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To ensure your lift and dock remain in top condition, it's essential to perform a thorough inspection at least once a year, ideally at the start and end of each season.
Here is what you need to check:
Cable Lifts:
Grease Fittings: Apply a generous amount of grease to all fittings.
Cable Inspection: Check for any fraying or signs of wear on the cables.
Cable Alignment: Make sure cables are not binding or overlapping.
Gearbox: Inspect the gearbox to ensure it's adequately oiled.
Interior Sections: Spray grease on interior components to protect them from corrosion.
Floating Lifts:
Hose Condition: Look for signs of dry rot or wear.
Hose Connections: Ensure all connection points and fittings are secure.
Lift Balance: Verify that the boat is sitting evenly on the lift.
Control Arms: Check that the control arms are straight and free of bends.
Bolts: Inspect bolts for rust and ensure they're not causing the dock finger to lift or sag unevenly.
Fixed Docks
Cross Member Supports:
Integrity: Ensure all cross members (the "X" supports between pilings) are intact and free from rot.
Bolts:
Condition: All bolts should be tight and free from rust.
Pilings:
Condition: Pilings should be free of splits and cracks.
Decking:
Inspection: Check deck boards for any signs of rot or cracking. Structural boards underneath may be in worse condition if the deck is compromised.
Maintenance: Wood decking should be sealed or stained every 1–3 years. Lighter-colored sealers or stains have a shorter lifespan.
Roof:
Support Posts: All vertical posts should be free of significant cracks or splits. Cracks larger than 1/4 the dimension of the support should be inspected by a licensed contractor.
Railing:
Stability: Railing posts should be solid, without any movement or flexing.
Floating Docks
Floats:
Seam Check: Most floats have a seam midway up. If water reaches this line, it's time to replace the float as it no longer provides adequate buoyancy. Failure to replace the float can lead to damage, as waterlogged floats pull down on the dock, increasing strain from waves.
Pilings:
Condition: Ensure pilings are free of splits, cracks, gouges, or significant rub marks.
Piling Brackets:
Stability: Brackets should not move up, down, or side-to-side. Ensure all bolts are tight and free of rust.
Dock:
Levelness: The dock should be level across all areas.
Decking:
Inspection: Check for rot or cracks in deck boards. If present, the underlying structural boards may be in worse condition.
Maintenance: Wood decking should be sealed or stained every 1–3 years. Lighter-colored sealers or stains have a shorter lifespan.
Roof:
Support Posts: All vertical posts should be free of significant cracks or splits. Cracks larger than 1/4 the dimension of the support need to be inspected by a licensed contractor.
Railing:
Stability: Railing posts should be sturdy, without any movement or flexing.
