Duncan Seawall Dock & Boat Lift LLC

Golden Boat Lifts: Top 10 Maintenance Tips

Written by Duncan Seawall | Aug 20, 2019 2:10:00 PM

Owning a boat or personal watercraft vessel can lead to many days of fun in the sun, but that also means you have the have the right tools to properly care for your equipment when you come home.

Related Blog: Golden Boat Lifts: Why Golden Boat Lift Drives are Best

Here are some top tips to help maintain Golden Boat Lifts:

 


Heed the Weight Warning

Golden Boat Lifts are designed to meet particular specifications, which means putting more weight on your lift than it's designed to hold can lead to devastating results. Stick to the specs to ensure a healthy life for your lift.

Remove the Cables from the Water

Don't leave your cables dangling in the water while you're away.

 

Rinse the Cables

Every time you launch your boat, rinse the cables to remove salt crystals that the water leaves behind.

 

Oil Regularly

Galvanized and stainless steel cables should have a squirt or two of penetrating oil applied periodically to minimize abrasion and preserve the galvanized coating.

 

Do Not Lubricate with Grease 

Grease actually traps moisture inside the strands of the cables.

 

Do Your Homework before Changing Cable Materials 

Stainless steel often holds up better in saltwater, but it requires different sheave and drum sizes than galvanized cables, which means you shouldn't simply swap out the cables without taking the whole boat lift's needs into consideration.

 

Don't Have People in the Boat while It's on the Lift

If people are jumping into and out of the boat while it's on the lift, they're creating shock and strain to the hoist motor and cabling.

 

Remove the Plug while the Boat is on the Hoist

Rainwater can collect while you're away, which can cause added weight to your boat and further stress to your boat lift's wiring and hoist. Leaving the plug open allows your boat to maintain its natural weight.

 

Monitor the Drum

To avoid slack, which can cause tangling and other damage, monitor the cable as it's winding onto the drum. Even wear will help lengthen the life of the cables.

 

Check for Proper Sheave Alignment

Improper alignment can put undue pressure on the cable, likely shortening the life of both the cable and the sheave. If you're unsure, call a professional.

 

 
 

 

Have you thought about exploring the ways Golden Goat Lifts can enhance your waterfront experiences? Contact our experts at Duncan Seawall, and let us know what you're looking for!