9 Most Common Boat Lift Mistakes To Avoid

Your boat is an investment in a lifestyle of freedom, relaxation, and adventure on the water. A high-quality boat lift is the single most important tool for protecting that investment. It keeps your hull clean, prevents water damage, and simplifies every trip to the lake. But even the best equipment can fail with incorrect use.

Owning a boat lift comes with a responsibility to understand its operation and maintenance needs. Minor oversights can lead to costly repairs for both your lift and your boat. To help you safeguard your prized possession, we’ve put together a list of the nine most common boat lift mistakes to avoid.

1. Overloading the Lift

Every boat lift has a specific weight capacity, and exceeding it is a direct path to structural failure. A common mistake boat owners make is only considering the boat's dry weight. But you must also account for the "wet weight," which includes fuel, water, batteries, safety equipment, water sports gear, and any other items you keep on board.

A lift pushed beyond its limits will experience immense strain on its motor, cables, and frame. Leading to bent components, snapped cables, or a complete collapse, which could be catastrophic for your boat. Before you buy or use a lift, confirm its capacity and always calculate your boat’s fully loaded weight. If you're unsure, consult an expert to help you assess it for safety.

2. Improper Boat Positioning

Dock your boat in the center of the lift every time. Off-center parking creates an uneven weight distribution, putting excessive stress on one side of the lift structure. Over time, this imbalance can warp the frame, fray cables, and cause premature wear on the motor as it works harder to lift an unbalanced load.

This can also damage your boat. Uneven pressure on the hull can lead to gelcoat cracks, structural stress, or even deformation. Take the time to install guideposts or other aids for a perfect alignment every time you dock.

3. Neglecting Regular Maintenance

A boat lift is a complex piece of machinery with many moving parts that are constantly exposed to the elements. Regular maintenance is a requirement for longevity and safe operation. This includes routine inspections of cables, pulleys, belts, and structural components.

Failing to perform these checks means you won’t catch small issues before they become major problems. A slightly frayed cable or a corroded bolt can seem minor, but it can also be the single point of failure that leads to disaster.

4. Using the Wrong Type of Lift

The ideal lift for your situation depends on your boat’s size and hull type, water depth, lakebed conditions, and local water fluctuations. Using an improper lift for your specific environment leads to inefficient operation and potential damage.

For instance, a lift designed for a V-hull boat will not properly support a pontoon or a high-performance stepped-hull boat. Similarly, a lift intended for a calm inland lake can’t handle the rough conditions of the Great Lakes.

5. Ignoring Cable Wear

The cables are the muscles of your boat lift, and they are arguably the most critical component for safety. Cables are subject to immense tension and environmental wear. They can fray, corrode, and stretch with continued use, significantly reducing their strength. A snapping cable is one of the most common causes of catastrophic lift failure.

Visually inspect your cables regularly for any signs of fraying, broken strands, or rust. Run a gloved hand along their length to feel for abnormalities. Even if they look fine, cables have a finite lifespan, and you should replace them according to the manufacturer's recommendations. If you see any sign of wear, contact your boat lift partner immediately for a professional inspection and replacement.

6. Skipping Lubrication

Boat lifts have numerous moving parts, including pulleys, bearings, and winch gears, that require regular lubrication to function smoothly. Without it, friction causes these parts to grind against each other, leading to accelerated wear and potential seizure.

Lack of lubrication forces the motor to work harder, shortening its life and increasing your energy and repair costs. It can also cause loud, unpleasant squealing and groaning noises during operation. Refer to your owner’s manual for the recommended lubricant type and schedule. This simple, ten-minute task adds years to the life of your lift.

7. Improper Installation

An improperly installed lift is a major safety hazard. Problems can range from an unlevel frame that causes operational issues to insecure footings that could allow the entire structure to shift or collapse. Installation requires precision, knowledge of lakebed composition, and an understanding of structural engineering principles.

This is not a DIY project. A professional installer can give you a better guarantee that the lift is level, square, and securely anchored for your specific shoreline and water depth. Experienced technicians handle every aspect of installation, guaranteeing your lift is structurally sound and perfectly configured for your boat.

8. Not Adjusting for Water Levels

Water levels on Michigan's lakes can fluctuate significantly due to seasonal changes, rainfall, and seiche effects on the Great Lakes. Adjust your lift before these changes become problematic. If the water drops, you can't lower your boat enough to float it off the lift. If the water rises, your bunks could completely submerge, making docking difficult, or waves could batter your boat against the lift frame.

Be mindful of changing levels and adjust your lift's leg height or operating range accordingly. For those seeking a more automated solution, there are lift systems that can better accommodate these fluctuations, so your lift is always ready for use.

9. Using the Wrong Bunks

The bunks are where your boat meets the lift. They are responsible for distributing the boat's weight evenly and protecting the hull. Using incorrect bunks or allowing them to fall into disrepair can cause damage. Worn-out carpet can expose the wood or metal underneath, scratching and gouging your gelcoat.

Furthermore, adjust the bunks to the exact contour of your boat’s hull. Improperly angled or spaced bunks create pressure points that lead to stress cracks or hull deformation.

Protect Your Investment With Expert Care

By avoiding these nine most common boat lift mistakes, your boat can remain a reliable and safe asset. Proper operation and proactive maintenance protect your boat and maximize your time on the water.

At On Pointe Contracting, we are your partners in waterfront management. From selecting the ideal lift to installing floating PWC docks to providing meticulous maintenance, repair, and transport services, we handle every detail with precision and care. Contact us today to learn how we can enhance your boating lifestyle.