Posted on October 24, 2024

Pontoon Boat Lift Maintenance: Tips for the Fall

Written by HydroHoist Marketing

Why Fall Maintenance is Crucial for Pontoon Boat Lifts  

As fall transitions into winter, pontoon boat lifts face various seasonal challenges that can lead to wear and damage if left unaddressed. The combination of increased moisture, dropping temperatures, and prolonged inactivity makes it essential to perform preventive maintenance in the fall to prevent costly issues when the boating season returns.

Here’s an overview of these seasonal factors and their impacts on boat lifts:

• Increased Moisture: Fall often brings increased moisture and humidity, which can lead to water accumulation on metal components. Left unchecked, this can accelerate corrosion on critical components such as cables and frames. Eventually, rust buildup can compromise the lift’s structural integrity, leading to potential failure with more frequent use come spring. 
• Lower Temperatures: Colder weather can make metal components more brittle, which increases the likelihood of cracking or breaking under pressure. Water can infiltrate existing microscopic cracks or imperfections on the metal surfaces, leading to more accessible entry points for corrosive agents (ZRC, 2023).  
• Inactivity: During the offseason, a boat lift can sit unused for several months. Parts can seize, corrode, or experience unnoticeable wear without proper preventive maintenance.  

Addressing these seasonal challenges can extend the lifespan of your boat lift and avoid the hassle of emergency repairs when the boating season arrives. Whether you have a cable-operated, hydraulic, or hydro-pneumatic lift, regular preventive maintenance is a surefire way to optimize the longevity and performance of your pontoon boat lift. 

Inspecting Your Boat Lift: Key Areas to Check  

Pay close attention to the following areas:

• Support Structures: Your boat lift is only as strong as the structures supporting it. Depending on your setup, this may involve pilings, a seawall, or the dock system. Check for cracks, corrosion, or loose connections where the lift meets these structures. Pilings should not shift or tilt, while seawalls must show no signs of erosion or damage from repeated wave action. 
• Bunks and Cradles: Check for any cracks, bends, or other signs of structural damage and ensure all bolts, screws, and other fasteners are free from corrosion. Examine all contact points where your boat rests on the bunks, looking for uneven wear or degradation, especially on carpeted wood bunks.  

Depending on your boat lift type, here are other key components to inspect:

• Cables: Over time, cables can fray, lose tension, or corrode. Check for any visible signs of wear, such as rust or broken strands, and test the tension to ensure it’s still properly calibrated. Pulleys should rotate smoothly without squeaking or resistance. 
• Hydraulic Components: Inspect hoses and seals for cracks, wear, or leaks and ensure all fittings and connections are secure. Check the fluids, as low fluid levels can indicate leaks. 
• Air Tanks and Valves: For floating lifts, check the tanks and valves for leaks or pressure loss. Address any signs of pressure instability immediately to avoid system failure and costly repairs.  

Finally, check for any unusual sounds or sluggish movement when operating the lift, as these could indicate wear or damage to the lift mechanism. 

Essential Tools and Products for Effective Maintenance  

Most boat lift user manuals provide detailed guidelines on essential equipment and recommended maintenance products to help owners maintain their pontoon boat lifts properly. These may include the following:

• Cleaning Supplies (freshwater hose, mild soap solution, soft brushes and pads)
• Lubricants (grease, chain oil, cable fluid)
• Protective Coatings (anti-corrosion sprays, sealants, etc.)
• Tools (hand tools, pressure gauges)

We also recommend wearing protective gear, such as gloves, safety glasses, and a mask or respirator, when performing preventive boat lift maintenance to ensure personal safety. 

DIY Pontoon Boat Lift Maintenance: Step-by-Step Guide 

Performing maintenance yourself can be a cost-effective way to keep your pontoon boat lift in top shape. Here are some tips to help you do the job safely and efficiently:

• Power Down First: Always disconnect the power before starting any maintenance to avoid accidents. If you have a battery, store it in a cool, dry place and connect it to a trickle charger while in storage. 
• Inspect as You Clean: Remove dirt and debris from all components, inspecting cables, pulleys, hydraulic parts, and supporting structures for signs of wear or damage as you clean. 
• Lubricate Moving Parts: Apply grease or a marine-grade lubricant to pulleys, cables, hinges, gears, and other moving parts to reduce friction, protect against rust, and minimize the risk of parts seizing during the winter months. 
• Check Fluid and Pressure Levels: For hydraulic lifts, check fluid levels and top them off as needed. For hydro-pneumatic lifts, use a pressure gauge to ensure the air tanks are properly pressurized.
• Replace Worn Parts: If you notice frayed cables, leaking hoses, or damaged seals, replace them immediately with manufacturer-approved parts.
• Test the Lift: After performing these maintenance tasks, run the lift through a few cycles to ensure smooth operation.

According to Brinson Marine Waterfront Manager Chris Jacobs, aside from covering the motors and disconnecting the power source, you can leave premium boat lifts, like those from HydroHoist and ShoreMaster, on the water over the offseason (Brinson Marine, 2021). For more information about winterizing your boat lift, contact your dealer. 

Choose HydroHoist for Durable, Quality Pontoon Boat Lifts  

At HydroHoist, we take pride in providing the most advanced, easiest-to-use, and lowest-maintenance boat lift systems. Our floating pontoon boat lift is designed to support today’s larger, more powerful vessels. Its longer, wider design provides a more stable platform for lifting pontoons, while specially designed bunks and cradles offer better support and guidance when entering and exiting the lift. 

Our lifts for pontoon boats are constructed with a marine-grade aluminum frame and rugged rotomolded polyethylene tanks, capable of supporting vessels ranging from 4,400 to 25,000 lbs. They come with a standard control package that provides the fastest launch time in the industry by simply flipping a switch and turning the handle. 

Contact us today to find a HydroHoist dealer near you and learn more about the best year-round protection for pontoon boats.

References:

• ZRC Worldwide (September 21, 2023). The Impact of Weather on Metal: Understanding Corrosion Protection. Retrieved from https://www.zrcworldwide.com/blog/how-weather-conditions-affect-your-corrosion-protection 
• Brinson Marine (2021). What Maintenance Does Your Boat Lift Need? / ShoreMaster Boat Lifts. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/oxtrxLLtzWg?si=Yay9eHcxYmH4Za8P 

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