How to Protect Your Investment With Boat Lift Rust Prevention
In marine environments, boat lifts are essential to protect and maintain boats in harsh conditions. But those lifts are useless if they are falling apart, which is why boat lift rust prevention is equally essential.
In coastal areas, saltwater and humidity can break down even the toughest materials. Due to constant exposure to these elements, boat lifts must be durable and resistant to corrosion. The right protective coating can add years to the longevity of the lifts and extend their performance.
For boat manufacturers like you, selecting the right material for your boat lifts is important if you want to build a solid reputation. And this is where galvanized boat lifts come into play. With their proven ability to withstand rust and corrosion, galvanized boat lifts offer a superior solution that both you and your customers can count on over time.
To learn more about why galvanized boat lifts are the best choice for preventing rust in coastal areas, keep reading.
The Challenge of Boat Lift Rust Prevention in Harsh Marine Environments
Marine environments present some of the most challenging conditions for metals. Constant exposure to saltwater, high humidity, aggressive currents, and intense sun accelerates the corrosion process. These conditions can quickly degrade materials that aren’t designed to withstand them. This leads to costly repairs or the need for frequent replacements. It is something both boat manufacturers and their customers have to consider.
Boat lifts play an essential role in the lives of boat owners. Elevating boats out of the water when not in use helps protect them from barnacle growth and corrosion. Boat lifts also offer convenience by making docking and maintenance more efficient. They are indispensable for boaters and the marinas that serve them.
Given the importance of a boat lift, manufacturers must understand the different rust prevention options on the market. A failing lift could not only lead to damage to the boat itself but also create safety risks. This makes boat lift rust prevention a top priority if a boat lift is going to remain reliable in even the harshest coastal environments.
Galvanizing for Boat Lifts vs. the Alternative Options
One of the most popular materials for boat lifts is aluminum paired with stainless steel. While this combination is lightweight and corrosion-resistant, it comes with significant drawbacks. Aluminum lacks the strength and durability needed for larger boat lifts and can be prone to bending under heavy loads. While stainless steel components can help strengthen it, they significantly increase costs. That makes the pairing of the two less cost-effective for many boat owners.
Another option is polyethylene. It is popular for its resistance to corrosion and ease of maintenance. But, polyethylene lacks the structural integrity to withstand demanding coastal conditions over time. It is known to crack in the sun and can be easily damaged. It is also less aesthetically pleasing without being any more affordable.
Galvanized steel boat lifts are the perfect compromise. They are more affordable than stainless steel and comparable to aluminum in price. The zinc coating for boat lifts promises superior corrosion resistance and boasts a shiny silver finish.
The galvanization process forms a protective zinc layer that shields the steel from rust and corrosion. Extreme heat and constant sun have little to no impact on galvanized steel, unlike polyethylene. Depending on your environment, there are various things you can pair with the galvanized lift for unmatched boat lift rust prevention.
How Long Will A Galvanized Boat Lift Last?
The lifespan of a galvanized boat lift depends on the type of water and the environment in which it lives. Saltwater areas can speed up wear and tear and be harder on the lift than freshwater environments. How much contact the lift has with the water also plays a big role in the rate of corrosion. A boat lift that remains completely submerged underwater most of the time will corrode more slowly. Most lifts will go in and out of the water, so properly maintaining them can help protect their performance.
One of the best things owners can do to prolong the life of their galvanized boat lift is rinse it off after each use. Keeping an eye on the protective coating and repairing it when necessary can prevent major damage over time. Paying attention to the surrounding materials like docks and pilings is important, as high boat traffic or abrasive surfaces can exert extra stress on the lift over time. Sometimes additional protection on the pilings or docks can help soften the corrosion any friction creates.
How Boat Manufacturers Can Use Hot-Dip Galvanizing to Stand Out in the Market
As a boat manufacturer, offering hot-dip galvanized boat lifts or trailers is the best option for your customers. Unlike all the other boat lift options, hot-dip galvanizing coats your materials in a cohesive zinc coating. This coating is harder to compromise and will hold up better than even other types of corrosion protection, including other zinc coatings. It is the best option for boat lift rust prevention and enables you to offer a more affordable product with better profit margins.
If you want to build a reputation as a reliable boat lift manufacturer whose products stand the test of time, offering hot-dip galvanized boat lifts is the way to stand out from your competition. If you are not able to manufacture them in-house, consider researching galvanized lift or boat trailer suppliers in your area who would be willing to partner with you to make those available to your customers.
South Atlantic’s Galvanizing Division is Here to Serve You
At South Atlantic, we are proud to work with American manufacturers to source the best steel available for our customers. We keep a large supply of galvanized steel materials in stock and ready to ship. We can also galvanize just about any kind of steel to fit your customers’ needs.
If you are ready to offer galvanized boat lifts for your customers, reach out to our team today for a free quote.
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Sources:
American Boating, “Boat Lifts Make Maintenance Easier,” https://americanboating.org/equip-boat-lifts.asp
American Galvanizers Association, “How Long Does HDG Last in Water?” https://galvanizeit.org/hot-dip-galvanizing/how-long-does-hdg-last/in-water
American Galvanizers Association, “Steel Corrosion Rate,” https://galvanizeit.org/corrosion/corrosion-process/corrosion-rate