How Long Will a Boat Lift Last?

How Long Will a Boat Lift Last?

Your boat is a BIG investment. You want to protect it for years to come. It only makes sense that your boat lift system should last at least as long as your boat. If your boat lift is well-built and maintained, it can last 25 years or more. In general, a boat lift will last much longer if you take care of it. 

Look at these areas as part of a regular boat lift maintenance schedule.

 

Weight Warnings

A properly sized boat lift will handle the weight of your boat plus the equipment you put in it. PWS will assist in selecting the proper size and type of boat lift for your hull and shoreline conditions. 

The average boat up to 20′ will weigh in the 4 – 6,000 lb range. This includes the fuel, water, gas, motor(s). Don’t forget your passengers – including your friend – Big Bubba.

Don’t let people get in or out of the boat while it’s on the lift to avoid straining the system. When you’re not using your boat, remove the drain plug at the back of the boat. Rainwater can’t collect and add extra weight (roughly 8 lbs/gallon) if you do. Don’t forget to replace it before you go out again.

 

Lift Cables and Pulleys

Lubricate your cables with penetrating oil instead of grease. Replace any cables with rust spots, broken strands, fraying, or kinks. Grease the lift pulleys if required. Be sure to check the nuts and bolts to ensure tightness. 

image of Boatlift Cable backlash

                  Boatlift cable backlash

Check your winch drum as the cable is winding onto it to avoid slack, misalignment, and uneven wear. Never allow your lift cables to go slack. A slack line will result in damage to the system. It’s like a backlash on a fishing pole, only with a rigid steel cable. It can be challenging to unravel. 

Never use a screwdriver or hit the cable with a hammer in an attempt to release the line. You’re almost guaranteed to cause severe damage.

 

Motors, Gearboxes, and Drive Units

If your boat lift has a motor, examine it for signs of rust or water retention. Ensure that any holes on the top of the motor or winch are closed. 

The bottom holes must be open for proper drainage. 

Inspect your gearbox and drive units regularly. Check for appropriate alignment, damaged cables, and areas that need lubrication.

 

Lift beams

Inspect your bunk carpeting for wear and tear and any wood underneath the carpet for cracks and rot. Lift beams should be kept out of the water when not in use. Better yet, get an aluminum/vinyl set and never have to replace the carpeting again. 

Keep your hardware tightened, and be sure that the bunks line up correctly with your boat hull. 

 

Storage

If you’re storing your lift in the off-season, remove the battery if you have a power hoist. Store it on a small piece of wood. Store your lift with the cradle or platform to the top.

Your boat lift protects your boat, so it’s essential to keep it in good condition. 

Proper care and maintenance can help you avoid costly damage. Your dock and accessories need to be inspected for damage, also. Check your manufacturer’s guidelines for more specific care instructions. 

 

Weight

It’s up to you to stay within the manufacturer’s specifications. Staying within those specs is crucial. 

Even lifting a boat with the wrong hull design can cause damage. Never add more weight to your boat while it’s on the lift. 

Entering or exiting a boat while it’s on a boatlift can be very dangerous. Ensure you have proper weight distribution when lifting. 

 

Lubrication

Cables are usually made of stainless steel and need lubrication. Regularly apply penetrating oil or chain and cable fluid to reduce abrasion. 

Make sure not to use grease on the cables. Grease traps moisture inside the cable strands. However, boat lift motor components and pulleys usually require grease. 

Since you’re lubricating your lift, check for damaged cables that need to be repaired, replaced, or tightened.

 

Water-Related Damage

Boat docks and lifts are still susceptible to water-related damage. Lift beams and bunks can be damaged by a boat coming in “hot.” When docking, check your speed, so you are not going faster than you are willing to hit the dock.

Keep your lift out of the water as much as possible. Small amounts of rust can be ground off and touched up. 

Never place a plastic bag or cover over the winch and/or motors in the winter. Condensation will form inside and cause excessive damage.

 

Alignment

Uneven wear can shorten cable lifespan, so keep an eye on the cable alignment. Make sheave alignment part of your regular inspections. Keep an eye on the winder, drum, and spool. 

If you notice a backlashed cable, slack, or other boat lift problems- STOP.  Don’t go any further. Adjust the cables immediately. If you’re not sure of the alignment, contact the professionals at PWS

Reminder – Use leather gloves to protect your hands when handling the cables.

 

Storage

Even off-season storage can contribute to how long your boat lift lasts. Store your boat lift with the platform up. 

If you have a power hoist, remove the battery and store it inside on a small piece of wood. 

 

Signs of Lift Damage

Once the flood or storm has died down, clear any debris off of your dock and lift. Look for bent or twisted beams, damaged drives, or broken bunks on your lift. Look for bent or damaged bolts and loose fasteners. 

Check the lift cables for kinks, abrasions, frays, or breaks. Do not operate your lift until those cables are repaired or replaced. 

If your boat lift shifted during the storm, realign it and make it square with the dock. When there are high waves, make sure the boat is still in the correct position.

Consult your installation manual or PWS for more information about adjustments. Even if everything looks good, make sure that you perform a test run of your lift. Check for any problems before you get back to boating. 

At times large objects, like logs or other debris, strike your boatlift during the night or when you are away. Always look for damage if there was a storm.

 

ShoreMaster Boat Lift Systems

ShoreMaster boat lifts are made with premium components. They make the best equipment to protect your boat.

 

In summary

Invest in the best boat lift brand to protect your boat – ShoreMaster

 

Where can you find Pier & Waterfront Solutions?

Pier & Waterfront Solutions, 7325 St. Hwy 57, is located 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay. Go 1 mile PAST the intersection with County MM (heading north). Look on the right at the intersection of  Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.

 

PWS is

Pier & Waterfront Solutions remains “open” year-round.

 

The Covid-19 virus is waning thanks to the population getting vaccinations.  We hope that the remaining people will get the vaccine to help stop the spread of this deadly virus. We will continue to conduct as much business as possible by email, text, or phone to do our part to keep people safe.

Site visits continue as usual. When making in-person contacts, we follow “social distancing” guidelines when possible by doing any face-to-face contact outdoors.

 

PWS display yard – OPEN 24-7

 

               Red Tag

PWS‘s display area is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays available for sale have a numbered, red tag on them. Want more information on something you saw in our yard? Please reference that number when you inquire.

PWS provides estimates by email to make the process faster, safer, and paperless.

 

Call, message, or email Jerry with any questions.

Jerry Englebert


Contact  Jerry at 920-493-4404 for more information or use this link.

REPLACEMENT CANOPY COVERS

Replacement Canopy Covers

Your boat lift is in the water, and you are ready for a great summer of boating. Have you taken your first cruise this year? Yes! It was a great experience – wasn’t it?

That is until you noticed the hole(s) in your canopy cover. Did the last storm cause a tear in your canopy? You can’t ignore it. It’s time to replace your top! 

 

Wait!! 

Your previous boat lift dealer went out of business, or you don’t remember what size canopy you need!  Contact PWS.

 

Customer referrals

By now, you’ve heard great comments about Pier & Waterfront SolutionsThere are over 100 customer referrals on the PWS website, demonstrating the quality of our work. Those are not some salesperson’s words – they are actual, documented statements.

 

Testimonials like:

Mike W, Fish Creek

These young men (Alex and Tyler) did the best install I have ever seen!  I am a perfectionist, and I could not have done a better job myself!  Even the pipes that are across from each other are even in height where in the past the pipes were all at random heights,

We tipped the guys but I wanted you to know what a great job they did!  Keep up the great work!!      Mike W


Excellent Job

Hi Jerry, Enclosed is payment for the pier haul out this fall ….. They (the crew) did an excellent job under difficult conditions. Will call you next spring for re-installation.       Dave W.


Great Job   John K Door County

Crews do a great job.      John K.    


Awesome Service – Casey C.

Jerry, Thank you so much for the AWESOME service!        Casey C.   

 

Here’s More

Hi = just wanted to let you know your crew did a great job taking down our dock this year.  You are all a pleasure to work with. Thanks       David C.


QB  Outstanding Project Work

Outstanding project work. Alex is magical on the forklift and Ben is a strong extra. Nice work, it’s exactly as I hoped it would turn out.   QB


Dale R. Customer service is an art

Jerry, Customer service is an art.  You have mastered the art.  Thank you for your service!     Dale R.  


We appreciate you 

Hi Jerry, I just want you to know how much we appreciate everything you do. It is always a pleasure to work with you.      Katie R. 


I enjoyed talking to Keri 

I enjoyed talking with Keri. She is very polite and personable.  She relayed exactly what I wanted done and she will do well for your business. Please share this with her.  Thanks      Michael H    

 

Repair Parts

You also know that PWS can provide replacement parts for almost all dock and boat lift brands. But did you know PWS can provide replacement canopies for every brand of boat lift?

 

Here’s a complete list of boat lift canopies available:

(alpha order)

                1. Beach King 
                2. Daka
                3. DockRight
                4. Floe
                5. Harbormaster
                6. Hewitt
                7. LakeShore
                8. Newman’s
                9. Vibo
                10. Pier Pleasure
                11. Porta-Dock
                12. ShoreMaster
                13. Shorestation

LOVE YOUR BOAT?

Love your boat? Then you want to give it a dry home. 

Many boat owners choose ShoreMaster Boat Lift Canopies to protect their boats. The quality and longevity of its products are synonymous with the name – ShoreMaster.

ShoreMaster Boat Lift canopies last for years, giving your boat the protection it needs and deserves.

Due to the quality of a ShoreMaster canopy frame, you don’t have to worry about them. But, the sun does deteriorate all canopy fabrics over time.

 

Which brands are popular on the Door County Peninsula?

The two popular boat lift brands on the Door County peninsula are ShoreMaster and Shorestation. We’ll concentrate on those.

 

Measuring for ShoreMaster Canopy Covers

First, it’s important to remember that ShoreMaster has more than one length for each lift. Different fabrics and colors are also available for every model. 

Telling us you have a model # SM 4010 lift is not enough. Here is the correct way to measure a replacement canopy for a ShoreMaster boat lift:

  • Refer to the diagram below for detailed information on the needed measurements.

ShoreMaster Canopy Dimensions

 

Length: Measure from the frame outside edge to the outside edge, along the horizontal centerline. Do not measure up and over the top.

Width: Measure between the inside edges of the frame.

 

What about the Shorestation brand?

Shorestation lifts will have an extra factor to consider – The metal used on the canopy frame. Shorestation makes canopy frames with either steel or aluminum. It’s important to distinguish between the two before proceeding. The shape and mountings are different.

Older “legacy” models used steel for the frames. Later they began making aluminum boat lifts like the rest of the world. 

Now we have the frame material down pat. Now we can ask the remaining questions. We’ll start with the aluminum lifts since they are the most popular.

Shorestation ALUMINUM Canopy Frames

Shorestation Aluminum Canopy Dimensions

Length: Measure the side rail and then add 2 feet to that number

Width: Measure between the inside edges of the frame

Now on to the Steel canopies.

Shorestation STEEL Canopy Frames

Shorestation Steel Canopy Dimensions

Length: Count the number of inner ribs

Width: Measure between the inside edges of the frame

NOTE: Were there ANY modifications or repairs to the canopy frame? If the answer is yes, it is vital to bring that information to our attention. Changes could result in an error. Custom canopy sizes are not returnable. 

 

Want assurances that the new canopy will fit?

The best option is to have a PWS representative do a site evaluation by coming to your site. That way, you can rest assured that we have the correct information.

 

Not either brand?

Look for the brand name on the frame or winch of the boat lift and call or send the information to us. Sending a photo helps also. 

We will return a diagram of the frames to compare with your actual canopy frame. We will also show you how to take the precise canopy dimensions needed. It’s as simple as that! 

If in doubt, ask PWS to send someone out to get the information.

 

SUMMARY

It’s better to be safe than sorry – Call PWS Today!

Where can you find Pier & Waterfront Solutions?

Pier & Waterfront Solutions, 7325 St. Hwy 57, is located 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay. Go 1 mile PAST the intersection with County MM (heading north). Look on the right at the intersection of  Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.

 

PWS is

Pier & Waterfront Solutions remains “open” year-round.

 

The Covid-19 virus is waning thanks to the population getting vaccinations.  We hope that the remaining people will get the vaccine to help stop the spread of this deadly virus. We will continue to conduct as much business as possible by email, text, or phone to do our part to keep people safe.

Site visits continue as usual. When making in-person contacts, we follow “social distancing” guidelines when possible by doing any face-to-face contact outdoors.

 

PWS display yard – OPEN 24-7

 

               Red Tag

PWS‘s display area is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays available for sale have a numbered, red tag on them. Want more information on something you saw in our yard? Please reference that number when you inquire.

PWS provides estimates by email to make the process faster, safer, and paperless.

 

Call, message, or email Jerry with any questions.

Jerry Englebert


Contact  Jerry at 920-493-4404 for more information or use this link.

Best Hydraulic Boat Lift for Green Bay

What is the BEST hydraulic boat lift for Green Bay & Lake Michigan?

Want the BEST hydraulic boat lift for Green Bay waters? Look no further than the latest addition to Pier & Waterfront Solutions premier lines. PWS now features Sunstream SunLift™ hydraulic lifts.

Pier & Waterfront Solutions recently diversified the selection of hydraulic lifts. You now have a choice of hydraulic lifts with capacities up to 30,000 lbs. and lifting heights to 6′-6″. 

Watch this video for more information – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yp_-K4QY1Bk

What does this mean for you?

Want the fastest, free-standing hydraulic lift with the greatest lifting height and smoothest operation? Check out Sunstream SunLift.™

                                               Sunstream SunLift Hydraulic boat lift

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the three most popular brands:

HYDRAULIC BOAT LIFTS

                                    Sunstream                ShoreMaster            Shorestation

Capacity –                2,000 – 30,000#           4,000–12,500#           2,000–15,000 #
Lifting Height –              36″- 78″                       36″– 60″                        70″

Min. Depth*  –                  12″                               12″                         14″-21″
Wireless Remote –           Y                                                                Y

Inside Width –                      > Boat width              108” – 132”                108” – 144”

Cables Used?                           NO                               NO                           YES 
*Plus the draft of the boat 

Ease of operation

Today you can use your boat as easily as you use your car. Get out on the water more often, and have more fun. 

Sunstream has wireless remote controls and optional motor-stop and guide-on systems. These features make operating and docking easy even for a new skipper. There are NO Cables Used.

Sunstream pioneered the hydraulic, free-standing boat lift revolution. They continue to advance the technology and is known for reliability, durability, and safe design. 

Sunstream SunLift™ has been proven with years of service in salt and freshwater environments. Sunstream has a wide range of accessories to optimizes the lift for your specific needs.

We’ll have more details in the coming weeks.

Where is Pier & Waterfront Solutions?

Pier & Waterfront Solutions, 7325 St. Hwy 57, is located 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay. Go 1 mile PAST the intersection with County road MM (heading north). Look on the right at the next corner – Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.

Is PWS OPEN?

Pier & Waterfront Solutions remains “open” year-round.

   Please use face masks

The Covid virus continues to spread and affects many people. Don’t be one of them.

PWS is conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone. 

Site visits continue as usual. When making in-person contacts, we follow “social distancing” guidelines when possible.

PWS display yard – OPEN 24-7

PWS‘s display area is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays available for sale have a numbered, red tag on them. Want more information on something you saw in our yard? Please reference that number when you inquire.     

           Red Tag

 

PWS will provide estimates by email to make the process faster, safer, and paperless. 

Call, message, or email us today with any questions.

Call Jerry at 920-493-4404 for more information or use this link. 

Why are Welded Boat Lift Frames better?

Why are Welded Boat Lift Frames Superior? 

   Welds on Vertical Lift Frames

     Welded boat lift frames are superior to the typical bolt-together structures found so frequently. There are several reasons for this. 

    Most of them center around the reduced maintenance, superior strength, and durability of welded lifts and canopy frames.

    You spent good money when you bought the boat lift or canopy. Shouldn’t you get the best one available?  

     Why would you want to spend a weekend checking and tightening the nuts and bolts on your boat lift or canopy? We’re pretty sure you don’t. 

   In that case, why not purchase a high-quality boat lift or canopy, which has most of its critical components welded together.

    ShoreMaster welded boat lift frames and canopies leave you free to enjoy your time away. Why waste any time tightening nuts and bolts. Your time is too valuable.

    Quality starts with state-of-the-art welding.

Welded Frames = Less Maintenance

    ShoreMaster welded boat lifts save you time because they require less maintenance and give you more strength.

Welded Boat Lift Frames Stay True and Square 

     Bolt-together boat lifts eventually become loose due to everyday use and prolonged periods of heavy waves striking the frame. Corrosion of the hardware only accelerates this process. 

    If you neglect to tighten a loose bolt on your boat lift, other parts of the boat lift such as the cables, pulleys, winch, or other components can wear prematurely. 

    A loose bolt will result in the frame shifting, which may result in a costly repair. 

   Loose bolts make it extremely difficult for you to discover the source of the failure.

How do you know when you have loose bolts?

    A simple test is to push on one corner of the bat lift. If there is excessive movement in the frames, in particular forward and backward, you have one of two situations:

  1.  One of more bolts are loose; or
  2.  The lift is not sitting firmly on the bottom.

What about a canopy frame?

    A welded boat lift canopy frame can save you hours in assembly time. Using just five bolts for a welded frame vs. dozens of nuts and bolts makes sense. A welded canopy frame adds more strength and rigidity to the entire boat lift also.

     When it comes to assembling a boat lift, or canopy, you’ll be glad that you choose a welded product over a bolt together product. 

    Also, welded products take less time to assemble than a bolt together product. 

    Consider for a moment just one person can complete the assembly of a ShoreMaster canopy frame in as little as 30 minutes because the canopy frame includes only four all-welded components; two canopy ends and two canopy sides. Other manufacturers have dozens of parts that need bolting together.

    ShoreMaster welded boat lifts do not require replacing frame parts caused by unusual wear due to loose, missing, or corroded welds. A bolt-together frame cannot say the same thing. ShoreMaster adds thick reinforcing plates on the frame structure when using bolts structure.

A Welded Boat Lift Offers Higher Resale Value

     Because welds are permanent and require no maintenance, you will find that your welded-together boat lifts are more valuable at resale time. Welds will not rust or corrode like hardware. Potential buyers will be wary of the impending costs to replace worn out or corroded hardware.

Where is Pier & Waterfront Solutions?

    Located at 7325 St. Hwy 57, it’s 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay and 1 mile PAST, Cty MM’s intersection (heading north). Look on the right at the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.

ARE WE OPEN?

Pier & Waterfront Solutions remains “open” year-round.

 

 Please use face masks

The virus continues to spread. PWS is conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone. 

    Site visits continue as usual. When in-person contacts are necessary, we follow “social distancing” guidelines as closely as possible.

 Our display yard is OPEN 24-7 

 

                          Red Tag

PWS‘s display area is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays available for sale have a numbered, red tag on them. If you want more information or pricing, please reference that number when you inquire.

    We provide estimates and quotes by email to make the process faster, safer, and paperless.  

What can YOU do? 

    Please conduct as much business as possible via emails, messaging, and phones. When you see our staff and crews on-site, please practice “social distancing.”

Call, message, or email us with any questions.

Thank you for allowing us to work with you safely.

Let’s all stay safe!

How to flush a PWC engine

How to Flush a PWC engine.

                      PWC Adventures

After a day of use, all personal watercraft (PWC) should be flushed, especially if used in silty or sandy areas. Flushing debris from the engine cooling system and exhaust will help prevent internal corrosion and keep those critical cooling passages running clear. Your PWC will be ready for operation when you are.  

You want to continue to enjoy your PWC for years to come – Right?

Here’s how to flush a PWC engine.

Follow these 12 steps for flushing and cleaning a PWC.

This information is limited to an overview only.  Remember, always find and follow the instructions for your model before flushing for the first time.

                   SeaDoo PWC Drain locations

  1. Locate the flush port(s). You will generally find flush ports on the transom or under the seat. It depends on your model.
  2. Attach the garden hose to the flush-fitting, but do not start the flow of water. That’s very important! 
  3. Follow your owner’s manual. It may instruct you to idle for 90 seconds to 3 minutes.
  4. Idle the engine but do not rev the engine. Start the flow of water. Starting the water flow before starting the engine could result in water flowing into the engine through the exhaust system.
  5. After flushing, turn the water off and disconnect the hose.  Now shut down the engine.
  6. Replace the plug.

Caution

Once done flushing, remember to turn the water off first. Some brands may instruct you to spike the throttle a few times before shutting down the engine to clear water from the exhaust.

Follow Your PWC Owner’s Manual.

These are general instructions.  For flushing instructions specific to your model, consult the owner’s manual maintenance section.  Can’t find the manual? Check the manufacturer’s website or visit the dealer.

On models with a closed cooling system (most late-model Sea-Doo PWCs), flush only the exhaust. 

For other brands and models, flush the exhaust and the engine cooling passages. See the manual for details.

Follow the flushing instructions for your particular brand. 

Failure to follow instructions may allow water to get into the engine, leading to corrosion and repairs.

You can flush the PWC while it is on a trailer or a lift, but it must be out of the water.

Want to clean the PWC further?

Find the flush port. Most brands have a flush port on the back of the hull. An alternative is under the seat or in the engine compartment. Check your owner’s manual for the proper location. Some flush ports accept the male end of a garden hose. Others use a snap-in adaptor that screws onto the garden hose. The adaptor would have been supplied with the PWC when it was new. If you don’t have any required adaptors for your model, you can get one from a dealer.

Now it’s time to clean the engine bay.

1.  Remove the seat sections and any covers under it to see the engine.
2.  Make sure the engine has cooled. Never rinse a hot engine.
3.  Raise the bow of the PWC. Remove the drain plug from the hull so that rinse water can exit.
4.  Using your water hose, rinse the cooled engine area and the bilge. It’s OK to use your thumb to make a spray of water.  Don’t use a nozzle that puts out a lot of pressure. NEVER USE A PRESSURE WASHER. Too much water pressure can force water past the seals on electrical connectors.
5.  Use an old towel or rags to wipe off all excess water from areas you can reach.
6.  Spray down the engine components with a water-displacing lubricant (PWC dealers offer these or simply use WD-40). The oil will displace water left behind and leave a thin, anti-corrosive film.

How to store a PWC.

Store the PWC with the seat off to let the engine compartment dry completely. You can leave the bow up to facilitate draining. Remember to replace the drain plug before using the unit again. Leave yourself a reminder, like a cloth tied to the handlebar.

Conclusion

PWS has the answers for many of your dock, lift, and boating questions

Call Jerry at Pier & Waterfront Solutions (920-493-4404) for more information.

 Where is Pier & Waterfront Solutions?

Located at 7325 St. Hwy 57, it’s 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay and 1 mile past the intersection of Cty MM (heading north). Look on the right at the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.

ARE WE OPEN?

Pier & Waterfront Solutions remains “open.”

We have implemented measures to guard the safety of our employees and visitors. At the same time, we are working to maintain the trusted service you expect.

        Please use face masks

PWS is conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone. 

Site visits continue as usual. When in-person contacts are necessary, we follow “social distancing” guidelines as closely as possible.

Our display yard  is OPEN

Our display yard is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays available for sale have a numbered, red tag on them. If you want more information or pricing, please reference that number when you call.

We provide estimates by email to make the process paperless, faster, and safer.  Let’s get back to normal quickly. 

What can YOU do to help us? 

Please conduct as much business as possible via emails, messaging, and phone. When you see our crews on-site, please practice “social distancing.”

Call, message, or email us with any questions.

Thank you for allowing us to work with you safely.

Let’s all stay safe!