9 Signs You Need To Replace Your Boat Lift Cables

It’s a perfect day on the water, but as you lower your boat, a sudden snap sends your boat splashing into the water. It’s a nightmare no boat owner ever wants to deal with, and luckily, it’s basically preventable. Your boat lift cables bear the weight of your boat and your trust. So, always make sure they've got your back and boat by keeping up with taking care of them.

Spot the warning signs early and you’ll save yourself from unexpected breakdowns, expensive repairs, and ruined weekends. In this guide, we’ll walk you through nine clear signs that you need to replace boat lift cables, plus practical tips to keep them in top shape. Let’s dive in and make sure your lift system is ready for your days on the water!

1. Visible Fraying

Do you see frayed or broken strands on your cables? This is one of the most obvious signs that the cable is no longer safe for you to use. The cable’s strength is compromised when the wires start unraveling, putting your boat and you at serious risk. Regularly inspecting your cables for this kind of damage can save you from unexpected failures. Don't forget to check hard-to-see areas with a flashlight, like near pulleys and drums.

2. Rust or Corrosion

Rust can quickly damage your cables, even in freshwater environments like Lake St. Clair and the Great Lakes. While freshwater is less harsh than saltwater, constant exposure to moisture and humidity can still lead to corrosion over time, weakening the metal. Choosing stainless steel cables is one of the best ways to prevent rust, as they offer superior resistance to corrosion. Regularly rinsing your cables and applying a marine-grade lubricant can also help extend their lifespan and keep them in top condition.

3. Flattened or Deformed Strands

If your cables look squished, uneven, or contorted, you are overloading your lift system, or it's not aligned correctly when you are using it. Flattened strands can’t distribute tension evenly across the cable, so you always want to follow the manufacturer’s weight limits to reduce this kind of damage.

4. Discoloration

Dark patches or uneven coloring on your cables may not seem like a big deal, but they’re often early signs of heat damage or excessive friction. A lift system that isn’t properly aligned experiences these issues. Spotting this early gives you a chance to address it before replacing the cables becomes a necessity.

5. Strange Noises

Do you hear squeaking, rubbing, or popping sounds when raising or lowering your lift? Cables that make noise while in operation may be under too much tension or have internal damage you can’t see. Always investigate strange sounds, as they’re an early warning that something isn’t working right.

Pro Tip

Lubricate the pulleys and moving parts of your lift to reduce friction, which can cause loud, screeching noises.

6. Slack or Looseness

Cables with a little slack might seem harmless, but that is not true. When cables lose tension, it means that you already have a compromised structure. If it isn’t too bad, you can adjust them for a temporary fix, but noticing slack consistently is a sign that you need to replace your cables. Always check cable tension before and after each use to ensure your boat is secure.

7. Damaged Ends

Frayed or crushed ends where the cables attach to drums or pulleys can put the entire lift system at risk. These areas endure a lot of stress during operation, and damage at these points will only get worse over time. Regular maintenance and properly aligning your cables can prevent this problem from occurring in the first place.

8. Kinking

Kinks or sharp bends in the cables can create weak points that will drastically reduce how much weight the cable can bear. This can happen if cables aren’t properly spooled or you handle them roughly during use. Always be careful when operating your lift to ensure the cable winds smoothly without sharp loops or twists. Lubricate your cables and pulleys for smoother operation and to reduce kinking.

9. Wear at Contact Points

Are your cables thinning at contact points, like where they meet pulleys or drums? This kind of localized wear is from the constant friction and tension in those specific spots. If you don’t check these areas, you can experience a complete break. Inspect these high-stress areas regularly and replace cables as soon as you see the wear.

A good way to extend the life of your cables is to rotate them periodically, which will reduce stress at the same contact points and distribute it more evenly across the cables as you use them.

Environmental Factors

It’s not just how you use your cables but also where you use them. The Great Lakes’ high humidity, intense sunlight, and freezing temperatures can speed up the aging process of your cables. Rinse your cables regularly to remove debris and keep them lubricated to protect against moisture.

Safety Is Always First

Your boat lift cables protect your boat, your safety, and everyone on the dock. If you notice any of these warning signs, don’t wait to replace or repair the cables. Worn cables can lead to equipment failure, putting your property and your personal safety at risk.

Keep a maintenance log to track all inspections, repairs, and replacements. This simple habit helps you stay informed about your lift system’s condition and prevents you from overlooking key areas. This includes checking your systems after any severe weather, especially after high winds and rough waves.

Don't Wait Until It's Too Late

Learning these nine signs that indicate you need to replace your boat lift cables can help you avoid long-term problems and keep you on the water every time you get the chance. By addressing issues early, you’ll save yourself from costly repairs, protect your boat, and gain the peace of mind that comes with knowing your equipment is in top condition.

At On Pointe Contracting, we understand the unique challenges of maintaining boat lifts and making boat dock repairs on all of the lakes in Michigan. We can assist with quick inspections, give expert advice, or complete a full cable replacement. No matter the issue, our team is ready to help.

Don’t wait for something bad to happen before you reach out for help. Call us today or visit our website. We are waiting to hear from you!