Replacing the steel cable on a boat lift

[juels98]

Hi,

Was raising my boat on the boat lift and the cable snapped. It looks like a 1/4" steel cable. Can I go up one size in thickness on the new cable or do I have to replace with the same diameter?

Reason: I bought the boat lift from private party about 3 years ago. He said its capacity is 3600 lbs. My boat is 2700lbs dry. Packaged weight it says is 3800lbs, but I"m assuming that's with trailer. Anyway, I used the lift for 3 years no issues. However, as an extra safety, thinking of going up 1 size on the steel cable thickness-- if possible. Please let me know if that would work.

Thanks in advance!!
Julian

 

[DeepCMark58A]

Use stainless steel cable to replace the existing cable.

 

[Alumarine]

I see no reason not go to 5/16" if the existing pulleys etc. will accommodate it.

 

[flashback]

I did, like Alumarine said, the pulleys would be your main concern. As long as the gear plate and motor are capable.

 

[juels98]

Awesome. Thank you all!!

 

[Scott Danforth]

What size are the winders?

That will determine if you can change cable size

 

[flashback]

What size are the winders?

That will determine if you can change cable size

Good point, we don't even know what he has. mine is a simple 4500lb drive with a 2 inch pipe over head..

 

[Scott Danforth]

I help a boat lift company every once in a while. they use one size cable on all lifts from 2k to 8k and 10k to 40k, only adjusting the amount of lines as the winders are all the same.