Posted on July 20, 2021

WINTER BOAT LIFT INSPECTION POST SEASON

Written by HydroHoist Marketing

At the end of the season, whether you store your boat on your lift or off site, it is a good idea to give the lift a final inspection.

Look at the dock brackets and the arm pivot bolts. The dock brackets should be securely attached to the dock and the arm pivot bolts should be tight. If your hoist has pitmans that are turned down, or tank side, then also inspect the pitmans. Next, look at the remainder of the hoist frame. Make sure that all the bolts and nuts are tight. Unless your hoist is equipped with a HydroLaunch system, unplug it from the power supply. This will help protect the control unit against surges that may occur in the electrical supply on the dock, and from lightning strikes on the water near the dock.

Remember that it is always best for your hoist to be in the raised position. It is OK to leave your hoist lowered when you are using your boat and plan to return to the slip, but any time that you will be away from the lift for an extended period, keep the lift in the raised position. This will decrease the corrosive effects from water and electrolysis, prevent marine growth on the upper portions of the hoist, and decrease the stress load on the arm pivot bolts. It is also less dead-load on your dock as well.