I have a lot of experience on the 514PC and have never had it not work. One time it stopped working and we found the breaker and reset...
Nothing is like a dinghy lift. We have towed the dinghies many times before hydraulic lifts. Make sure the dinghy motor is up, the motor is secure to the dinghy, and the painter is long enough to keep it on top and center on the boat wake. Not much water got in the dinghy in our experience towing
I think it would be a major issue if the elevator were stuck in the lowered position and you were operating the 514
I have the owners manual if you need it...