-side drain holes are closed and the bottom-side ones are open for proper drainage. Your gearbox and drive units should be regularly inspected for proper alignment, damaged belts, and areas that need greasing.
Beams and Bunks
Lift beams should be rinsed and kept out of the water when not in use. Inspect your bunk carpeting for wear and tear and any wood underneath the carpet for cracks and rot: replace both periodically. Keep your hardware tightened and be sure that the bunks line up correctly with your boat hull.
Storage
If you’re storing your lift in the off-season, make sure it’s covered so it doesn’t get exposed to rain and snow. Remove the battery if you have a power hoist and store it on a small piece of wood. Store the lift with the cradle or platform all the way up.
ShoreMaster Infinity Boat Lift Systems
ShoreMaster has been an industry leader for decades. Our boat lifts and boat lift accessories, including our Infinity Boat Lift Systems, are made with premium components and expert engineering to make them a worthwhile investment. Contact a ShoreMaster dealer near you for more information about what will work best for your shore.
FAQs
What is the most important maintenance task for boat lifts?
Inspecting and maintaining lift cables is critical because they carry most of the system’s load. Replacing worn cables early prevents sudden failure and protects the boat.
Should lift motors and electrical systems be inspected regularly?
Yes. Electrical components should be checked for corrosion, loose connections, and proper operation. Regular inspections help prevent unexpected downtime.
How do environmental exposure affect lifespan?
Sun, water, wind, and seasonal temperature changes can degrade materials over time. Routine cleaning and inspection help mitigate these effects.
What seasonal maintenance steps should owners follow?
Inspect hardware before the boating season begins, check alignment during peak use, and perform a full inspection before winter storage or removal.
