Just thought I would give a friendly heads up to those here with boat lifts. I had a cable break yesterday, while elevated and I was in the boat. I was lucky to avoid injury no doubt. I replaced them approximately 4 years ago. I'm thinking I may just start replacing them every 2 years, now matter how they look. So if you have a lift, do yourself a favor and inspect those cables and swap out before they become a problem.
BFI-TX
Glad to hear you came out unscathed. Pretty sure there was a pucker factor involved. Was the lift in motion? Did the cable snap or was it at a junction?
Replaced my cable 2 - 3 years ago, but see no visible rust, and all connections are clean and clear.
Replaced my cable 2 - 3 years ago, but see no visible rust, and all connections are clean and clear.
Major pucker factor. The cable actually snapped while lifting, right about the time I hit the switch to turn it off. Back if the boat dropped approx 4'. The transom was nearly submerged. Fortunately my neighbor saw it happen and was quick on his feet to help. I feel very blessed to have avoided injury; many scenarios ran through my mind afterwards of what could have happened. Hence this post to warn others of the potential hazard.
While you're checking the cables, have a good look at the pipe the cables are wrapped on. My neighbor's boat dropped about a year ago when his pipe twisted off due to corrosion.
And it didn't even look too bad from the outside... My guess is that standing water on the non-galvanized inside did his in.
At the very least, have someone shine a flashlight in one end and sight down the bore from the other.
I'm toying with the idea of using the cheap borescope I bought that plugs into my smartphone, except our lift is less than a year old. Probably cheaper and definitely easier than getting 2 ladders, 2 fools, and sighting down by eye.
And it didn't even look too bad from the outside... My guess is that standing water on the non-galvanized inside did his in.
At the very least, have someone shine a flashlight in one end and sight down the bore from the other.
I'm toying with the idea of using the cheap borescope I bought that plugs into my smartphone, except our lift is less than a year old. Probably cheaper and definitely easier than getting 2 ladders, 2 fools, and sighting down by eye.
I couldn't find stainless when I replaced them so I went with galvanized. That was what was on it previously, so I figured good enough. Yes the cables looked rusty on the exterior but nothing frayed. The problem is, looking rusty isnt much of an indicator, because that starts in no time after installation. My plan as of now is to go one size larger in diameter with stainless cable. I might look into adding additional pulleys to effectively double the capacity or decreased the load, however you want to look at it. From there I'll just have to be more critical about keeping an eye on things and replace every couple of years or with any sign of visual fault.
I had a cable break on my lift a couple of years ago. After replacing them I did some research and found a cable lubricant that you spray on the cable. It helps with the wear and corrosion that you can't see.
Use stainless cables, also check your pulleys something is damaging your cable. make sure there is no bind or rough spot. Also make sure when you lift up that cable does not cross.
Bought our house on the bayou in July...not sure when the last time the cables were replaced but they were a bit rusty. Prior owner used it regularly on a boat bigger than ours.
First time we used it, son was in the boat, and his buddy was standing next to the rear cable.
I explained to them what happens when a cable breaks, and his buddy moved on to land.
Not 5 seconds later the rear cable broke and boat fell about 18”.
Not sure what would have happened had the other kid not moved.
We had the cables, clamps and pulleys replaced that week...wasn’t too expensive even using stainless cable and upgraded pulley/cable sizes.
First time we used it, son was in the boat, and his buddy was standing next to the rear cable.
I explained to them what happens when a cable breaks, and his buddy moved on to land.
Not 5 seconds later the rear cable broke and boat fell about 18”.
Not sure what would have happened had the other kid not moved.
We had the cables, clamps and pulleys replaced that week...wasn’t too expensive even using stainless cable and upgraded pulley/cable sizes.
Happened to me a couple months ago when I was lowering my boat. Dropped from about 4 ft. 1/4 inch cables were about 5 years old and looked normal. Luckily no damage or injury. Very scary though. I upgraded to 5/16 inch cable and moved the rear sling back about 3 feet for better weight balance. I know you’re not supposed to, but I spent a lot of time working on the boat (and the lift) while it was elevated. I was lucky it didn’t go while I was in it.
Got the new heavier stainless cables done over the weekend. It was a tad bit tedious getting the cable feeding on properly and the straps aligned etc but other than that, no big deal and I've got that behind me for a couple if years. Now just to order the cable lube for preventative maintenance.
Here's the spray lube I bought.
https://www.grainger.com/product/CRC-Chain-and-Wire-Rope-Lubricant-2F139
I apply it once a year
https://www.grainger.com/product/CRC-Chain-and-Wire-Rope-Lubricant-2F139
I apply it once a year
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