Boat Dock Lift Maintenance
Although boat lifts are made of strong, durable materials, they can still be damaged by water-related issues. This includes saltwater damage to bunks, beams, cradles, and gear boxes as well as corrosion of metal parts like cables.
To minimize this type of damage, it’s best to perform regular maintenance on your Boat Dock Lift. Boat Dock Lifts Charleston SC will help ensure your investment lasts a long time.
During routine Boat Lift maintenance, it’s important to check the winch and motor for signs of damage or trouble. A simple inspection can help ensure that these key components continue to work properly for years to come.
Look for rust, dirt, or other debris that could be damaging the boat lift motor. Also, make sure the electrical connections are tight and that nothing is loose or disconnected. If you see any signs of overheating, it’s time to replace the motor or repair the existing one.
If you use your lift a lot, it’s recommended that you lubricate the (3) grease fittings and gear teeth on each flat plate winch monthly. A high temperature / marine-grade lubricant is best. Also, rinse cables and cradle beams after each use to prevent corrosion.
Most modern lifts are made of aluminum, which doesn’t corrode as easily as steel. However, it is still susceptible to water-related damage. The best way to avoid this is by keeping the lift out of the water as much as possible and rinsing it regularly.
Be sure to inspect the beams, cradles, and decking for rust, chips, or other signs of wear and tear. If you notice any of these issues, it’s important to fix them right away to avoid costly repairs in the future.
Finally, if your lift has been exposed to heavy winds or a severe storm, be sure to clear any debris that may have fallen on the boat lift. Then, if the sheave alignment is off, it’s important to realign it before operating the lift.
Once you’ve finished examining the sheave alignment and cable condition, it’s important to apply a small burst of penetrating oil on top of each cable wrapped around the winch drum. This will protect the cable from abrasion and reduce the risk of severe problems such as kinks, frays, or breaks. Additionally, it will keep moisture from clinging to the cable and sheave. Using the right lubricant can dramatically prolong the life of your lift cable.
A boat lift consists of many different parts and components, all of which need to be maintained for the system to work correctly. This includes the beams, cradles, pulleys and gearboxes. Each of these should be inspected on a regular basis to look for signs of corrosion or water damage. This will help to ensure that the lift continues to function smoothly for years to come.
The most critical component of the boat lift is the cables, which are responsible for lifting and lowering your watercraft. These cables can be damaged by salt water and should be replaced every two years or 200 up-and-down cycles, whichever comes first. During your inspection, be sure to look for any rust spots, fraying or kinks in the cable strands, which are signs that it is time to replace the cables. You should also inspect the sheave bearings to make sure that they are properly aligned. If the sheave bearings are misaligned, this can cause the cables to wear out more quickly.
It is important to rinse the lift cables after each use and regularly remove them from the water to prevent algae and debris buildup. Keeping the cables out of the water will also prolong their life and reduce the risk of corrosion and rusting. It is also recommended to lubricate the cables with a penetrating oil on a regular basis to minimize abrasion and wear and tear.
The sheave bearings on the pulleys should be lubricated as well. The lubrication should be done using the zerk grease fittings that are located on the pulleys. These should be lubricated every six months in order to keep the pulleys running smooth and minimize unnecessary wear on the cables. The lubrication will also help to minimize friction, heat and noise. It is recommended that you use a grease that is water resistant and not oily, as the latter can trap moisture inside the cable strands. It is also a good idea to use grooved aluminum cable winders, as these will help to minimize metal-on-metal abrasion and extend the life of the cables.
Boat lifts are some of the biggest investments for most dock owners and, like any other large investment, they need to be well-maintained for their maximum life expectancy. It’s important to check the lifts regularly for damage, and this is especially true during the off-season. This is when the most damage can occur, as rust and other problems often arise from prolonged exposure to water and humidity.
A visual inspection of the bunks and carpeting will reveal any holes or tears. Bunks made of wood should be checked for any rot or cracks and should also be cleaned of marine growth. Aluminum bunks are much more resistant to corrosion, but they still need to be cleaned periodically and tightened.
Whether the bunks are wood or aluminum, it’s a good idea to replace the carpeting. This will help reduce contact between the boat and the raw wood of the bunks.
It’s also a good time to make sure that the bunk boards are leveled fore and aft and that the center of gravity is properly positioned on the lift. Using the manufacturer’s guidelines as a guide, this is not difficult to do.
If the lift is going to be left out of the water for extended periods, it’s a good idea to cover it to protect it from snow and rain. This will also keep it out of the way of boats and other water-related equipment. Depending on the material of the dock, this might require the use of a heavy-duty canvas or even plastic sheeting.
When a lift is in storage, it’s a good idea to remove and safely store the battery if there is one. This will prevent it from draining and possibly corroding in the colder temperatures. It’s also a good time to check that all the electrical connections are in place and properly connected.
Finally, if the cable is equipped with sheaves, it’s a good idea to grease them. This will reduce friction between the sheaves and their mounts, which can cause them to seize up. The sheaves should also be aligned. If they aren’t, this can put a strain on the cable and increase the chance of slack or tangling during use.
As the storm-related social distancing and sheltering have begun to ease, people are trying to find ways to stay productive. For many, it means tackling the chores that they put off during normal times. For others, it means taking on the big jobs that need to be done before boating season can begin. For those who have a boat dock lift, completing a routine inspection is an important step that will help ensure the equipment is ready to use come springtime.
Start your inspection by looking at the lift’s frame. Look for signs of rust, corrosion or structural damage. Examine the welds and joints, especially those that connect the arms to the rest of the lift frame. If the lift is a vertical lift, check to make sure that all the arm pivot bolts are tight. Also, inspect the pulleys and make sure they are properly lubricated. This prevents them from wearing down due to friction.
Next, examine the electrical components of the lift. If there is any water on the electrical cables, it may indicate that they are wet and that there could be a potential shock hazard. Also, check to see that the GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) is working correctly. This device helps to reduce the risk of electric shock by shutting off the power to the lift when it detects current flowing along an unintended path, such as through water or a person.
Finally, check the controls for the lift to make sure they are in good working condition. If the controls are worn or cracked, consider replacing them. Finally, if you have a boat elevator lift, inspect the tracks for corrosion. Aluminum track can be particularly susceptible to galvanic corrosion, especially if they are exposed to saltwater. In order to minimize this corrosion, you can install sacrificial Zinc anodes on your lift’s tracks.
It is also a good idea to rinse the lift beams and cradle beams with fresh water after each use. This will rinse away any marine growth and salt that can cause the metal to corrode faster. It is also a good idea to keep the beams out of the water as much as possible when they are not in use, this will reduce wear from contact with the water(especially salt water), electrolysis and marine growth.
How to Clean Your Deck Without Harmful Chemicals
Deck Cleaning Summerville SC uses bleach, which is effective for fading mildew and mold stains but may damage painted surfaces. To prevent this, add one cup of powdered borax to your water and oxygen bleach solution.
Remove furniture, grills, and metal fixtures before cleaning to avoid scratching or gouging the surface. Avoid using a power washer unless the directions recommend keeping the nozzle at least six inches from the wood.
If you can buy non-toxic dish soap that is free of ammonia, this can make a simple but effective deck cleaner. This cleaning solution is gentle enough to clean composite decks but effective against mildew, mold, algae, fungus, and dirt build-up. This type of cleaner also works as a pre-treatment for stain removal, as it helps to break down the chemical bonds that hold inks and dyes in place. This treatment is not intended as a substitute for regular, thorough cleaning, however. Sweeping daily and regularly brushing the gaps between deck boards can help prevent mold growth.
Powdered oxygen bleach (such as OxiClean) can also work to clean and brighten a deck. This product works well against mildew, mold, and fungus but is not as effective against oil stains. It does, however, help to fade graying wood. Before applying, test the product on an inconspicuous area of the deck. It is recommended to use a specialized deck scrub brush or long-handled stiff brush broom.
Put two gallons of warm water into a plastic bucket large enough for the head of your scrub brush to fit in. Add 2 cups of powdered oxygen bleach, such as OxiClean, which can be purchased in the laundry detergent aisle at your grocery store. The product is gentler than liquid chlorine bleach and works as a cleaner, deodorizer, and stain remover. Stir gently until the bleach completely dissolves. Mix in 1/4 cup of liquid dish soap and stir just enough to disperse it throughout the solution.
This cleaner is effective on most common deck materials. Still, it is not suitable for use with power washers, as it may damage the surface. It is also not a good choice for decks surrounded by bushes or plants, as it will likely harm them.
Another option is to use trisodium phosphate or TSP. This product is effective against grease stains, but it can be harsh on the deck’s surface and adjacent grass, so you’ll want to take extra care to protect the surrounding greenery. If you choose to use TSP, follow all manufacturers’ instructions.
Oxygen bleach is a natural cleaner and disinfectant that’s safe to use on wood. It’s gentle on stained decks and helps to remove dirt stains, oil stains, and mildew. It also works well to brighten and restore faded surfaces. It’s a great alternative to chlorine bleach because it doesn’t leave behind the harsh chemical fumes that can harm the environment, children, and pets. It’s available in powder form, and you can mix it with water according to the instructions on the package.
Before using any cleaning solution on a treated wood deck, it’s important to ensure the surface is dry. If you apply a cleaner to wet wood, it won’t soak in and won’t be able to do its job of deep cleaning the wood. It’s also best to wear rubber gloves and goggles when working with oxygen bleach since it is still bleach. If you have plants near your deck, water them beforehand or cover them with a tarp to protect them from the solution.
To clean your deck with oxygen bleach, sweep to loosen up dirt and debris. Then, spray the deck with a garden hose to get it wet. This will help to dislodge stuck-on dirt and allow the cleaning solution to penetrate deeper into the wood. Once the deck is wet, you can scrub it with a stiff brush. Make sure to pay special attention to areas with a lot of mildew or mold stains. After you’ve cleaned, let the deck sit for 30-60 minutes so that the oxygen bleach has time to work.
After the deck has sat for some time, you can rinse it with a garden hose to remove any remaining traces of the cleaning solution. Be careful not to splash the cleaner onto your house or nearby plants. After rinsing, you can inspect the deck for splintered boards or rough spots that need to be sanded down or patched.
While it is possible to do this project on your own, if you have a very large or very dirty deck, it’s usually best to hire a professional deck cleaning service. They will have the equipment and the knowledge to quickly and thoroughly clean your deck and leave it looking like new. They will also know which cleaning solutions are safe for your preservative-treated deck material and which ones to avoid.
Vinegar is a powerful natural cleaner used alone or as part of a larger deck cleaning solution. It is effective at removing mildew and mold, breaking down food and beverage stains, and dissolving mineral deposits and water stains. It is also safe for various deck materials, including wood and composite. It is an affordable option for homeowners looking to avoid the expense of purchasing or making their special deck cleaning solutions.
A vinegar solution is less effective at addressing oil-based stains or rust. Still, it is an excellent choice for general grime and dirt that builds up on the surface of a wooden deck. The acidity of the vinegar can help to break down stains and discoloration on the deck’s surface. In contrast, the baking soda’s mild abrasiveness helps to scrub away any remaining debris. This simple homemade deck cleaner is safe for most types of wood, including cedar, redwood, pine, and pressure-treated lumber.
Oxygen bleach is an effective alternative to chlorine bleach for cleaning wood decks and other outdoor surfaces. It is available in various forms, from powdered oxygen laundry cleaner to liquid oxygen bleach. When combined with warm water, this solution is a powerful mildew and moss killer effective at tackling ground dirt and grease stains. This solution is also safe for most types of wood and can be safely used on composite, PVC, concrete, and brick decks.
Before using a bleach-based cleaner, it is important to allow the deck to dry completely. This will prevent the bleach ingredients from reacting with other treatments, such as a stain or sealer. It is also important to ensure that any plants, grass, or foliage surrounding the deck are protected from the bleach.
Besides the cleaning, as mentioned earlier, several other DIY deck cleaners can be found at home or in stores. Trisodium phosphate is an inexpensive, heavy-duty algae killer effective on a wide range of wood and outdoor surfaces. Per WIN Home Inspection, this chemical is also effective in reviving flaky areas of treated wood. This heavy-duty product can be combined with bleach or a powdered oxygen cleaner to create a powerful and effective deck-cleaning solution.
If you’re not fond of harsh chemicals or prefer to go natural when cleaning your deck, you can still do the job with safe, homemade solutions. Several recipes, which can be used on wood and composite decks, use household ingredients such as baking soda, vinegar, and oxygen bleach. However, before attempting any cleaning solution, ensure the product is appropriate for your composite type and follow specific instructions to avoid damage or discoloration. Then, start by removing all furniture and planters, sweeping the area thoroughly, and addressing any visible stains or mildew growth. Finally, rinse the entire deck using a garden hose with a spray nozzle or a pressure washer on a low setting.
Before you apply any cleaning solution, it’s a good idea to protect any surrounding plants and greenery with a tarp. This will help prevent any accidental chemical or water spills from harming your plants, and it also makes it easier to clean up the cleaning solution once you’re finished.
Mixing baking soda, oxalic acid, and dish soap is another common DIY deck cleaner. Mix equal parts oxalic acid powder and liquid dish soap, add water, and stir until the solution is foamy. Pour the mixture onto your deck, scrub with a stiff-bristled brush, and rinse it clean. This solution is especially effective for removing stubborn mildew stains.
Vinegar is a versatile cleaning agent that not only removes stains and mildew but also helps keep ants away from your deck, and it’s a great degreaser. For a natural way to get rid of grease spots after backyard barbecues, try using powdered laundry detergent as a substitute for cleaning products. Sprinkle the detergent directly onto the spot, wait a few minutes, then scrub with a brush and rinse.
Lastly, you can also combine oxalic acid with oxygen bleach and dish soap to create an effective deck cleaner that will work on both wood and composite materials. This solution is particularly effective in removing mildew, mold, and algae. To make this solution, add a cup of oxalic acid powder to a bucket of warm water, then stir in several squirts of liquid dish soap until it’s foamy. Use a brush dipped in the mixture to scrub your deck, then rinse it thoroughly with a hose.