316 Stainless Steel Cable
The 316 Stainless Steel Cable is an excellent option for boat lifts. It’s a flexible 7 x 19-strand aircraft cable, cut to fit different setups. Long lasting flexibility working with sheaves. The cable resists corrosion, making it perfect for saltwater and ensuring durability in marine environments.
Boats over 6,000 lbs need extra measures for safe lifting. Follow ASME guidelines for industry standards compliance.
When assessing cable strength, rely on Safe Working Load (SWL) over “Breaking Strength” for safety.
For assurance, BH-USA provides test certificates for all cables sold, ensuring quality and performance.
Note: The 7 x 19 aircraft cable is for boat lifts, not aircraft controls or lifting humans, tailored for boat lift operations.
BH-USA recommends 7×19 aircraft cables with a minimum 5:1 safety factor. Use at least 4 drops for boat lifts. When choosing wire rope, prioritize SWL over breaking strength for secure support in real-world scenarios, as recommended by ASME.
| Lift Size |
1 Part Straight Line |
2 Part Compounded |
| 2,800 lbs. |
3/16 in. |
3/16 in. |
| 4,500 lbs. |
1/4 in. |
3/16 in. |
| 6,000 lbs. |
5/16 in. |
1/4 in. |
| 9,000 lbs. |
X |
1/4 in. |
| 10,000 lbs. |
X |
1/4 in. |
| 13,000 lbs. |
X |
5/16 in. |
| 16,000 lbs. |
X |
3/8 in. |
| 24,000 lbs. |
X |
3/8 in.* |
In order to find out what size wire rope is required for your lift, you must first calculate the total weight to be lifted, including the “wet” weight of the boat, the maximum cargo that can be loaded into the boat, and the weight of the lifting cradle.
- Boat
- Fuel
- Water (Ballast, live well, potable, etc.)
- Any cargo items in the boat (Note: There should never be people in the boat while being lifted.)
- Boat cradle and bunks
Typically, the weight specified by a boat manufacturer refers to its “dry” weight. In order to calculate the “wet” weight, you must include the fuel weight- (6.30 lb/US gal for gasoline and 6.94 for diesel), the water weight (8.34 lb/US gal) that may ever be present in the boat, and the estimated weight of possible cargo (i.e., coolers, skis, etc.).
Cable Ratings
| Cable Size |
Cable Material |
Lifting Capacity |
Min. Breaking Strength |
Safe Working Limit |
Best Water Type |
| 3/16 in. |
Stainless |
1,050 lbs. * |
3,700 lbs. |
925 lbs. |
Saltwater |
| 3/16 in. |
Galvanized |
925 lbs. * |
4,200 lbs. |
1,050 lbs. |
Freshwater |
| 1/4 in. |
Stainless |
1,750 lbs. * |
6,400 lbs. |
1,600 lbs. |
Saltwater |
| 1/4 in. |
Galvanized |
1,600 lbs. * |
7,000 lbs. |
1,750 lbs. |
Freshwater |
| 5/16 in. |
Stainless |
2,450 lbs. * |
9,000 lbs. |
2,250 lbs. |
Saltwater |
| 5/16 in. |
Galvanized |
2,250 lbs. * |
9,800 lbs. |
2,450 lbs. |
Freshwater |
| 3/8 in. |
Stainless |
3,600 lbs. * |
12,000 lbs. |
3,000 lbs. |
Saltwater |
| 3/8 in. |
Galvanized |
3,000 lbs. * |
14,400 lbs. |
3,600 lbs. |
Freshwater |
* – For boat lift applications, use a minimum of four drops.
DO NOT LIFT HUMANS
Products cannot operate indefinitely at their rated capacity. The wire rope and cable must be regularly inspected for any deterioration that may result in loss of strength. It is the user’s responsibility to assess whether further usage of the rope will pose a safety hazard. Regularly lubricate operating ropes. Avoid getting under any raised loads and stay away from the force of any load.
AVOID SHOCK LOADS
Due to the unpredictable circumstances that occur after a purchase of this cable, BH-USA cannot warranty or be held responsible for the cable after the purchase date. A working load limit for each application must be determined by the ultimate user. There are many factors to consider, among them, but not limited to, the load applied, the speed of operation, the acceleration or deceleration, the length of the rope or cable, shock loads, abrasion, corrosion, the number, size, condition, and position of drums and sheaves, and the danger to life and property if a rope or cable breaks. The storage, use, maintenance, and lubrication of wire ropes and cables must comply with normal safety standards; and the equipment must be designed, maintained, and operated correctly. Conduct regular inspections.
Avoid kinking, knotting, or crushing. Never use wire rope made or sold by BH-USA to lift humans.
