Frequently Asked Questions

What boat lift brands do you repair on Table Rock Lake?

The contractors we refer to work on the aluminum elevator and four-post cable lifts that are standard on Table Rock Lake, including HydroHoist and ShoreStation, the two brands most common on the lake, plus ShoreMaster and Hewitt, and older or unbranded lifts put up by local dock builders. Most cables, sheaves, motors, and gearboxes are interchangeable across brands, so a lift can usually still be serviced even when the original manufacturer is no longer in business.

How often do boat lift cables need to be replaced in Table Rock Lake?

In the seasonal water-level swings around Kimberling City and Shell Knob, stainless aircraft cable commonly lasts about three to five years and galvanized cable less than that. Humidity, winter freeze-thaw, and a full season of use wear cables down over time. Replace all cables as a matched set and have the sheaves (pulleys) and their bearings checked at the same time, since a seized pulley chews up a new cable quickly.

My boat lift motor hums but will not raise the boat. What causes that?

On a direct-drive lift the most common cause is a failed starting capacitor, which is an inexpensive part. A hum can also come from a seized gearbox, a jammed cable or pulley, water that has gotten into the motor, or low voltage at the dock outlet. Testing the capacitor and the electrical supply comes before any recommendation to replace the motor.

Why does my boat lift raise unevenly or lean to one side?

Usually the cables have stretched at different rates, a cable has slipped or wrapped unevenly on its drum, or a pulley has seized. On flat-plate (wildcat) drive systems a worn drive unit can also cause it. The fix is re-leveling the beams, resetting cable tension evenly, and inspecting the sheaves, bearings, and drive components.

Can you repair a boat lift damaged by a storm or high water?

Yes. Storm and high-water damage is common here — bent I-beams, twisted cradles and bunks, flooded motors, corroded wiring and control boxes, and docks and lifts shifted by wind or a fast rise in lake level. A post-storm inspection should cover both the structure and the drive system, and should tell you what can be repaired versus what should be replaced for safety. Structural repairs are handled by a licensed marine contractor.

Should I use galvanized or stainless steel cable on my boat lift?

Most owners in Kimberling City choose 316 stainless aircraft cable for its corrosion resistance and long service life. Good galvanized cable costs less and is still an option if you are willing to replace it more often. A contractor can quote either. Either way, cables should be changed in complete sets rather than one at a time.

My boat lift is dead and the dock outlet has no power. Is that an electrical problem?

Often, yes. Dock GFCI outlets and breakers trip from moisture and corrosion, and the weatherproof disconnect switches on lift motors fail over time. Corroded connections in the control box are also common. Tracing the circuit from the panel to the motor is what isolates it. Dock and marine wiring work is performed by a licensed marine contractor or electrician.

Will my existing boat lift handle a bigger, heavier boat?

Lift capacity depends on the beam size, motor, gearbox ratio, cable diameter, and number of pulleys, and the dock frame has to support the load. If you are moving up to a heavier boat, a licensed marine contractor can assess your current lift and tell you what would be needed — heavier cables and a stronger drive, additional flotation, a reinforced dock frame, or a higher-capacity lift.

Do you also service jet ski (PWC) lifts and floating lifts?

Yes. The contractors we refer to work on cradle-style PWC lifts and the drive and air systems on floating lifts such as Sunstream and HydroHoist, including blowers, air valves, solenoids, and remote controls.

Do you repair boat lifts in Shell Knob and Branson West?

Yes. Coverage includes Kimberling City, Shell Knob, Branson West, Reeds Spring, Cape Fair, Lampe, Blue Eye, and Golden.

Who actually performs the repair work?

An independent, licensed marine contractor does. Table Rock Boat Lift Repair is a referral and marketing service. We are not a contractor, we do not perform repairs, and we do not quote prices or write estimates. When you send a request, we pass it to a licensed marine contractor in your area who handles that type of work. They contact you directly, and the estimate, the agreement, the licensing and insurance, the warranty, and the invoice all sit between you and them. The contractor pays us a referral fee. You do not. Ask who will be handling your job and we will tell you before anything is scheduled. Our Referral Marketing Disclosure covers this in full.

How often should a boat lift be serviced in Table Rock Lake?

For a lift used through a full season, once a year is a reasonable baseline: inspect cables and pulleys, check the gearbox and motor, grease the moving parts, check bolts and welds, and test the remote or switch. Lifts on open water or under heavy use often benefit from a look every six months.

My boat lift is making a new grinding or clicking noise. Should I keep using it?

A new grinding, clicking, or squealing sound usually points to a dry or failing pulley bearing, a worn gearbox, or a cable starting to slip. Stop using the lift and have it inspected, especially with a boat on it, since a pulley or cable that lets go under load can drop the boat and damage the lift.

Still Have a Question?

Every project is a little different. Call 417-739-0097 or email info@tablerockboatliftrepair.com and we will get back to you. You can also request a free estimate and describe what you need.