Winter Boat Lift Care: Leave It in the Water or Not?

As the Michigan boating season winds down in the fall, a familiar question pops up for every waterfront property owner: "What do I do with my boat lift?" You've invested in a great lift to protect your boat, but now the lift needs protection from the harsh winter ahead. Ice damage and heavy snow can add up to costly repairs and a complicated, stressful spring. We're here to give you straightforward advice about winter boat lift care to help you make the right choice for your equipment or what to do when you can’t make the choice yourself.

The Risks of Leaving Your Boat Lift in the Water

Leaving your boat lift in the water over a Michigan winter is a gamble. Ice is the biggest threat to your boat lift. As water freezes, it expands with incredible force, which can bend, warp, or even break the structural components of your lift. Shifting ice sheets on the lake can act like a battering ram, causing serious damage to the legs and frame.

Beyond the ice, the constant cycle of freezing and thawing can put a strain on moving parts such as cables, pulleys, and motors. This exposure accelerates wear and tear, leading to premature failure and unexpected repairs come springtime. For any waterfront properties on the Great Lakes, winter storms add another layer of risk, with strong winds and waves battering any equipment left in the water.

Extra Tips To Minimize Winter Risks

If you’re leaning toward leaving your lift in, but want to take every precaution, there are a few added steps that help. Tighten all bolts, nuts, and moving parts before the freeze sets in, since any loose pieces are vulnerable to shifting ice. Remove any accessories, such as canopies or motors, that snow or freezing water could damage. And if your lift has electrical components, disconnect power sources to prevent any surprises when you plug back in next spring.

Adding markers or flags to the top of your lift to help you (and snowmobilers or ice anglers) spot its location under snow and ice. Keep a written record of your boat lift information and any work done, and include photos of your setup before winter, making it easier to spot any changes or damage come spring.

Benefits of Removing Your Boat Lift for Winter

Pulling your lift out of the water is the surest way to protect your investment. Store it on dry land, and you eliminate the risk of ice damage. This single step can greatly extend the lifespan of your lift.

Removing your lift also provides the perfect opportunity for off-season maintenance. You can easily inspect cables, clean components, and make any necessary repairs without having to work over the water. This keeps your setup and systems in great working order, making them much quicker and easier at getting you back to the lake when that ice melts away. Don’t stress about completing this task yourself and hire a professional removal service for a simple and stress-free process.

Cost-Saving Ideas and Maintenance Must-Dos

Taking care of your lift before storing it can save you serious money down the road. Wash off any grime, algae, or lake debris and check for rust or corrosion. These problems are much easier (and cheaper) to handle before they get out of control. Applying a coat of protective lubricant to cables and pulleys can prevent them from seizing up over the winter. Drain any trapped water from the frame to avoid expansion inside the metal from the freezing temperatures.

If you’re storing your lift outside, use a properly fitted cover to keep moisture, leaves, and critters out. Elevate your lift with wood planks or blocks to avoid direct contact with wet ground, which helps prevent corrosion. Keep up with these small tasks, and you can put a huge dent in your long-term maintenance costs.

What To Do If You Leave It in the Water

Sometimes, removing a lift isn't practical. If you decide to leave your equipment in the water, a few precautions can minimize risk. First, consider using a de-icer or bubbler. These devices circulate warmer water from the bottom to prevent ice from forming around your lift's structure, creating a protective buffer for your lift in freezing waters.

Also, lift the cradle or bunks as high out of the water as possible to keep them from freezing in place. Throughout the winter, inspect your lift after major storms or temperature drops to check for any signs of stress or damage. This doesn’t remove all the risks, but proper preparation can help.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

One thing folks overlook is timing. Waiting until the very last minute when the temperatures are freezing can make removal or final adjustments much harder and riskier. Another common error is not labeling parts during disassembly. Take a minute to mark hardware or snap some photos of each part and label those in your phone. You’ll thank yourself later when it’s time to reassemble in spring.

Don’t underestimate the value of professional help for the transport, removal, or setup of your boat lift system. Trying to lift or move heavy parts alone can lead to injuries or accidental damage. If you don’t have help, call in the pros.

Let the Experts Handle Your Winter Prep

Deciding what to do with your high-quality boat lift for the winter is a lot to consider, but there are experts who can help. They can help you plan to remove your lift for full protection, or give you expert advice on how to secure it in the water with proper winter boat lift care. Taking the right steps now prevents costly repairs and keeps your lift safe all season long.

If you want to protect your investment and avoid headaches next year, give On Pointe Contracting a call. We provide expert boat lift and dock transport, maintenance, and repair services throughout Michigan and the Toledo area. As Golden boat lift dealers, we’re committed to delivering top-quality solutions that meet your needs. Let us handle the heavy lifting, and you can kick back and relax this winter.