If you’ve decided to invest in a better quality of life with a boat, you’re probably aware that there will be some initial fees. When you’re soaking up the rays on Lake Murray with friends and family in spring and summer, it’ll be evident that the investment was well worth it! The advantages of owning a boat far exceed the costs, but you must preserve your investment. Keeping your boat on a LIFT will undoubtedly assist. Here are the top five advantages of a boat lift.

While putting your new boat on a lift is only a tiny portion of your overall boating costs, it can significantly cut bottom-line costs by keeping it safe all year. You will have fewer repairs and significantly less maintenance on your watercraft if you use a boat lift. Plus, wouldn’t it be great to hop on your boat, press a button, and speed away without having to untie ropes or unscrew bumpers?

Here are the Top 5 Advantages of Having a Boat Lift:

Peace of Mind

As previously said, having to untie a slew of dock lines and boat bumpers every time you go out will be a thing of the past, and your boat will be protected in the event of a storm or heavy winds. Worse, you won’t have to worry about your boat sinking at the dock. Furthermore, a boat splashed around in water suffers a lot of wear and tear; even minor damage to the hull can cause significant difficulties with your boat if you are not there in time to repair it. A failing bilge pump is a typical issue that can cause your boat to sink if it is in the water rather than above it.

Prevents Damage to the Hull

We mentioned it earlier, but storing a boat in the water is one of the leading sources of damage below the water line and can contribute to various other issues with your boat. Harsh weather circumstances where water levels vary or debris is present can impose a lot of stress on your boat and decrease its life, not to mention that boats left in the water are more prone to hull blisters and other prop and shaft damage. There is a noticeable difference in the condition of typical wet-stored watercraft vs. those stored on a boat lift. Whether caused by wind, storms, or debris, the wear and tear that accumulates could result in costly repairs or the loss of your boat entirely. A boat lift may significantly reduce damage and efficiently extend the life of your boat.

Prevents Corrosion and Algae

Algae is a major worry if you keep your boat in the water. It will begin to accumulate on the boat’s exterior, resulting in layers of damp scum and residue that will require time and effort to clean. Corrosion can also happen and cause leaks if you’re not attentive. Keeping your boat above the water produces an environment in which algae cannot develop, and corrosion may be prevented, saving you time washing algae off or obtaining a new paint job.

Saves You Money Now and in the Future

Damage from wear and tear or corrosion can be costly. As a result, a boat lift can save you money over time by eliminating the need for many repairs and routine maintenance modifications. Furthermore, having a clean boat bottom implies that you can:

• Improve performance
• Increase range
• Save fuel
• Reduce gas mileage
• Eliminate the recurring cost of painting the underside
• Have a boat that looks as good as the day you bought it

Ensures Quicker, Easier, Safer Boarding

This could be incredibly significant for many people, especially if you own a Pontoon Boat and host large parties. If you keep your boat in the water, whether it’s a front mount or a side mount, the changing water levels and lack of stability of a floating boat might make getting on and off a little tricky (mainly if your party includes alcohol). When your boat is on a lift, you’re right at dock level, and there’s no movement when you board. Finally, with the simple turn of a handle or the flip of a switch, you can be ready to go in no time, allowing you to spend more time out on the open sea with friends and family!

That’s all there is to it! The top five advantages of a boat lift should assist you in making your decision. Although boat lifts are strong constructions that can carry thousands of pounds of boat weight, neglect and poor maintenance can reduce the lift’s service life, efficiency, and safety.

While certain repairs are unavoidable, regular maintenance can help to alleviate many boat lift concerns. The following are some of the most typical reasons for boat lift repair.

The common reason why you need a boat lift repair

Rust

The presence of water and humidity accelerates the production of rust on the boat lift. Steel is a popular material for boat lifts; however, it is prone to rust, so be careful while using it. Aluminum, on the other hand, is more resistant to rust. Depending on the amount of corrosion, it may be necessary to replace an old or corroded steel boat lift with an aluminum boat lift.

Grinding the corrosion away from the metal is achievable if the corrosion is detected early enough. Your maritime building contractor may also apply a protective sealer and paint to the structure to prevent future corrosion.

Faulty Motor

Your boat lift’s motor is the lifeline of the entire system. The boat lift, in particular, is powered by the engine, which allows you to simply lower and raise your watercraft in and out of the water. A motor that will not start or stay on, a motor that will not lift, and a motor that will only turn on manually are examples of trouble indicators.

Many variables can lead to boat lift motor problems, including faulty wiring in the motor, burned fuses, an inappropriate amount of voltage applied to the motor, and a defective up-button, to name a few. Faulty wiring in the motor, burned fuses, an erroneous amount of power used to the motor Repairing motor problems is simple for a marine technician, but replacing an engine that has been entirely damaged is more complicated.

Sinking Piles

Poor piling installation can harm the efficiency of the boat lift that is mounted on top of the piling. The lift can be destabilized if the piling is not properly driven and sinks or shifts.

Sinking piles will also cause the lift to bind, which can cause structural damage and pose a safety hazard to the passengers. Ensure that your boat lift system is installed by a licensed and skilled maritime construction firm.

Worn Cables

The cables are the backbone of your boat lift’s operation. The rack assembly is lifted by cables, which support the vessel’s weight, allowing you to effortlessly raise and lower the boat. Because of the up-and-down movement, lift cables are particularly susceptible to wear and strain, necessitating periodic repair.

Because lift cables are typically stainless steel or galvanized steel, rust is a significant source of lift cable problems. Overloading the boat lift, insufficient tension, misalignment, and incorrect drum winding are all problems that can cause the lift cable to wear out prematurely.

Malfunctioning Boat Lift Controls

Those components of a boat lift system that regulate the up and down movement of the boat lift system are referred to as boat lift controls. The controls, in particular, turn the lift’s engine, gear plate, and drive pipe, allowing you to elevate and lower your boat with ease and precision.

Boat lift controls that fail frequently are caused by electrical faults and corroded circuit contacts in the control panel. A lift that elevates the boat to an excessively high level is a common symptom of defective controls. Both the lift and the boat may suffer damage due to this.

Additionally, a malfunctioning remote control may force the engine to operate in the opposite direction of the lift, making raising and lowering the lift more challenging to accomplish. In this instance, your lift remote may need to be rewired.

Some concerns, such as electrical problems with boat lifts, may catch you completely off guard. A little maintenance, such as a frequent visual inspection of the various components of the boat lift, as well as proper use and maintenance, can go a long way toward extending the life of your boat lift.