Pre-Cut 316 Stainless Steel Cable
Looking for a hassle-free solution for your boat lift? The Pre-Cut 316 Stainless Steel Cable is your go-to! It’s tailor-made for easy setup, crafted from tough stainless steel to tackle corrosion in salty waters.
What stands out:
- Flexible Build: With a 7 x 19 design, this cable is not just strong but also flexible. It’s easy to handle and keeps its power intact.
- Anti-Corrosion Magic: Built from 316 stainless steel, it’s your warrior against corrosion. Perfect for salty waters, promising long-lasting performance.
- Flexibility Meets Strength: Even with constant movement, this cable stays flexible while maintaining its strength.
- Safety First: Stick to ASME guidelines for safety. Aim for a 5:1 safety factor for working loads and consider Safe Working Load (SWL) for a safe rating.
- Usage Tips: BH-USA suggests 7×19 aircraft cables for boat lifts. Opt for a minimum of four drops in boat lift applications. Remember, breaking strength alone isn’t the whole story.
- Consider the Load: For boats over 6,000 lbs, think about using multiple cables for an extra layer of safety.
- Check and Care: Give the cable a regular once-over, keep it lubricated for smooth operation, and follow safety standards for storage and maintenance.
Note: This cable is strictly for boat lifts, not for aircraft controls or lifting humans.
In a Nutshell: Count on the Pre-Cut 316 Stainless Steel Cable for a smooth boat lift experience. It brings flexibility, strength, and corrosion resistance. Stick to safety guidelines for a reliable and lasting solution.
A Closer Look at Aircraft Cable: For boat lifts, BH-USA recommends 7×19 aircraft cables. Aim for a 5:1 safety factor and use at least four drops. Test certificates are there if you need them. Remember, steer clear of using this cable for aircraft controls or lifting humans.
Understanding Safe Working Load vs. Minimum Breaking Strength: Always choose Safe Working Load (SWL) over breaking strength. Breaking strength only tells you the force in ideal conditions. ASME recommends a safety factor for long-lasting strength, ensuring safety throughout a cable’s life.
When rating a cable, make safety the priority, not just “Breaking Strength.”
| 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.
