Boat Lifts
Boat lifts safely raise and store boats out of the water, protecting them from damage due to constant exposure to waves, algae, and corrosive water elements. By lifting boats out of the water when not in use, boat lifts help reduce hull cleaning and maintenance, prevent fouling, and minimize wear on propellers and engines. Regularly maintained and correctly installed, a boat lift can extend a boat’s lifespan and improve convenience for boat owners, allowing easy access to the water and enhanced protection.
Have You Noticed These Signs of Damage
Around your boat lift?
Unusual Noises
Grinding, squeaking, or clanking noises during operation can indicate problems with the lift’s motor, gears, or cables.
Slow or Jerky Movement
If the lift operates slower than usual or moves unevenly, it may signal issues with the motor, hydraulic system, or cable alignment.
Rust or Corrosion
Visible rust on metal parts, particularly cables, pulleys, or bolts, can weaken the lift’s structural integrity and should be addressed to prevent further damage.
Frayed or Damaged Cables
Cables that appear worn, frayed, or rusted can compromise safety and may lead to a sudden failure if not replaced promptly.
Inconsistent Height
When the lift doesn’t raise or lower the boat to the proper height or stops at irregular intervals, there may be problems with the control mechanism or hydraulic system.
Electrical Malfunctions
Flickering lights, unresponsive controls, or issues with the remote or switch panel can point to electrical issues or faulty wiring.
What Causes the damage
to your boat lift?
Improper Weight Capacity
Exceeding the lift’s weight limit by attempting to lift a boat that’s too heavy can put excess strain on the motor, cables, and frame, leading to mechanical failure.
Weather Exposure
Severe weather conditions, including storms, high winds, and extreme tides, can damage boat lifts by causing excessive movement, dislodging parts, or straining structural components.
Lack of Maintenance
Without regular maintenance, issues like frayed cables, worn pulleys, and unlubricated gears can go unnoticed, leading to bigger problems and costly repairs over time.
Improper Use or Handling
Incorrectly positioning the boat on the lift, uneven weight distribution, or not following proper lifting/lowering procedures can lead to stress and misalignment.
Marine Growth and Debris
Algae, barnacles, or debris buildup on or around the lift’s moving parts can hinder operation, leading to strain on the motor and cables and reducing the lift’s effectiveness.
Electrical Issues
Exposure to moisture can damage electrical components, leading to short circuits, unresponsive controls, or motor issues.
How Dock Experts repair the damage
to your boat lift
Replace Worn or Frayed Cables
Inspect cables regularly, and if they appear frayed, rusted, or damaged, replace them with marine-grade stainless steel cables to maintain safe lifting operations.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Apply a marine-grade lubricant to pulleys, gears, and other moving parts to reduce friction, prevent rust, and ensure smooth operation.
Adjust or Recalibrate the Motor
If the lift is operating slowly or inconsistently, check the motor alignment, and recalibrate it as necessary. For hydraulic lifts, ensure hydraulic fluid levels are correct.
Clean and Remove Marine Growth
Clear away algae, barnacles, or other debris from the lift’s parts, especially on the frame and around pulleys, to prevent resistance and ensure smooth operation.
Reinforce the Lift Base
If the base has shifted due to soil erosion or instability, reinforce it by stabilizing the ground or securing the lift with additional pilings for better support.
Upgrade Components
For older lifts, consider upgrading to higher-capacity cables, new pulleys, or a stronger motor to improve functionality and accommodate heavier loads.
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Customer Testimonials
Fantastic work, got all the paperwork processed in a timely fashion at the city, Lighthouse Point. I’ve had bad experiences with other dock, Seawall and lift companies, Everyone at the Dock Experts was great. Andrew sold me on the lift, and everyone at the office, and work crew, moved the project along from start to finish in quick time. I highly recommend them. I’m having them do sock at a rental property I own, and will recommend them to friends.
These guys are the best! If you want a company that gets it done right, answers the phone, and follows through- look no further. Tom has been great to work with and the crew including Bob, Gary, Tony, and Chad are true professionals. After completing a new dock and lift a year ago- we are still extremely happy we chose to work with them. And yes -they do still answer the phone when I have called!
We highly recommend Dock Experts! Our seawall completely collapsed. The owners Andrew and Tom and their staff were always available to answer our questions or concerns. Our project was challenging in many ways and they figured out how to attack the issues. They are perfectionists. Our extensive project was finished in a timely manner. No mess left behind. We wish we could personally name all the hard workers that gave us our home back. Too many to remember , but Bob, Tom, Mike and his son Brett all amazing and Jennifer in the office. Many thanks. The pictures below say it all!
Had problem with cables on a 4 poster lift. Called Andrew for service a d got immediate response. Had service team on site the next day. Chad Gorman and his helper did a outstanding job of keeping me informed of needs and progress. Did a outstanding job of diagnosis and repair of the problem. Also took care of some minor repairs and adjustments to get the lift to 100%. Could not have been more satisfied.