Equipment Overload
Boat lifts are a great invention.
They keep boats clear of the water and secure without the use of lines.
Boats don't blow around in the wind bumping the dock, and best of all, with the boat and motor clear of the water, any fouling is likely to be light at best. But for all the advantages, it's important that you give some thought to the lift and make sure it's not overloaded. If you swap out one boat for something larger and heavier, it's important to check that the lift can handle the additional weight.
This lift collapsed when the owner left the boat for several months and forgot to remove the transom drain plug. Over time, the boat filled with rainwater. Unable to drain, the boat almost doubled in weight until something had to give — in this case the lift, which severely damaged the boat.
Even if your boat has a cover on it, make sure any water that finds its way inside can get out, either through a removed transom plug (don't forget to replace it before using the boat), or a functioning bilge pump.