Boat lift question

[Beefer]

Got a house on the water with a lift, which we'll be moving into before Turkey Day if all goes well. Was down there today, and was looking at my new (to me) dock and lift, both of which will be my first. The front of the lift looked a bit high, and on further inspection, realized that the cables on the front (bow) half were fouled. Not frayed or shredded, but that the lift was raised with no weight, and the cables wrapped with slack. I played around with the one I could reach, and got it pretty squared away. The far one is still wrapped on itself. Will I just have to monkey with the cables (while on the boat outside the lift) to get them wrapped correctly, or should I have them replaced? The lift is about 10 yrs old, but the cables are newer (don't know how old).

 

[Bluesail661]

Re: Boat lift question

Beefer,

If the cables have jumped due to slack and they are now jammed which prevents the lift from being lowered, your only option is to take what ever weight is on there now off so you can rewrap the cables. You could do this with a come along to take just enough pressure off the cable so you can straighten them out.

This is not a common occurance with these systems becuase the cable should stay put even with the lift empty.


Hope this helps,

Chuck

 

[veritas honus]

Re: Boat lift question

Beefer,

Inspect the cables carefully for fraying, rust/corrosion, and any stretching. If the cables are frayed, they can tear your hands up (make sure your tetanus/diptheria is up to date). If they check out ok, just give them a good coat of oil and rewind them properly. If there's any of the above mentioned conditions, I'd replace them. Surface rust, however, will come right off with oil and a rag; this is when you need to be really careful regarding frayed cable. Wear heavy duty leather work gloves for this task, even if you don't see any fray. Best of luck, and CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Safe and happy boating always!!!

 

[Beefer]

Re: Boat lift question

Thanks. The cables aren't jammed, just wrapped like spaghetti. I was able to get the one to wrap correctly, so I'm guessing the other should go just as well. My guess is it was raised and lowered too many times empty.

 

[jdlough]

Re: Boat lift question

... My guess is it was raised and lowered too many times empty.

Even if the lift is empty, it should have enough weight to prevent slack.

The likely reason for the slack is not turning off the lift soon enough when lowering. If the lift bottoms out in the muck, and you don't turn it off right away, the spool keeps unwinding with zero weight on the line, and the line slacks.

At least that's what happens to me if I don't pay attention.