How to Install a Boat Lift Cable

How to Install a Boat Lift CableAnyone who’s owned a boat lift knows that proper maintenance is imperative if it’s to provide reliable performance long into the future. Ignoring signs of wear and tear may not only result in more costly issues down the road, but may also cause a structural failure that can damage the vessel. Fortunately, keeping your boat lift well maintained is a relatively simple process – especially when compared to the maintenance required for a boat that is stored in the water.

Once you have a boat lift installed, you’ll want to get into the habit of visually inspecting it for signs of wear. Nowhere on your lift system will wear be more common than on your cables, as these components bear the bulk of the strain in keeping your boat hoisted out of the water. Keeping your cables properly cleaned and lubricating grease fittings according to the manufacturer’s instructions will help prolong their service life. However, they’ll eventually need to be replaced. Your boat lift manufacturer will recommend replacement intervals which you should adhere to, even if there are no obvious signs of wear. However, you should always keep an eye out for rust spots, kinks, broken strands, and other abnormalities. If you see any of these signs, you should replace your cables sooner rather than later.

When it comes to replacing your boat lift cables, the process will vary depending on your lift system. They need to be precisely placed on their winders and attached to your cradle to ensure proper operation, so it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly. For this reason, it is typically recommended that you have a professional handle the replacement process for you.

For a boat lift system that will require minimal maintenance requirements, turn to DECO Boat Lifts. We offer a range of lift systems, including our Concept CRS Lift, which features our patented Cable Retention System (CRS) to prevent common sources of wear and extend the life of your cables. Contact us today to learn more.