Image SourceEvery boat owner will tell you how useful it is to have a boat lift. It is a perfect way to store your boat and keep it safe from water damage. However, just like a boat can break, so does a boat lift. Fortunately, these are usually some common issues that you can easily prevent or repair.
Don’t ignore these issues. A broken boat lift can damage your boat or even cause some injuries. You can prevent it from happening by taking some precautions. If you want to learn more about common issues and repairs for boat lifts Minnesota, keep reading!
Signs That There Is An Issue With Your Boat Lift
First, you need to learn how to recognize that something is wrong with your boat lift. This will allow you to diagnose issues while they are still in their initial phase, and you can even prevent some issues from happening. As a result, you will be able to enjoy your boat rides without worrying about your boat lift falling apart.
Watch out for these signs: rust or corrosion, exposed wires, worn-out cables, or anything else that looks out of the ordinary. Pay close attention to the boat lift when you park your boat on top of it. Is the boat lift providing enough support to the boat, or does the whole structure look unstable? Is the boat lift somewhat tilted? If yes, that should be your wake-up call to do something.
Unless you are an expert, we suggest you refrain from trying to fix your boat lift yourself. Instead, you should find a professional who specializes in fixing boat lifts. Of course, you should still familiarize yourself with common problems with boat lifts.
Mechanical Problems
Most mechanical issues regarding boat lifts happen around cables and pulleys. These structures have to withstand a lot of strain, especially if you are lowering and raising your boat lift rather frequently. Other places to look are the boat lift motor area and the gearbox. You can damage them accidentally and they will malfunction as a result. Also, take a look at the tracks – are they bent or misaligned?
Mechanical issues are usually easy to fix, and they come down to replacing the faulty part. Of course, don’t try to replace them by yourself. Instead, focus on the prevention – lubricate the cables regularly and try to be more careful when operating your boat lift.
Electrical Problems
Another common cause of boat lift malfunctions is electricity, given that the boat lift in question runs on electricity or has some electricity-powered parts. Obviously, the most vulnerable place to check is the wires. Check them out to see if they are still in good condition and if some of them are loose.
Apart from the mechanical damages, boat lift motors can malfunction for other reasons. For instance, there could be a problem with fuses or breakers. Make sure to check the fuse box for any blown fuses. Additionally, inspect all connections – the cause of your issues might be hiding there.
Again, don’t try to DIY this problem, especially if you don’t have much experience with electricity. Call the expert to do that, as they will be able to fix the issues quickly and safely. Your main job is to keep an eye on your boat lift and react as soon as you notice an issue.
Rust and Corrosion
Boat lifts exist to protect your boat from rust and corrosion, but there is nothing that protects them from water and elements. As a result, many boat lifts corrode or become covered in rust. The rust and corrosion can even spread to other parts of your boat lift, slowly eating it away.
Fortunately, tiny specks of rust or some minor corrosion won’t impair the functionality of your boat lift. However, you don’t want to risk and see them spread. Fortunately, there are special paints and sealants that can prevent rust and corrosion from appearing and spreading – or they can at least slow down this process.
If your boat lift is made of steel, you should consider replacing it with an aluminum one. Aluminum is rather durable, and even though it does corrode, it doesn’t rust, which is already one less problem to think about.
Noise
Has your boat lift suddenly started to make more noise than usual? The cause behind this issue is rather simple to fix. Excessive noise is most often caused by ungreased gears. There is simply too much traction between them, and you can reduce it by lathering them in grease or another type of lubricant.
Alternatively, the boat lift’s pump might be making a squealing sound. This is a sign of air bubbles entering the system. While it’s unloaded, lower and raise your boat lift a few times until the air bubbles get pushed out.
Improper Use
You probably handle your boat with utmost care, but do you do the same with your boat lift? Many boat owners are a bit neglectful toward their boat lifts. Probably the most common example of improper boat lift use is overloading it. It might seem like it’s not a big deal – loading your boat lift with just a few pounds above its load capacity, but it can cause significant issues in the long run.
Some people also place their boats too forward or too backward on the boat lift. The improper positioning can also cause some issues. For example, the whole boat lift can tilt to one side, which certainly isn’t the position you want it to be.
Conclusion
Once you purchase a boat lift for your boat, your work is far from over! While your boat is now mostly protected against water, elements, and other hazards, you should still be mindful of how you use the boat lift. By using it properly and inspecting it regularly for various issues, you can extend the life of both your boat and your boat lift.