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Boats are precious possessions, and there’s no better accessory for boat safety than a boat lift in Key West. You invested a lot of money in your vessel, so paying more to ensure its safety, performance, and value is a no-brainer. A high-quality boat lift can last for around 25 years when properly cared for and maintained.
If you’ve already installed a boat lift system, you might wonder how long it can last and when you should replace it. However, it’s important to note that wear and tear are inevitable for boat lifts. In such situations, your dock will become unsafe and unreliable, and you may nehttps://bg8naebwpd.wpdns.site/basic-care-tips-for-keeping-your-boat-lift-in-good-condition/ed to replace your boat lift sooner than it’s expected to last. We’ve pulled together the signs you should look out for that may indicate you need to replace your lift.
Surefire Signs You Need a Boat Lift Replacement
The Boat Lift Has Outlived Its Usefulness
A boat lift can malfunction any time after it reaches the end of its expected usable life. Rust may have taken over the pulleys, and the ropes are no longer as strong as they were a few years ago. Storing your boat in this condition puts it at risk for accidents. If you’re looking to steer clear of accidents and unnecessary damage to your boat, it’s best to replace your lift system before it begins to malfunction.
Controls Malfunction Constantly
If you have trouble controlling the lift while using it, replacing the remote and buttons that control up and down, switches, ropes, and harnesses might be time. Otherwise, you risk experiencing safety issues when mounting and installing your vessel. Accidents can happen when control issues elevate your boat too high or too low.
It’s worth noting that malfunctioning controls could result from faulty electrical wiring. In such cases, you’ll save money by replacing the entire lift system rather than repairing it.
The Cables Are Worn Out
Since your cables carry most of your vessel’s weight, their integrity is crucial to your boat lift’s safety. Boat lift cables are usually made of galvanized or stainless steel, which is more vulnerable to rusting over time. Moreover, extensive rusting can lead to unstable boat support.
To avoid this problem, experts recommend performing regular boat lift maintenance. Your boat will likely suffer expensive damage if you catch rust on your cables as soon as possible.
Malfunctioning Boat Lift Motors
Faulty fuses and malfunctioning up-and-down buttons can indicate a defective motor. When the motors in the boat lift start to malfunction, they prevent your lift system from lifting or lowering your vessel. Although you can operate your boat lift manually, this task can quickly become tedious and annoying if you use your boat frequently.
Although you can always replace a malfunctioning motor, you’ll want to replace your boat lift entirely when it uses more than one motor. Otherwise, it won’t be long before the other motors give out.
Sinking Piles
Piles ensure that your boat lift remains steady while in use. Conversely, shifting or sinking piles can destabilize your boat lift’s structure. Unless you replace your lift system, this problem will cause the entire structure to collapse, causing damage to your boat.
Looking for a Quality Boat Lift in Key West?
At Hurricane Boat Lifts, we don’t just design and build quality boat lift systems. We manufacture the most attractive lifts at affordable prices. Contact us today to get started.
