Posted on July 31, 2025

Top Boat Lift Maintenance Tips: How to Take Care of My Boat Lift | ShoreMaster

Written by ShoreMaster Marketing

Why Proper Boat Lift & Dock Maintenance Matters

Just like any equipment, your boat lift requires proper care and maintenance to perform reliably and safely. Even in the most ideal conditions, lifts are still exposed to the elements and environmental conditions that wear down mechanical components and compromise structural integrity. Even seemingly rudimentary tasks, such as rinsing off debris, checking cable tension, or tightening hardware, can go a long way toward ensuring a worry-free and more enjoyable boating season. 

Conversely, neglecting minor issues, such as small rust spots, misaligned bunks, or loose bolts, can result in untimely breakdowns, scuttled boating plans, or worse, expensive repairs. A few minutes of preventive care here and there can significantly extend the life of your equipment and keep your boating experience as seamless as possible. 

Seasonal Maintenance Checklist

Maintaining a consistent maintenance schedule is crucial to preserving lift performance year-round. 

Here’s a quick guide to help you establish a routine that works for you:

• Spring Startup: Give your system a thorough once-over before the start of the boating season. This includes rinsing away built-up debris, inspecting components for signs of winter damage, lubricating pulleys or gearboxes, and tightening all connections to ensure the lift is primed for peak season performance. 
• Mid‑Season Checks: After a few months of use, clean surfaces, check for loose connections, scan for signs of wear or corrosion (especially on cables and welds), and keep an eye out for other potential issues.
• Winter Prep: If the lift must go into offseason boat lift storage, raise it completely out of the water, disconnect power, and cover the motor housing to shield it from moisture and debris. Rinse off any lingering salt, algae, or sediment, and allow all components to dry before storage. Store control units and other vital electronics in a dry, temperature-controlled space to prevent damage during colder months.

Depending on your location, your boat lift may encounter vastly different environmental stressors throughout the year. During the warmer months, for instance, freshwater locations might experience increased algae buildup and sediment accumulation (EPA, n.d.). Meanwhile, fall's increased moisture and humidity can accelerate corrosion on critical metal components. Tailoring your maintenance routine to these regional shifts helps keep your lift performing at its best year-round.

For more tips, check out our blog on Aluminum Boat Lift Maintenance. 

Key Inspection Areas

Your lift is only as reliable as its weakest link. Here’s what to keep an eye on:

• Cables: Look for fraying, corrosion, or uneven tension. If they appear worn or strand-separated, replace them immediately to avoid critical failure. Otherwise, use penetrating oil (instead of grease) to protect cables from corrosion without gumming them up and trapping moisture. 
• Sheaves: Misaligned sheaves can cause cables to wear unevenly or create slack. Ensure cables track properly around drums and spools, and realign as necessary.
• Bunks: Check bunk alignment to ensure even weight distribution. While you’re at it, keep an eye out for thinning, cracked, or torn paddings and replace them promptly. 

Remember, your boat lift is only as strong as the dock system, pilings, or seawall it’s anchored to. Check for loose connecting hardware, corrosion, or cracks. Plings must be firmly upright and free from signs of decay or damage from marine borers. Similarly, seawalls must show no signs of erosion or structural stress from repeated wave impact.

Preventive Care & Pro Tips

Here are a few boat lift maintenance hacks you might not have heard before:

• Install Sacrificial Zinc Anodes: In saltwater environments, galvanic corrosion can quickly eat away at metal components. Zinc anodes act as a “sacrificial” metal, corroding in place of more critical parts like brackets, cables, and lift frames. By attracting the corrosive current, these anodes help preserve the integrity of your boat lift’s structural elements (Belmont Metals, 2018). Be sure to inspect and replace them regularly, as worn anodes lose their protective effect over time.
• Smart Upgrades: Grooved aluminum cable winders guide the cable neatly as it winds, helping reduce abrasion and promote even wear. If you have a hydraulic system, ensuring you have the correct length hoses and catch chains prevents overextension, effectively mitigating leaks and maintaining system pressure. While often overlooked, these cost-efficient upgrades can make a lot of difference in preserving lift performance. 
• Hydraulic System Hack: Wipe down exposed metal surfaces (like fittings or cylinder rods) with a corrosion inhibitor to create a protective barrier against moisture, salt, and oxidation. This simple step helps reduce rust formation, preserve component integrity, and extend the lifespan of your hydraulic system, especially in humid or coastal environments.

Finally, always opt for OEM or manufacturer-approved boat lift parts to ensure optimal fit and functionality when replacing lift components. Consult your owner's manual for specific part numbers or contact your boat lift dealer for expert guidance on selecting the appropriate replacement parts.

Professional vs. DIY Maintenance

Many routine maintenance tasks, like lubricating cables, tightening hardware, or replacing hydraulic fluids, can easily be handled by most boat owners with a little time and attention. However, more complex issues, such as hydraulic leaks, electrical malfunctions, and structural damage, often require specialized tools and professional expertise to diagnose and repair. 

If your lift is still under warranty, attempting DIY repairs could also risk voiding coverage. When in doubt, it’s always wise to consult your dealer or an authorized technician. Professional service not only ensures everything is done according to the manufacturer's specifications, it can also help catch underlying issues early.

Upgrade & Accessory Recommendations

Consider the following add-ons to further enhance the protection, safety, and convenience of your boat lift:

• Canopy:  Even in ideal conditions on the best lift systems, boats are still exposed to constant threats from the elements. Prolonged sun exposure can cause upholstery to crack and finishes to fade, while moisture and rain can accelerate corrosion and promote mold growth. A boat lift canopy protects your watercraft from these harmful effects, keeping it looking its best and ready for adventure.
• Bow Guide: This helps center and align the boat during loading, preventing the boat from overrunning the lift and ensuring proper weight distribution. 
• Motor Stop: This practical add-on prevents your boat from overshooting the lift, ensuring consistent, safe placement every time you dock.

At ShoreMaster, we offer a range of boat lift accessories designed to make launching and docking easier. Contact us today to learn more. 

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with regular maintenance, boat lifts can develop problems over time, especially with heavy use or exposure to challenging environmental conditions. 

• Unusual Noises: Start by visually inspecting all moving parts while the lift is in operation. Look for signs of frayed or kinked cables, and listen closely to identify where the sound is coming from. Clean out any debris caught in the winch or pulley system and lubricate accordingly. If pulleys appear misaligned, carefully adjust or replace them according to the manufacturer’s guidance.
• Uneven or Jerky Lifting: Begin by checking the tension on all lift cables. Uneven cable wear or slack can cause the cradle or bunks to lift at different speeds. Inspect the pulleys for wear or misalignment, and ensure the bunks are correctly positioned and level. In motorized systems, a sluggish or surging lift may point to low voltage, a faulty control switch, or motor wear. Test the system under no load to isolate the issue, and consult the manual for proper calibration steps if needed.
• Leaks: Puddles or damp spots around the motor, fittings, or flotation tanks may point to a hydraulic or air system leak. For air-assisted systems, create a soapy water solution and spray it on the connections where the hoses attach to the control unit and flotation tanks. When bubbles appear, it indicates an air leak.

Remember, when in doubt, contact your boat lift dealer immediately. 

Maintenance Logs & Seasonal Planning

As we’ve established, boat lifts work best when afforded consistent attention. One of the easiest ways to stay on top of it is by maintaining a simple, albeit organized, maintenance log. Download our Boat Lift Maintenance Planner to help you track seasonal tasks, document inspections, and plan ahead for preventive maintenance. 

Sample:

Get Expert Help from ShoreMaster

Of course, one of the best boat lift maintenance tips we can offer is to have your system installed and serviced exclusively by a qualified professional. Enter your zip code in our dealer locator tool to get a list of authorized ShoreMaster boat lift dealers. Our extensive dealer network ensures convenient access to service, parts, and expert support, regardless of where you are. 

FAQs:

• How often should I perform maintenance on my boat lift?

After each use, rinse your lift with mild soap and fresh water to reduce salt, sediment, and algae buildup. Perform a thorough visual inspection at least once per season to catch signs of wear, corrosion, and other potential issues. For optimal performance, schedule professional preventive maintenance at least once a year, or more frequently if your lift is subjected to heavy use or harsh marine conditions. 

• What signs indicate cable or pulley replacement is needed?

Watch for visible cable damage such as fraying strands, kinks, rust, or flattened sections. If the lift begins to move unevenly or makes grinding noises during operation, your pulleys or sheaves may be misaligned or worn down. Excessive slack, sudden jerking, or delayed lift response can also point to stretched or compromised cables. 

For pulleys, inspect for grooves that are no longer smooth or signs of seizing. If you notice any of these issues, it's best to pause operation and replace the affected parts before they lead to larger system failures.

References:

• US Environmental Protection Agency (n.d.). Climate Change and Freshwater Harmful Algal Blooms. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/habs/climate-change-and-freshwater-harmful-algal-blooms 
• Belmont Metals (March 7, 2018). Sacrificial Anodes: Zinc Protecting Parts from Salt Water. Retrieved from https://www.belmontmetals.com/sacrificial-anodes-zinc-protecting-parts-from-salt-water/