Investing in a boat lift is a wise decision for all boat owners.
This piece of equipment is an essential tool for keeping boats in good condition as it can lift your vessel out of water for long periods of time, thus preventing the growth of algae, hull staining, premature corrosion, blistering and other damage that may arise from prolonged storage in water.
In addition to keeping your recreational vessels out of water safely, boat lifts also prevent damage caused by strong winds and waves that are common in seaside settings.
Such strong forces can knock over boats and cause them to hit surrounding pontoon construction materials such as poles or decks, leading to dents, cracks and fractures on important boat components.
Getting a high quality boat lift begins by making the right purchase.
There are various factors to consider when buying a yacht lift such as manner of operation.
Manually operated lifts may be cheaper but require strength to operate while automated boat lifts can be operated easily.
However, electric lifts need a secure source of power as well as regular care and maintenance.
Another important consideration in buying boat lifts is the dimensions of the lift and the size of the boat it can carry.
It's important to determine these as each lift has a specific capacity and can only carry up to a certain size and weight.
The type of metal is also an important factor to check.
There are basically two choices: galvanised and stainless steel.
Stainless steel is more resistant to damage due to corrosion and saltwater exposure and thus is superior to galvanised metal.
However, this can be a rather expensive investment if you are only using your craft lift in a freshwater area.
These are just some of the most important features to consider during purchase.
Boat owners are advised to visit various boat lift sales to get more information on each model as well as to clarify details on warranties and maintenance services.
A top tip for yacht lift repair and maintenance is to regularly perform a visual inspection of all the lift's parts.
Prime areas to inspect are the moving components (pulleys, cables), parts that hold the equipment together (nuts, bolts, hose clamps), areas that are frequently in contact with water, and the parts that carry the boat's weight (cables, runners).
Check for rusting, fraying and loosening of these components.
Besides regular inspection, it's also important for boat lift operators to perform maintenance tasks.
This means rinsing the lift after exposure to water (as water can leave corrosive elements on the ship lift's surface) as well as applying lubricants to moving parts.
Performing these simple tasks will ensure that users are safe and that the boat lift is kept in good condition for many years to come.