A properly designed and constructed dock should consist of a minimum of high-end marine grade lumber or composite material, referred to as Trex. When constructing a dock, the hardware should be either a high-grade galvanized or stainless steel with a minimum of 316 grade. Over time and often from wave action, the screw fasteners used to secure and construct the dock will become loose and require periodic tightening to prevent damage to the dock. When your boat lift is fitted to your dock, the attaching hardware and supports must also be inspected, tightened, and replaced due to corrosion.
It is important to check both the hardware and cables to ensure they are free from excessive corrosion and decay and be replaced if needed to avoid further damage when maintaining your boat lift. Suppose the cables have become frayed to prevent possible injury and damage to the dock and watercraft. It would be best if you immediately replaced the cables. If the boat lift is not in use, it is vital to periodically exercise the lift by raising and lowering it to prevent corrosion or moisture build-up in the motors. When lowering the cables, marine-grade grease should be applied directly onto the cable to prevent corrosion and decay, which will aid in extending the life of the cables. When servicing a boat lift, it is crucial that you only use marine-grade grease designed especially for boat lifts to prevent possible damage to the lift.
If you have an existing boat lift, dock, or seawall system and have questions or concerns about the current condition or integrity. In that case, you can contact Precision Marine Construction Inc. (PMC) professionals for a free inspection and estimate. PMC provides full service to the commercial and marine industries. If you require assistance or have questions about your boat lift, call PMC at 941.924.6044, and one of our trained professionals will assist you with any questions.