Posted on December 19, 2024

Winterizing Your Ski Boat Lift: Essential Steps for Longevity

Skiboat Lift: Find Perfect Lift & Wintertize for Protection

Written by HydroHoist Marketing

Winter can be unpredictable, with the potential for freezing temperatures, increased precipitation, and heavy snow putting even the sturdiest marine equipment to the test. If you’re considering buying a ski boat lift, you might wonder how well these docking solutions can withstand such harsh conditions.

This is where investing in quality solutions and observing proper winterization practices come into play. Below, we offer tips for keeping ski lifts protected over winter so they’re primed for the demands of the next riding season.

Why Winterizing Your Ski Boat Lift is Essential

In 2023, the US experienced the record for the warmest winter with an average of 37.6°F – five and a half degrees above historical norms (CBS News, 2024). While moderate winters might seem ideal, warmer days can also increase the intensity of winter storms, making sleet and freezing rain more common. These conditions can take their toll on outdoor docking equipment, corroding metal components, damaging cables, and straining the structure.

The good news? Preparing your boat lift for winter doesn’t require much effort but delivers significant benefits. By following essential winterization practices, you can prevent costly repairs, extend your lift’s lifespan, and be ready to dive into spring adventures without a hitch.

Step-by-Step Guide to Winterizing Your Ski Boat Lift

The offseason provides the perfect opportunity to ensure your watercraft and docking equipment are in top condition for the next boating season. Here’s a quick winterization checklist to help guide you:

  • Clean the Lift: Start by removing any debris, dirt, or marine growth from the lift and its components, and use a low-pressure hose, a soft brush, and a mild soap solution to clean the lift. Whether you plan on leaving the hoist in the water or uninstall it for winter storage, giving it a good scrub allows you to perform a thorough boat lift inspection and address any issues before winter. 
  • Protect Components: To prevent rust and corrosion, apply marine-grade lubricant to all moving parts, such as cables, pulleys, and hinges. Similarly, use a rust inhibitor or protective spray on metal surfaces. 
  • Drain Water: This step is crucial for hydraulic and hydro-pneumatic lifts, as freezing temperatures can damage seals, valves, and other vital components. Draining water from the system reduces the risk of corrosion, which can be more severe in outdoor environments due to exposure to the elements.

If you’re leaving the lift outdoors, tighten all bolts, screws, secure all connections. This will prevent it from swaying or shifting during high winds or storms. 

Choosing the Right Lift for Your Ski Boat

HydroHoist introduced the first floating boat lift in 1964 as a practical solution for keeping vessels clean and dry when not in use, without the hassles of constant trailering. Today, we offer boat lift types designed to perform in various environments and integrate with varying waterfront setups. 

Here are the primary considerations when shopping for a ski boat lift to help ensure it meets your specific needs and performs reliably season after season:

  • Load Capacity: Determine the maximum weight the lift needs to support, including any gear and equipment typically stored on the watercraft. A lift designed to handle the full weight of your watercraft and gear will operate more smoothly and efficiently, reducing wear and tear on the lift components.
  • Lift Height: Determine the height to which the lift needs to raise the watercraft to ensure it can reach the required level for your application. A lift that cannot achieve the appropriate height might force you to take unsafe shortcuts or use improper techniques, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.
  • Materials: Purchasing a boat lift is an investment in your watercraft's longevity and performance. HydroHoist lifts combine hot dip galvanized steel components with high-density polyethylene floats to provide a dry docking solution that can withstand challenging conditions, from fluctuating water levels and corrosive salt water to unpredictable winter storms. 

Contact us today to discuss your docking requirements. We’ll connect you with an authorized HydroHoist dealer near you who can assist you with configuring the optimal boat lift system for protecting your vessels and enhancing your ownership experience.  

Maintenance Tips for Your Ski Boat Lift During Winter

While boat hoists from leading manufacturers like HydroHoist and ShoreMaster are built using premium materials and innovative construction techniques, they still require essential maintenance to preserve optimal performance and longevity. 

For winch-operated lifts, periodically check cables for fraying, crushed or flat spots, or rusting. These are potential points of failure, so make sure you replace them before they break and result in more costly damage. Meanwhile, pulleys make a distinctive screeching sound when they start to wear, so keep an ear out for that.  

According to Brinson Marine Waterfront Manager Chris Jacobs, the only two things to consider when leaving your lift in the water over winter are the motor and the battery. If you won’t be using the lift during the offseason, it’s best to remove those components and store them in a dry, climate-controlled space with the battery connected to a trickle charger to maintain optimal charge levels. Otherwise, the hoist can sit out as is under most winter conditions (Brinson Marine, 2021).

Preparing Your Ski Boat Lift for Spring Use

Here’s a quick checklist to help ensure your lift is ready for action:

  • Inspection: Conduct a visual inspection of the entire lift, looking for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage. Check all structural components, including the frame, supports, and brackets, to ensure they’re intact and secure. While you’re at it, clean the lift to remove any accumulated dirt, grime, or debris and lubricate all moving parts and grease points. 
  • Systems Check: If your lift uses a battery, check its charge level. For hydraulic and hydro-pneumatic hoists, inspect hoses and connections for any signs of leaks and damage and check the fluid levels, topping them off if necessary.
  • Test Operation: Tighten all bolts and fasteners and ensure the lift is properly anchored and doesn’t wobble or shift. Without the watercraft, operate the lift through a full cycle, raising and lowering it to check for any issues. 

Consult your owner’s manual or contact your local dealer with any questions or concerns. Remember, being proactive with maintenance before, during, and after the boating season is crucial to the safety and longevity of your investments. Take care of it, and it will take care of you. 

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