If you have a tip or technique that you think might help other ShoreMaster dealers, please submit them to me via email (don.tex@shoremaster.com) and I will post them. Also, let me know if there is something you need that would help you out doing installs or support of the products...........
Tip #1 - List of recommended tools:
Aluminum Lifts & Docks:
- Open tool bag with many pockets for easy access of tools
- 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", 9/16" & 3/4" wrenches/sockets
- Nut driver set
- Both philips & regular screw-drivers
- Channel-locks
- Pliers
- Cresent wrench as a spare for different size wrenches
- Needle-nose pliers
- Set of long handle allen wrenches
- Punch to line up holes
- Utility knife
- Hammer
- Rubber mallet
- White teflon tape and/or lock-tight to keep wheel bolt from coming loose
- Electrical tape
- Tape measure
- Felt tip pen
- Bolt Box for spare bolts, nuts, washers & chain parts
- Cordless impact tool
- Measuring pole/stick
- Straps, rope, or adjustable pole used to install canopy
- Inter-tubes or floats to float lifts/docks into place
- Duck tape (not sure what for but you have to have duck tape just in case)
Additional Tools for Steel Lifts & Docks:
- C-clamps to hold/install dock banding
- Two six inch pieces of 1&1/2" angle-iron as gage to install dock banding
- T-40 torque bits (2 or 3) for dock
- 9/32 & 11/32 drill bits (3 or 4 of the highest quality for steel)
- Heavy duty electric drill
- Heavy duty electric impact tool
- Generator or access to electricity
- Circular saw (Electric or Cordless) to cut dock banding
- Electrical cord(s)
- Screw drill for dock roof installs
- Extension ladders for dock roof installs
Tip #2 - Water depth for standing lifts:
- Should have about a minimum of 24" at the front of the lift
- Try to have 34" from top of front beam to the top of the water
Note: If the water level varies, you may want to have 36" or more of depth from the top
of the beam to the top of the water to keep from having to adjust the lift as often
Tip #3 - Color code tools:
- Spray paint wrench handles so you can recognize the different sizes without having to
pick it up and look at the size. Also helps when you have inexperienced help assisting
you. Example: (7/16" Black, 3/8" Blue, 1/2" White, 9/16 Red, etc.). You can then tell
someone to hand you the red one for 9/16". It makes it easier and quicker to do installs.
From: Marc Wullschleger Surfside Lifts & Docks
Tip #4 - Hooking up Solar Panel to DC Lift Motor: (7-6-09)
- When hooking up a solar panel to a DC motor, be sure to connect black wire to negative and
white wire to positive. If these are reversed, it will actually drain the battery instead of
charging it and could damage the battery. Solar panel should be putting out 18 to 22 volts
(volt meter) if working properly.
Tip #5 - Operating the Lift Motor Remote Control
- The normal up & down buttons work accordingly. There is also a light button on the remote and
if you hit both the buttons (light & blue) to the right & left of the up/down buttons at the same
time it will lock the remote so it does not work. Hit them again and it will unlock the remote.
It is a good practice to lock the remote to prevent unwanted or accidental use.
To reset the remote frequency, locate the red button on the back side of the black control
box which is located on back of the cover. Press and hold the red button for about 3
seconds and then press any button on the remote. That will set the frequency to that remote
and it should be ready to use.
Note: Be sure to change the batteries at least once a year or if they fail to work.
- If a lift motor slows down or stops completely, check/replace the brushes. That is normally the
problem if a motor fails to work.
Locate the 2 screw caps on opposite sides of the end of the motor and do the following:
- Unplug the motor
- Remove the screw cap being careful it does not fall in the lake
- Remove the old brush, may need small screw driver or needle nose pliers to remove
- Insert new brush & spring end of brush into the slot
- Hold the brush in while replacing & tightening the screw cap
- Repeat these steps for the brush on the other side of the motor
- Once done, plug the motor in and reset the GFI
- Try the motor to see if it is working
- If working you are done and ready to go
- If still not working, there is an addition problem
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