Boat lift manufacturer ShoreMaster recommends rinsing the lift with mild soap and fresh water after each use, a thorough visual inspection at least once a season, and professional maintenance at least once a year, more often in harsh salt water (ShoreMaster, 2025). Worn cables should be replaced immediately and sacrificial zinc anodes regularly.
After each use
- Rinse the lift with mild soap and fresh water.[1]
- Raise the boat fully and check it sits evenly on the bunks.
Every season
- Cables: look for fraying, corrosion, kinks, flattened sections and uneven tension. Replace worn or strand-separated cables immediately.[1]
- Lubrication: penetrating oil on cables (not grease); lubricate pulleys and gearboxes.[1]
- Anodes: in salt water, galvanic corrosion attacks metal parts; check the sacrificial zinc anodes and replace them as they wear.[1]
- Electrics: switch, wiring and covers dry and intact.
Every year
Book professional preventive maintenance at least once a year, and more often in harsh marine conditions.[1]
| When | Task |
|---|---|
| After each use | Rinse with mild soap and fresh water |
| Each season | Thorough visual inspection of cables, pulleys, gearbox and frame |
| As needed | Replace worn cables immediately; replace zinc anodes |
| At least yearly | Professional preventive maintenance (more often in salt water) |
When to stop using the lift
Stop and call for a repair if a cable is frayed, the boat lifts unevenly, or the motor hums without lifting.
Book boat lift service and maintenance, motor and cable replacement or boat lift repair.
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Frequently asked questions
How often should a boat lift be serviced?
At least once a year by a professional, and more often in salt water, according to ShoreMaster.
Should I grease boat lift cables?
No. ShoreMaster recommends penetrating oil on cables, not grease.
Sources
- Top Boat Lift Maintenance Tips (31 Jul 2025), ShoreMaster (boat lift manufacturer). Accessed October 27, 2026.
