Mar 19, 2019
Is Your Boat Ready for Summer?
Will your boat be ready when Nature stops the snow and cold weather?
Spring weather is only about a month away. Start now to get ready for the boating season. It’s an exciting time of the year. Of course, Mother Nature still has a say in the timing of the warmer weather. However, eventually it will arrive and with it – Boating Season!
You went through all the steps in Fall to winterize your boat. Now, it’s just as important to prepare it for the summer boating. You can’t just drop your boat in the water and go.
Here is a list of things to check before the boating season starts:
Boat Batteries
Interstate Battery
Checking the battery is a given. When you do so be sure to check the following:
- Is it fully charged?
Are all battery terminals clean and secure?
Is there corrosion on the boat cables? If yes, it is time to replace them.
Are the cable clamps clean?
Charge your battery and check it with an amp meter. Check its health now and again in a month. Make sure to replace any battery that did not hold a charge.
Don’t wait until you are ready to launch your boat and find out the battery is weak or dead.
Check all Boat Lights
Boat Lights
Now that we know the battery is good be sure to check all of the lights. Plus, clean and tighten all connections. When the boat is bouncing on the water,
a loose connection can cause serious problems. Do you have replacement bulbs available in your kit? Ensure that all wires and connections are clean and tightened.
Electric System
- Inspect all electrical connections have clean, tight, corrosion-free connections.
- Remove corroded terminals and use a wire brush to clean them, along with all cable ends.
- Charge your battery and have it tested to ensure it can hold a charge.
Boat Trailer lights
Trailer Lights
You’re checking the boat batteries and wires but how about the trailer wiring. Are the connectors clean? Is the connector on your vehicle clean?
There’s nothing worse than following a trailer with no lights or flickering lights.
Oil
If you didn’t change the oil before storing your boat in fall, be sure to do that before you use it in the spring.
Change the drive oil and the filter at the same time.
Is it time for a new oil filter? How about the gas filter?
Cooling System
Now it’s time to check your boat’s cooling system. In fall, you drained the cooling system to prevent the lines from freezing. Now it’s time to fill it again. Check all hoses for any cracks, especially at the clamps. Empty any raw water at the intake strainer.
Fluid Levels
- Check all fluid levels
- Be sure to change engine oil, oil filters and drive lubricants if you didn’t do it during fall weatherization.
Are the gas hose and connections free of cracks?
- Inspect the fuel system for leaks and pay attention to fuel hoses and connections.
- Evidence of a damaged fuel hose includes brittleness and cracking.
- Are the engine, exhaust, and ventilation systems functioning correctly?
- Don’t use fuel that contains more than 10% ethanol (E10) as it will damage your engine. Better yet – don’t use ethanol in your motor at all.
Remember to keep fuel in your boat over winter to keep moisture out of the fuel tank. We recommend the use of NON-ethanol gas over winter to help prevent gumming up the carburetor, plugs or fuel injectors.
Distributor
Check the distributor for corrosion. You can check the distributor by removing the cap and visually inspecting it. Make sure to re-attach it securely.
Belts
Worn Boat Belt
To determine if the belts need to be replaced, push down on them. Belts should only bend slightly when you do this. If a belt gives a lot when you apply pressure, it needs replacement.
Look for black soot around the timing belts and on the pulleys. If present it is a sign of a bad timing belt. The edges are rubbing against something. Keep in mind that the alternator belt tends to wear out the fastest.
Worn belts may leave a black residue or soot near a pulley and will fit loosely. Check the underside of the belt for cracks and signs of wear.
Propellers
Damaged Prop
- Inspect propellers for pitting, cracks and distortion.
- Damaged propellers will cause vibration and damage to your drive train.
- Make sure the propeller is secured correctly, and have the bearings replaced when needed.
- Inspect the boat hull, looking for blisters, distortions, and cracks.
Drain plug
Be sure to install the drain plug before launching. Remove it when the boat is on your lift so water does not accumulate.
Finally, but not least
Check your life jackets. Are they in good condition? Are there enough on board for all potential passengers and are they the correct size?
Coast Guard Approved Life Jackets
- Be sure all fire extinguishers are the correct class for your vessel and are charged and stowed in the proper place.
- Take advantage of any safety inspections offered by the US Coast Guard (USCG), USCG Auxiliary or US Power Squadrons.
- Follow this link for more information:
Happy Boating!
Do you have a friend that may be interested in this information? Please share a link to this page with them.
PWS is located at 7325 St. Hwy 57. That’s 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and 3 miles South of Sturgeon Bay at the Idlewild Road intersection.
Our staff is here year-round to assist you.
Mar 12, 2019
Do you need a lift motor for your boat lift?
Are you still struggling to turn your Boat Lift Wheel?
See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7j_LCDD8g2c&list=PLV6h7EzFPiaB5SCPfZtJGsuPLWYkIX8Ol&index=4
Remote Control
A DC powered Lift Boss motor makes it simple and safe to use a boat lift motor – with no effort!.
If you can push a button to open your garage door, you can raise a 7000# boat the same way.
Read part one of this series (https://wisconsinpws.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=5322&action=edit) to understand the AC version of the Lift Boss. AC power is one of three options available to you. We extensively covered the pros and cons of using the AC option and the use of extension cords.
In this part, we discuss the options for DC powered boat lift motors, which require no extension cords.
There are two DC options – the 12 Volt and 24 Volt system. Fortunately for you, they both use the SAME Lift Boss motor and can be upgraded at any time. Only the charging system changes.
Here are some FAQ about a lift motor
- Do I need a 12 Volt or 24 Volt System?
If you are the person who lowers the boat in the morning and raises it once at night, we are going to recommend a 12 Volt system. You will have plenty of time during the course of a normal day to recharge your system.
- What if I raise my boat frequently during the day?
We will recommend the 12V system and give you an option for the 24V system. You are borderline between the two systems. Another alternative is to use a higher wattage solar panel to help restore lifting capacity quicker. It makes sense that you will use your boat LESS without a lift motor. Need to know how to calculate the total weight of your boat? See https://wisconsinpws.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=4951&action=edit
- Does your boat weigh under 5,000 lbs but you are still struggling to turn the wheel?
We recommend the12 Volt system based on your boat weight and the capacity of your boat lift.
- What if I want to raise my boat FASTER?
If you want your existing 12V lift motor to raise the boat faster – we recommend converting it to a 24 V system regardless of weight. Caution – not all motors allow this. The Lift Boss does allow this conversion. Check with your dealer or call PWS for more information.
Additional Questions
- Will a car battery work on my boat lift?
No. You must use a Deep Cell Marine battery for ANY lift motor brand. Think of it this way – If you tried to start a car (without fuel in it) by keeping the key “on” for several minutes, the battery will wear down quickly. They are not made for lengthy power-draining applications. A deep cell battery is made to handle those demands. It still won’t start without fuel but that’s a different story.
- What battery brand do you recommend?
The zero maintenance, sealed Interstate batteries we use have the capacity for the long power demands of a boat lift motor.
- Do I need a voltage regulator?
If you connect a solar panel to your battery to keep it charged, it is important to include a solar regulator. The regulator will monitor and “regulate” the charging of the battery so that it will not be overcharged. Overcharging your battery will damage it and decrease its overall life span. This also prevents your battery from leaking charge back to the panel.
Remember – A DC Powered Lift Boss motor makes it simple and safe to use a boat lift.
Solar Panel Wattage and Output
You have to re-charge the battery(s) as you use them. Proper charging of your marine batteries with a solar panel requires that you get the correct panel and it must be properly sized for your motor. This will allow the battery to be a consistent and reliable source for your system.
To ensure that your battery is charged properly, make sure the Voltage output is correct for the battery(s) you are using. A 12 V panel should only be used on a single 12-volt battery. If you use it on a 24 V setup you are cutting your charge rate in half.
However, if you tend to use the lift several times a day, then you would be better off to go with a 20 Watt kit with a 12V or 24V output depending on how many batteries you are using. It is key that the output voltage of your solar panel is adequate and in line with the voltage of your battery.
What will batteries connected in Series accomplish?
Batteries in a series connection will increase your voltage from 12V to 24V. This arrangement will not increase your amps, or the amount of electricity moving through the circuit; otherwise known as amp hours (A/H). It will give your lift motor access to 24V of power, thus resulting in a faster lift speed; effectively doubling the rpm of the motor.
The key to this setup is that there is not an increase in A/H, or current, and therefore no increase in the rate at which electricity is delivered to the motor. The extra speed comes from the extra voltage, not the A/H. Your motor simply “sees” that it is connected to 24V as opposed to a 12V battery.
In summary, use the correct lift motor for your boat lift. Then power it with the correct solar array for your needs.
Need Help Planning a solar system For Your boat lift?
Do you have a friend that may be interested in this information? Please share a link to this page with them.
PWS is located at 7325 St. Hwy 57. That’s 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and 3 miles South of Sturgeon Bay at the Idlewild Road intersection.
Mar 5, 2019
Power Options for Boat Lift Motors
Boat lift Motors are covered in this 2 part series. We discuss the different types of operating systems for boat lift motors. Installing a boat lift motor makes your life so much easier. If you can operate a garage door opener, you can run a boat lift motor.
Lift Boss
You have three choices to consider for powering a boat lift motor.
- An A.C. operated system;
- A 12V system; Or
- A 24V system.
PWS does not usually recommend an A.C. powered system. Why? It usually means running an extension cord to the motor. Your safety and the safety of the people near you are our primary concern.
Using an A.C. operated lift motor means the extension cord(s) and the connections will be exposed to the elements. These include – Rain, morning dew, splashing from waves, and the list goes on. As a result, there is a potential to expose people to ESD. For a further explanation read this article.
You could be endangering children (or grandchildren) and even your neighbors to electrical shocks. ESD can be deadly and not only threatens swimmers but the people who attempt to rescue them.
Beside safety reasons what other dangers are there?
First, some background info. The smaller the Gauge (Ga.) size, the heavier the wire is. Thus, a 12 gauge wire has a “heavier” wire than an 18 Ga. Typical household extension cords – those brown or white cords – are 18 – 20 Guage (Ga). The wiring in your house is a 14 Ga. 12 Ga. is used in kitchens and bathrooms due to higher amperage requirements. A smaller diameter wire will have a higher resistance to current flow. Thus, more heat is generated in the wire and connections. You want the least amount of heat as possible.
What is Voltage Drop?
The electrical source you use usually will be a circuit run underground or along poles to a power box near the water. At this point, you probably are thinking – “So what, I’ll just run an extension cord to the motor.” On the bay of Green Bay and the Door County peninsula, in particular, you may be looking at the need for a 100’-200’ extension cord. This likely means a second extension cord and more voltage drop. This will get the power across the shoreline to the location of the motor. This presents some problems.
In reality, the longer the extension cord is, the more “voltage drop” will occur. Think of it this way – to turn that motor you need a specific voltage (110V) and amperage. If you experience a voltage drop due to the length of the extension cord, it will require more amperage or current flow make up for the loss in voltage to operate that motor. This situation causes wires to heat up and motors to run hotter. An overheated motor will trip the breakers and damage the motor.
If you’re starting at 110 volts and the voltage drops 3%, it won’t matter to a small appliance or light bulb that the voltage is now 117 volts. However, if you plug in a 100-foot extension cord, the voltage will drop about 6 percent to 104 volts. The motor will run hotter.
Motors generally need heavier gauge wires, in this case, 12 Ga. You would not plug a window air conditioner into those “brown” 18-20 Ga. extensions cord you find at the supermarket. Even a short 4 ft cord like that will almost instantly trip a breaker – IF you are lucky. A fire will occur if you are not so fortunate.
Motors and Extension Cords do not mix well.
Voltage drops can cause loss of efficiency, and this will mean a shorter life span for the motor. It is essential to use the right gauge of wire when running wires for a long distance and keep the cords as short as possible with as few connections as possible.
Electrical cord Guidelines
The best practice is don’t use an extension cord if you don’t have to. Since this isn’t always practical, follow these guidelines for using extension cords with motors to minimize voltage drop:
Electrical cord with GFCI device
- Use a GFCIs, or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters to disconnect power if a potentially dangerous situation occurs. A GFCI interpreter will instantly respond, preventing possible electrocution-related accidents.
- Always use the shortest extension cord possible.
- Use only one cord (there is a voltage drop across the connectors also)
- Use the heaviest Ga. possible – usually a 12 Ga. wire.
- Route extension cords safely and securely. Never place them where they will be damaged or drop into the water.
- If more than one cord is required, use the same on both cords
- Use only extension cords rated for outdoor UV resistance.
- Protect the connectors from the water.
- Do not use damaged cords. Watch out for electrical tape on extension cords.
These are important safety considerations. Choosing the right wire for the job is a critical safety measure.
The best practice is don’t use an extension cord if you don’t have to.
About 50 people die, and 270 people are injured each year when extension cords are strung together.
In part two of this series, we will discuss the two variations for D.C. motors.
Do you have a friend that may be interested in this information? Please share a link to this page with them.
Need Help Selecting a Boat Lift Motor?
PWS is located at 7325 St. Hwy 57. That’s 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and 3 miles South of Sturgeon Bay at the Idlewild Road intersection.
Our staff is here year-round to assist you.
Feb 19, 2019
WHAT SIZE BOATLIFT DO I NEED?
What size boatlift do you need? Purchasing a new boatlift does not have to be a confusing time. Yet, you have a lot to consider before making your final decision. By spending a little time here, you will be better educated and able to ask the right questions. Ultimately it will ensure you make a better choice.
In addition to getting the numbers, here are some things to consider:
How big is the body of water you will be on?
For instance, will you be on the bay of Green Bay, Lake Winnebago or are you on an inland lake or river? In general, the larger the body of water, the larger the waves will be and the higher your boat must be.
Are there significant fluctuations in water depth during the boating season?
Green Bay and Lake Winnebago present unique situations for boaters because these two bodies of water have substantial variations in water depth and wave action every year. Why are these fluctuations so significant?
When these two situations combine, you want a lift that puts your boat well above the water, so your investment is safe.
How about the boatlift frame construction?
You need a durable frame construction to withstand the boat weight and pressures from the waveWelded side frames prevent any lateral movement in the lift. With age, every time you put your boat on them, bolted side frames move laterally. This will eventually result in enlarged bolt holes, rusted bolts, and loose nuts from the movement of the side frames.
Welded Areas on Side Frames
Compare to other manufacturers
Most brands use bolts everywhere, so shipping is less expensive. The more bolts used in the side frames, the weaker the entire structure is. By comparison, the ShoreMaster boatlift with welded side frames prevents lateral movement.
Only ShoreMaster boatlifts have a welded “V” frame to make access to your boat easier. You do not have to crawl over a horizontal bar to get into your boat.
What is the gauge (material thickness) of the Frame?
The best-constructed boatlifts have aluminum, welded frames using heavy gauge, square or rectangular aluminum. Round vertical legs are not as strong as a square or rectangular leg. As a result, with structurally welded frames and the heaviest gauge tubing, you have the most durable frames possible. We urge you to compare ShoreMaster lifts with any other brand.
What material is used for the pulley?
No matter what size boatlift you purchase pulley material is a critical maintenance issue for any boatlift. Most manufacturers use plastic pulleys because they are cheaper to make. On the other hand, they get brittle over time. The sides of the groove tend to crack and break off allowing the cable to fall out of the pulley. If the cable is already weakened due to rust or broken strands, the cable may break.
Plastic Pulleys
However, if the cable does not break, two things can happen:
- The cable may jam between the pulley and the tube side. As a result, it will become very difficult to raise or even lower the boat. or
- The cable may drag across the pulley shaft. This will put an excessive drag on the cable and eventually wear a groove in the shaft until it breaks the shaft off.
Brass Pulleys
ShoreMaster uses brass pulleys with stainless steel bushings for unsurpassed strength. They simply NEVER wear out or break. Even the smaller jet ski lifts use brass pulleys to minimize maintenance issues.
What is the most popular boatlift used on the Door County Peninsula?
Vertical Boat Lift
The VERTICAL boat lift is the most popular boat lift in Door Couty. It far surpasses the cantilever boatlifts used in the past.
Vertical boatlifts require less water – 6″ vs 12″. They also raise your boat higher. Normal cantilever boatlifts raise your boat 36″ – 40″ high versus a vertical lift which goes to 66″ high. Vertical lifts have capacities up to 7,000 lb.
What is the warranty of the boatlift frame?
Some boatlifts come with a 1 or 2-year factory structural warranty. Some have a five year, and a few have a 10-year warranty. ShoreMaster boatlifts carry a full 15-year structural warranty.
Don’t you deserve the best protection and strength of a ShoreMaster Boatlift?
In Part 4 of this series, the discussion will be the actual calculations to select the correct size boatlift.
Publication Dates
Part 1 of 4 – Cantilever, PWC, ShorePorts, Tracks Feb 5, 2019
2 of 4 – Hydraulic, Elevator Lifts, Floating lifts Feb 12, 2019
3 of 4 – Vertical lifts Feb 19, 2019
4 of 4 – Calculations Feb 26. 2019
Do you have a friend that may be interested in this information? Please share a link to this article with them.
PWS is located at 7325 St. Hwy 42/57, that’s 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and 3 miles South of Sturgeon Bay at the Idlewild Road intersection
Our staff is here year-round to assist you.
Feb 12, 2019
WHAT STYLES OF BOAT LIFTS ARE AVAILABLE?
What boat lifts are available for your use? Part 1 of this series discussed the least common types of boat lifts used in Wisconsin waters. Now let’s look at more common types of boat lifts available for your selection.
Hydraulic Boat Lifts
Hydraulic Lift by ShoreMaster
Hydraulic boat lifts generally lift the highest of the available lifts. (up to 6’ high on some models). The lifting height along with the wide stance of the base gives you excellent protection for your boat. It is recommended for high waves and water surges during storms.
Hydraulic boat lifts are D.C. operated units which are quiet and use solar-powered batteries and remote controls.
ELEVATOR LIFTS
12,000# Davit Master Elevator Lift
Elevator Lifts are used with permanent pier installations (usually concrete piers or piling piers.) The elevator lifts raise the boat sideways as shown to the right and below. They lift the boat above the pier height. They are common in channels and lakes with large fluctuations in water depth and no ice movement in winter.
12,000# DavitMaster Elevator Lift
Davit Master Elevator Boat Lifts feature:
- All welded design for strength and durability;
- 6061-T6 Marine Grade Aluminum or Hot-dipped galvanized steel construction;
- Heavy duty adjustable PVC pipe guides with insert reinforcement;
- Adjustable chock system;
- Stainless steel motors for added protection;
- Stainless steel cables with aluminum grooved cable winders
- Aluminum sheaves plus Stainless steel bolts with grease fittings; and
- A Comprehensive warranty.
Some models even allow pivot construction for winter storage.
Floating Rhino Lifts
HANDCRAFTED FOR TOUGH WATERFRONT ENVIRONMENTS
Rhino Lifts were originally built to withstand the brutal marine environment of Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri where very deep water is common. This type of lift is now the preferred choice for boat owners who want the ultimate in strength, durability, and boat lift performance.
Each lift – expertly welded, and hot-dip galvanized also has the highest level of convenience and safety for the people who use it.
The Rhino Lift Floating Boat Lift allows you to raise and lower your lift with the push of a button. You have the peace-of-mind gained from trusting the same equipment used by marinas, restaurants, and resorts across the United States and Canada.
The L-Arm Floating Boat Lift mounts between a U-shaped dock.
Rhino Lift L-Arm Floating Lift
Rhino Lift Front Mount Floating Lift
Front Mount Rhino Boat Lifts require a dock at the front of the lift only. It has a walking platform on three sides for loading and unloading. The lift is only secured at the front of the lift.
These floating lifts cannot be exposed to high waves. As a result, they generally go into marinas or deep water environments.
After reading Part 1 and 2 of this series, you have a better idea about the types of boat lifts generally used in Wisconsin. In Part 3 we will talk about the most popular boat lift used in Door County.
Publication Dates
Part 1 of 4 – Cantilever, PWC, ShorePorts, Tracks Feb 5, 2019
2 of 4 – Hydraulic, Elevator Lifts, Floating lifts Feb 12, 2019
3 of 4 – Vertical lifts Feb 19, 2019
4 of 4 – Calculations Feb 26. 2019
Do you have a friend that may be interested in this information? Why not share a link to this article with them?
PWS is located at 7325 State Hwy 57, that’s 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and 3 miles South of Sturgeon Bay at the Idlewild Road intersection. Our staff is here year-round to assist you.
