Boat Lift Preventative Maintenance Tips

Your boat lift gets a lot of use this time of year and it's important it is working like it should since you reply on it to protect your boat. Our boat lift company at the Lake of the Ozarks is here to help point out some maintenance tips to help keep your Lake of the Ozarks boat lift functioning properly. Check out some of the easy things you can check on your lift and the benefits of doing regular maintenance checks below.

Preventative Maintenance Checks:

Visually inspect any cables and or hoses regularly for any broken strands, punctures, etc. Also, check over the motor and bearings for any damage or part wear. Lastly, look over all working or moving parts for signs of excessive wear.

Try to grease the gears at least 3 times a year.  You can grease them more frequently if the lift is used regularly -- grease after every 15-20 uses.  With new installations, its recommended to grease the unit after the first 5-10 uses.

Whenever possible, raise your lift out of the water and rinse it.  Leaving it submerged for prolonged periods of time accelerates deterioration and keeping it cleaned off will keep it looking and functioning like new!

Spray all motor parts with a corrosion preventative lubricant at least twice a year.

We recommend you operate your lift occasionally during the off-season or extended periods of no boating activity to keep the motor contacts and brushes clean and everything evenly lubricated.

Due to normal wear, the drive belt can become loose over time and it's best to re-tighten it regularly.

Benefits of Maintaining Your Lift:

Extend the life of your lift.
Protect your investment that helps keep your boat or PWC out of the water and safe all year long. Regular maintenance can help increase the longevity of your boat lift. Get the most out of your lift and ensure it is well maintained and working properly.

Prevent lift failure. 
Regular maintenance can help make sure your lift is working like it should. With a little attention throughout the year, your lift joints and other weaker places are inspected. Any moving points are also lubricated to help reduce the friction that may cause a break over time.

Protect your boat. 
Your boat is a major investment and your lift works hard day in and day out to protect it. Keep your lift maintained to ensure it can do its job to keep your boat up out of the water and make it easy to board and de-board when you're ready to enjoy it during the boating season!

Now that you know some quick maintenance tips and the reasons you should pay extra attention to your boat lift at the Lake of the Ozarks, you're ready to keep your lift working properly. If you'd like help with your boat lift maintenance at the Lake of the Ozarks, we're your team. Contact Summerset Boat Lifts today and we'll be on your dock before you know it checking out your lift and ensuring it is working like it should. Protecting your boat is of high importance to us and that's why we're your expert boat lift repair service in Osage Beach, MO!

Summerset Boat Lifts

1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO  65065

573-348-5073

Email:info@summersetboatlifts.com

Keep up with local news, events and product information by Following us!!

Like Our Facebook Page

Connect with us on LinkedIn

Caring for Your Boat Lift at the Lake of the Ozarks

In order for your boat lift to take care of your boat, you have to take care of your boat lift. Just like with a car, you'll want to perform preventative maintenance tasks regularly to keep your Lake of the Ozarks boat lift in tip-top shape. A little maintenance can go a long way in preventing emergency calls, such as dealing with a sinking boat. Make your time on the water more enjoyable by not having to worry about your lift.

Boat Lift Maintenance Tips 

Follow these boat lift maintenance tips to ensure your boat lift is always in proper working condition: 

• Start with a complete visual inspection of all moving parts, bushings, hoses and hose clamps. If you see something that doesn't quite look right, give Summerset Boat Lifts a call to come check it out. 
• Check all nuts, bolts and hose clamps with a wrench for tightness. 
• Check all cables and hoses for any broken strands, punctures, etc. 
• Grease the gears several times per year. It's recommended that you grease them after every 15-20 uses. 
• Due to normal wear and tear, the drive belt can become loose, so be sure to tighten it regularly. 
• Remove the motor cover and clean out any debris that may have gotten in there. It's also a good idea to inspect the motor for any visual damage or part wear. 
• Spray all motor parts with a corrosion preventative lubricant semi-annually. 
• Check carpeted bunks for worn areas and tears, repair or replace them as necessary. 
• Inspect the condition of wood bunks and replace them if any are cracked or split.
• Whenever possible, raise your lift out of the water and give it a good rinse. Leaving it submerged for prolonged periods of time can reduce its life. Rinsing it regularly will keep your boat lift at the Lake of the Ozarks looking and functioning like new! 
• During the off-season or during extended periods of no boating activity, it's recommended to operate your lift occasionally to keep the motor contacts and brushes clean, and keep everything evenly lubricated. 

Boat Lift Services at the Lake of the Ozarks 

Should you have any questions or issues about boat lift maintenance at the Lake of the Ozarks, be sure to give Summerset Boat Lifts a call at 573-348-5073. We pride ourselves in service, and that's what sets us apart in the industry. We don't just sell you a lift, we sell you our personal service for years to come.

Summerset Boat Lifts

1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO  65065

573-348-5073

Email:info@summersetboatlifts.com

Keep up with local news, events and product information by Following us!!

Like Our Facebook Page

Connect with us on LinkedIn

Follow Us on Google+

Boat Lift Maintenance Tips to Perform Before Winter Hits

Temperatures are cooling and winter will be here before you know it. After a long season of running your boat lift at the Lake of the Ozarks, it could probably use some maintenance. Before you winterize you're boat and leave your lift untouched for the winter months, make sure everything is in proper working condition - that way, when spring rolls around, you're boat lift is ready for use!

Boat Lift Maintenance Tips 

• Raise your boat lift out of the water and rinse it. Leaving it submerged for prolonged periods of time accelerates deterioration. Make sure you get all that dirt and grime rinsed off before it sits all winter long. 
• Visually inspect all moving parts, bushings, hoses and hose clamps for any loose items, punctures or anything else that is out of place. 
• Make sure all nuts, bolts and hose clamps are properly tightened. 
• Remove the motor cover and clean out any debris that may have gotten in there over the course of the summer. 
• Visually inspect the motor and bearings for any damage or part wear. 
• Check the carpet bunks for any worn areas or tears. Make repairs or replace spots as necessary. 
• Inspect the condition of the bunks and replace them if any are cracked or split. 

Bonus Tip

• It is recommended that you operate your lift occasionally throughout the winter months. This keeps the motor contacts and brushes clean, plus keeps everything evenly lubricated through extended periods of no boating activity. By simply running your lift for about 1 minute in each direction, you can reduce the chances of having issues when you go to actually use it next spring!  

If you notice anything out of the ordinary with your boat lift, give Summerset Boat Lifts a call at 573-348-5073. We pride ourselves in service and that's what sets apart! For all of your Lake of the Ozarks boat lift repair and maintenance needs, we're here to make certain you and your boat get the very best level of service at the Lake. We are Summerset Boat Lifts and we are Lifting Your Dreams... From Canoes to Cruisers!

Summerset Boat Lifts

1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO  65065

573-348-5073

Email:info@summersetboatlifts.com

Keep up with local news, events and product information by Following us!!

Like Our Facebook Page

Connect with us on LinkedIn

Follow Us on Google+

Consumer Listen & Look Maintenance

As the owner of a boat lift at the Lake of the Ozarks, you'll need to periodically check your lift to make sure it is working properly. If your boat lift is not in proper working condition, it cannot protect your boat the way it is meant to. There are a few steps that you can take to decide if you need Lake of the Ozarks boat lift service from a professional.

LISTEN

Listen as your lift moves up and down. Is it quiet through the entire up/down operation? If the answer is no, your lift most likely requires some type of service and replacement of parts. In this case, it's time to call Summerset Boat Lifts at 573-348-5073!

LOOK

During the busy summer months, when water conditions are rough, be sure to look at and watch your lift closely. Be sure to check out all of the following:

• Look at dock brackets. Are they attached firmly to the dock structure and not moving up/down/in/out/right/left? If the answer is no, give us a call. 
• Look closely at the end of the lift arm where it attached to the dock bracket. Does it move up/down/in/out/right/left? If the answer is yes, give us a call. 
• Look closely at your safety chains. Your lift should have a minimum of 2 chains. There will be more for rough water applications and larger lifts. If you answer no to any of the following safety chain questions, you'll need to call Summerset Boat Lifts for service. 
• Are the required chains there? 
• Are the chains in solid condition and not rusted part or 1/2 way through? 
• Are the required chains attached at each end? For example, one at the lift arm and the other at the dock structure?

• Look at the arms. Are the ends of all the arms solid, meaning are there any tears, cracks, broken welds, etc? If the answer is yes, give us a call. 
• Look at pitmans, the square tube bars that connect between arms. Are they straight and true? If the answer is yes, give us a call. 
• Look at the joints at the end of the pitmans, where it connects to the arm. Is there any slop of movement sloppie? If yes, give us a call. 
• Look at the hose or hoses. Are they old, brittle or worn? If the answer is yes, give us a call. 
• Look at the control box. If you answer no to any of the following control box questions, you need to call Summerset Boat Lifts. 
• Does everything appear to be in good working order? 
• When the blower motor is turned on does it run smoothly without clunks or screaming? 
• Do the valve handles turn smoothly? 
• Is the electrical cord in good serviceable condition? 
• Look at the Square Hole Bushings and see if they are worn past their useful life. (Hint: Look at the arch in the corner of the square and the thickness of the bushing material to the outer arch or outside diameter of the bushing.) Does it measure less than an 1/8" think? If the answer is yes, give us a call. 
• Look at all the other bolts/nuts/fasteners. Do you see anything that is loose or appears to be not as it should be? If the answer is yes, give us a call. 
• Look for any visible broken weld or abnormal discoloration, rust, etc? If the answer is yes, give us a call. 
• Does your lift stay up or has your boat ever been down in the water? If the answer is yes, give us a call. 

Should your lift require maintenance or service, remember to call our boat lift company at the Lake of the Ozarks! Summerset Boat Lifts offers professional quality repairs, as well as quality replacement parts. Many items if left un-repaired can cause other items or components to wear and fail. Repair of your lift should be left to a qualified trained professional, as certain aspects of repair can be dangerous to lift and limb. 

Summerset Boat Lifts

1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO  65065

573-348-5073

Email:info@summersetboatlifts.com

Keep up with local news, events and product information by Following us!!

Like Our Facebook Page

Connect with us on LinkedIn

Follow Us on Google+