Thursday, December 29, 2016

17 Fun Facts About New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve is one of America's favorite celebrations.  Not only is it a chance to throw lavish parties, but the holiday brings hope for a more prosperous and happy 365 days. In today's blog, Summerset Boat Lifts offers a few fun facts about New Year's Eve.

New Year's Eve Fun Facts


1. Each New Year's Eve, 1 million people gather in New York City's Times Square to watch the famous ball drop. Close to 1 billion people around the world watch it on TV.

2. The Time Square Ball was first dropped in 1907 after there was a fireworks ban. Back then, the ball was made of iron and wood, was lit with 25-watt bulbs and weighed 700 pounds. 

3. Today, the Times Square Ball is covered  in 2,688 crystals, is lit by 32,000 LEDs, weighs 11,875 pounds and is 12 feet in diameter.

4. In 1942 and 1943, the ball was not lowered because of wartime restrictions.

5.  Approximately, 2,000 pounds of confetti is dropped on the crowd in Times Square at midnight.

6. Approximately 22% of people admit to falling asleep before midnight on New Year's Eve. 

7. Approximately 44% of American adults plan to kiss someone at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve.

8. It's tradition to ring in the New Year with family and friends because it's said that the first people you see will either bring you good luck or bad luck (so keep your foes away).

9. The tradition of setting off firecrackers and other noise makers at midnight on New Year's Eve started to scare away any remaining evil spirits and to ensure a brand new start. 

10. Many people celebrate the new year by popping open a bottle of bubbly. Each holiday season, Americans consume close to 360 million glasses of sparkling wine.

11. About 45% of American's make New Year's resolutions, but about 25% of those people give them up by the second week of January. The most popular resolutions include losing weight, getting organized, spending less and saving more, staying fit and healthy and quitting smoking.

12. Auld Lang Syne, meaning "times gone by," is a song traditionally sung at the end of New Year's parties. While most people don't know the words to the song, the overall message is that people have to remember their loved ones, dead or alive, and keep them close to their hearts. 

13.  Many people across the United States will eat black-eyed peas on New Year's Day for good luck throughout the coming year. Be sure to also eat leafy greens, as the more you eat, the more prosperity you'll experience.

14. If you want to have a Happy New Year, don't eat lobster or chicken. Lobsters can move backward and chickens can scratch in reverse, so it is thought these foods could bring a reversal of fortune.

15. The first recorded New Year's celebration dates back 4,000 years to Babylon, when the first moon after the spring equinox marked the new year. In 46 B.C., Julius Caesar created a calendar with January 1 as the first day of the year.

16. The month of January is named after Janus, the god with two faces, one looking forward and one looking backward. He is the god of beginnings, transitions, gates, doors, passages and endings.

17.  The top three most visited destinations in the United States to travel to for New Year's Eve are New York City, Las Vegas and Walt Disney World. Globally, Sydney, Australia is the destination of choice, as you can see over 80,000 fireworks go off over the famed Sydney Opera House.

Summerset Boat Lifts hopes you have a Happy New Year! We can't wait to help you with all your Lake of the Ozarks boat lift needs in 2017. Whether you're in need of a new lift or boat lift service, you can trust Summerset! Just give us a call at 573-348-5073.

1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO  65065
573-348-5073
Email:info@summersetboatlifts.com
Keep up with local news, events and product information by Following us!!

Monday, December 12, 2016

7 Christmas Shopping Ideas for Boat Lovers

With Christmas just two weeks away, now is the time to get shopping. Summerset Boat Lifts is here to help you shop for all the boat lovers in your life. We have a variety of boating accessories available at our boat lift company at the Lake of the Ozarks. From ski ropes and life jackets to dock lockers and lift remotes, we've got something for everyone to enjoy during boating season at the Lake! 

1. Life Jackets. 


While life jackets may not seem like the most "fun" gift, they are required. In order to have fun on the water, it's important to have life jackets for every passenger on the boat. Pick up your new life jackets from your premier Lake of the Ozarks boat lift company

2. Dock Bumpers. 


One of the last things you need is for your boat to get damaged, causing it to go in the shop and delay the use of your boat for possibly weeks. Protect your boat, and your dock, with our dock bumpers! 

3. Tie Ropes. 


Keep your boat securely tied up to the dock with a trusty rope! Summerset Boat Lifts has a variety of ropes for all your boating needs. 

4. Ski Ropes. 


Whether you're an avid skier or looking to try something new next summer, we've got your ski ropes and wake board ropes! 

5. Dock Lockers. 


Give the gift of storage with a dock locker. Maybe you already have all the accessories you need for a fun day out on the water, but do you have to drag them back up to the garage each time you take the boat out. By investing in a dock locker, you're able to safely and securely store all your favorite accessories right there on your dock! 

6. Lift Remote Controls. 


Firstmate offers a fast, safe and reliable way to control your boat lift remotely. Using their remote controlled systems gives you an extra set of hands from inside the boat, for getting your boat on or off the lift. Get your remote control from Summerset Boat Lifts today!

7. De-Icers. 


One boating accessory that you won't have to wait until summer to use is a de-icer. The last thing a boat lover wants is for something like damage to their dock to delay boating when spring rolls around. Protect your boat dock and lift from the icy water this winter by investing in a device that moves water around to prevent the formation of ice near your dock.

For all things boating, you can trust Summerset Boat Lifts! We offer a variety of accessories to supplement your boat, boat lift and dock. In addition to our new and use boat lift sales, we offer the best boat lift service at the Lake of the Ozarks. We're lifting your dreams, from canoes to cruisers!

1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO  65065
573-348-5073
Email:info@summersetboatlifts.com
Keep up with local news, events and product information by Following us!!

Thursday, December 8, 2016

Benefits of Investing in a Kasco De-Icer

While it wasn't much, the Lake of the Ozarks area experienced its first snow this week. Temperatures are below freezing and that means lake conditions are worsening. In last week's blog, we discussed the possibility of ice damage to your dock and lift, and how a de-icer can help. Today, Summerset Boat Lifts offers more information on our Kasco De-Icers.

Easy, Cost Effective Dock Protection


Boat and dock owners can rest assured their dock will be protected this winter when they invest in a Kasco-De-Icer. These products will help prevent ice damage, saving you time, money and headaches. Kasco products are designed to be cost effective and energy efficient, giving you the edge in performance, reliability and ease of use. Kasco De-Icers are the standard by which all other de-icers are measured. The original product was introduced more than 45 years ago. They are used all around the world and continue to provide the best performance in ice prevention and property protection.

How Kasco De-Icers Work


No one has more experience in de-icing than Kasco. Originally developed to allow in-water boat storage in areas subject to freezing waters, the de-icer is now used in a multitude of applications. By moving large volumes of warm, bottom water to the surface, Kasco De-Icers eliminate and prevent ice formation around boats, docks, lifts and other property you need protected from damaging ice formation. This creates an ice-free zone around your dock, successfully preventing damage from ice jacking and expansion. Kasco's unique design provides superior flow and excellent energy efficiency to solve your de-icing needs in a cost effective manner.

About Kasco Marine


Kasco Marine is a leader in the design and production of pond aerators and circulators, floating decorative fountains, beneficial bacteria, pond and lake dye, and de-icing equipment. It all started in 1968 when an inventive marina operator in Minnesota introduced the world's first de-icer. The revolutionary equipment protected marina equipment from the harsh winter conditions and even allowed for in-water boat storage. Kasco was formed to bring this new product to markets across the country. The company grew quickly and by the 1980s, Kasco dominated the de-icing market. 

Get your Kasco De-Icer from your premier boat lift company at the Lake of the Ozarks! We're here to help make sure your lift and dock make it through the winter season in tip-top shape. Summerset Boat Lifts is here for all your boat lift and boat lift accessories needs. Give us a call at 573-348-50703!

1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO  65065
573-348-5073
Email:info@summersetboatlifts.com
Keep up with local news, events and product information by Following us!!

Friday, December 2, 2016

Prevent Ice Damage to Your Dock and Lift This Winter

December is here and the weather is finally starting to feel like winter. Along with winter, comes the possibility of icy waters. In today's blog, your premier boat lift company at the Lake of the Ozarks discusses the possibility of ice damage to your dock and lift, as well as solutions to reduce your risk.

Photo Credit: FunLake.com
Ice Damage 


Ice heaves can occur in bodies of water of all sizes. It's very easy for ice to damage a dock. The freezing water expands, melts, refreezes and expands again causing enough pressure to damage anything still sitting in the water. Large ice chunks floating in the lake can also move with the current, hit your structure with great force and even get stuck and start to build up. To put it in perspective, sometimes ice heaves are powerful enough to move trees. More commonly though, the ice damages docks, lifts and retaining walls. Your dock and your lift are both susceptible to ice damage. When a dock freezes, it becomes less flexible and does not move with the water as the levels reduce. This causes structural stress that can lead to joint breaks and twisted boat lifts.

Consider Investing in a De-Icer 


One of the best and easiest ways to protect your dock and lift from ice damage is to purchase a de-icer. The primary function of a de-icer is to protect your boat dock and lift from icy waters. It's your best defense against costly damage to property due to ice formation and expansion. By creating water movement, a de-icer keeps the water around your dock from freezing. Thus, reducing the likelihood of damage to your boat dock and boat lift at the Lake of the Ozarks this winter season. In addition to the de-icer, you should have a professional come check your lift to add antifreeze to the hoses. If you can prevent the lake water around your dock and lift from freezing, you'll be able to avoid the majority of damage caused by winter weather.

Summerset Boat Lifts is here to help you ensure your lift makes it through the winter season. We offer de-icers, as well as other accessories that are essential to the boating lifestyle. If you haven't already had your lift checked out since the end of the summer season, give us a call at 573-348-5073 to come out and take a look at it. We'll be able to make sure everything is in tip-top shape to make it through the winter so you're ready to roll next spring!

1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO  65065
573-348-5073
Email:info@summersetboatlifts.com
Keep up with local news, events and product information by Following us!!

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Test Your Thanksgiving Knowledge With These Trivia Questions

The holiday season has begun and Thanksgiving is here! In honor of the holiday, Summerset Boat Lifts has gathered some fun trivia questions for you to test your Thanksgiving knowledge. As you gather around with family and friends, sharing stories of the year and what you're thankful for, consider throwing out some of these fun trivia facts to see how many people can get the answers correct!

Thanksgiving Trivia 


How many of these answers do you know? Once you've figured them out, test the knowledge of your friends and family!

1. How many Pilgrims were believed to be on the Mayflower? 


A. 92
B. 102
C. 122

2. How long was the voyage from England to the New World? 


A. 66 Days
B. 106 Days
C. 146 Days

3. The Mayflower was originally built to transport not people, but what? 


A. Wine
B. Fish
C. Spices

4. What utensil was not used by the Pilgrims to eat Thanksgiving dinner? 


A. Knife
B. Fork
C. Spoon

5. The first Thanksgiving in 1621 was believe to have lasted how many days? 


A. 1 day
B. 7 days
C. 3 days


6. Thanksgiving becoming a national holiday is credited to which woman? 


A. Sarah Hale
B. Sarah Bradford
C. Sarah Standish

7. Which southern state was the first to adopt a Thanksgiving Day in 1855? 


A. South Carolina
B. Virginia
C. Georgia

8. Which U.S. President is believed to be the first to pardon a turkey and start the tradition? 


A. President Truman
B. President Jackson
C. President Lincoln

9. Approximately how many turkeys are eaten each year on Thanksgiving in the United States? 


A. 46 Million
B. 212 Million
C. 19 Million

10. According to Butterball, where is the best place to put the meat thermometer in the turkey? 


A. Breast
B. Thigh
C. Leg

11. What is a snood? 


A. The loose skin under a male turkey's neck
B. A hat worn by a Pilgrim
C. A hot cider drink served at Thanksgiving

12. In what year did the first Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade take place? 


A. 1894
B. 1904
C. 1924

13. Which balloon was the first to appear in the 1927 Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade? 


A. Mickey Mouse
B. Superman
C. Felix the Cat

14. The first Thanksgiving football game started in 1934 by which team?


A. Detroit Lions
B. Pittsburg Steelers
C. New York Giants





**ANSWERS**


1. B - 102
2. A - 66 Days
3. A - Wine
4. B - Fork
5. C - 3 days
6. A - Sarah Hale
7. B - Virginia
8. A - President Truman
9. A - 46 Million
10. B - Thigh
11. A - The loose skin under a male turkey's neck
12. C - 1924
13. C - Felix the Cat
14. A - Detroit Lions

Happy Thanksgiving from Summerset Boat Lifts! Now that the weather has finally cooled off, it's time to have your Lake of the Ozarks boat lift looked at. We'll make any necessary repairs and get your lift ready for use next spring! Call 573-348-5073 for all your boat lift service needs!

1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO  65065
573-348-5073
Email:info@summersetboatlifts.com
Keep up with local news, events and product information by Following us!!

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Deck the Docks Holiday Lights Cruises

The 6th Annual Deck the Docks Festival of Lights to benefit Dogwood Animal Shelter is upon us! Starting November 25, the beautiful Celebration Yacht will embark on a cruise each Wednesday, Friday and Saturday to tour sparkly docks and lakefront homes decorated for the holidays!

About Deck the Docks


Deck the Docks is a non-profit event that encourages local residents to light up their docks and lakefront homes at the Lake of the Ozarks, bringing awareness to homeless pets. Proceeds from the cruises over the holiday season are donated to Dogwood Animal Shelter, a no-kill shelter at the Lake of the Ozarks. In 2015, the cruises generated close to $30,000 for the shelter.

Cruise Details


Tickets are $25 each. Complimentary appetizers donated by local restaurants, as well as live entertainment donated by local entertainers, are included. All passengers must book reservations in advance. Tickets may be reserved through Celebration Cruises by calling 573-480-3212 or on their website at www.cruiselakeoftheozarks.com.

Cruise Dates 


All Deck the Docks Cruises begin boarding at 5:30 PM and will depart at 6:00 PM. The cruises are approximately 3 hours long, and will be back at the dock between 9:00 PM and 9:30 PM.
  • Friday, November 25
  • Saturday, November 26
  • Wednesday, November 30  
  • Friday, December 2 
  • Saturday, December 3 
  • Wednesday, December 7 
  • Friday, December 9 
  • Saturday, December 10 
  • Wednesday, December 14 
  • Friday, December 16 
  • Saturday, December 17 
  • Wednesday, December 21
  • Friday, December 23 
  • Saturday, December 24 
  • Wednesday, December 28 
  • Friday, December 30

About Dogwood Animal Shelter 


Starting as a small facility in 1976, Dogwood Animal Shelter has offered not only a place for homeless pets, but also low cost spay and neuters. In 1977, the board of directors declared Dogwood a no-kill facility. The long awaited new facility was built in Osage Beach in 2005. At that time, a spay/neuter clinic was included to provide surgeries on site.  Learn more here: www.daslakeoftheozarks.com.

Summerset Boat Lifts encourages you to come out and support our local community through this fun holiday event! With the holidays approaching, now's the time to start thinking about gifts for the boat lovers in your life. Our Lake of the Ozarks boat lift company offers tons of boating accessories in addition to our new and used lifts. From dock lockers and wet steps to life jackets and tow ropes, we've got something for all the boat enthusiasts in your life!

1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO  65065
573-348-5073
Email:info@summersetboatlifts.com
Keep up with local news, events and product information by Following us!!

Thursday, November 10, 2016

16 Fun Facts About Bagnell Dam

Without the construction of Bagnell Dam, which created the Lake of the Ozarks, we wouldn't have the need for our boat lift company at the Lake of the Ozarks. Since the dam plays a huge roll in our business, we thought providing a few fun facts about the dam in today's blog would be appropriate. Let's see how much of this information you already know - and maybe you'll learn something new about this beautiful Lake that we call home.

Bagnell Dam Fun Facts


Photo Credit: FunLake.com
1. The concept of Bagnell Dam dates to 1912, when Kansas City entrepreneur Ralph Street created a plan for a 60 ft. hydroelectric dam. After building support structures, roadways and railroad tracks, financial difficulties brought his venture to a close in 1926.

2. One year after Ralph Streets' venture ended, Union Electric (now AmerenUE) and Stone & Webster revitalized the project and expanded it to its present-day parameters.

3. Construction on Bagnell Dam started on August 6, 1929 and was completed in April, 1931.

4. The construction of Bagnell Dam created the Lake of the Ozarks, one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the world and the largest in the United States at that time. 

5.  During construction of Bagnell Dam, the Lake of the Ozarks was referred to as the Osage Reservoir or Lake Osage.

6. The total cost of the Bagnell Dam project was $30 million. Today, the same project would cost around $360 million.

7. Bagnell Dam is classified as a concrete gravity dam. That means that the weight of the structure is enough to overcome the lateral force of the water pressing against it.

8. The Bagnell Dam is 2,543 feet long and consists of three sections: the abutment section, the spillway section and the headworks or powerhouse.

Photo Credit: FunLake.com
9. The powerhouse consists of eight water-wheel turbines directly connected to eight electrical generators, plus one smaller station service unit. Originally only 6 of the generators were installed; the other two were added in 1953.

10. When the turbines are not in use, each of the openings is sealed by a headgate that measures 27 square feet and weighs 70 tons.

11. Under maximum head of ninety feet, the turbines revolve at 112-1/2 r.p.m. with a force equal to 33,500 horsepower each.

12. The generators were designed to produce a maximum of 21,500 kilowatts each.

13.  The overall dam structure was poured in 40-foot wide blocks that are designed to slide in the event of a breach. This prevents a total collapse from happening, and only one or two sections would move back while the remainder of the dam would stay solid and undamaged.

14. In the 1980s, holes were drilled down through the dam and tensioning rods were driven through those holes and into the bedrock below. The dam is actually more solid now than when it was built.

15. The highway deck of the dam is approximately 10 feet above full reservoir.

16. Although originally built to provide hydroelectric power, Bagnell Dam and the Lake of the Ozarks soon became a significant tourist destination for the Midwest.

Summerset Boat Lifts 


Since 1982, we've been lifting your dreams from canoes to cruisers! At Summerset Boat Lifts, we're proud to offer the Galva-Hoist product line of floating boat lifts. No matter what brand of boat or dock you have, the Galva-Hoist provides great value and performance. Our new lift sales are complimented by pre-owned sales and servicing of many different brands of lifts. For all your Lake of the Ozarks boat lift needs, give us a call at 573-348-5073.

1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO  65065
573-348-5073
Email:info@summersetboatlifts.com
Keep up with local news, events and product information by Following us!!

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Your Premier Galva-Hoist Dealer at the Lake

With the wrap up of boating season, now is the time to get a great deal on a new boat and boat lift! Since companies are trying to make room for the new 2017 inventory, you can get end of the season clearance pricing on that watercraft you've been eyeing all year. At Summerset Boat Lifts, we are proud to offer you Galva-Hoist boat lifts! Keep reading to learn more about Galva-Hoist and why its your best option for a boat lift at the Lake of the Ozarks!

What is Galva-Hoist? 


Galva-Hoist is a type of floating boat lift. They are engineered at the Lake for the Lake, the Lake of the Ozarks! They are extremely capable of withstanding the roughest waters here at the Lake. No matter what brand of boat or dock you have, the Galva-Hoist at the Lake of the Ozarks provides great value and performance. From personal watercraft lifts all the way to up to custom 46,000 lbs, check out the Galva-Hoist and its exclusive dealer at the Lake of the Ozarks, Summerset Boat Lifts! 

Features of Galva-Hoist


Galva-Hoist does things differently! We provide solid and secure boat lifts to make your boating experience even better. Here are just a few of the features you get when you choose a Galva-Hoist for your Lake of the Ozarks boat lift:
  • Built to withstand the Lake of the Ozarks' rough waters 
  • Structures include a channel on the bottom of the tank for superior strength
  • Bunks are built from pressure treated lumber and marine grade carpet for a stronger support system 
  • Tanks are constructed utilizing hydraulic butt-fusion technology, guaranteeing leak-proof joints
  • 3/4 in thick end-caps are used for a truly "bullet-proof" tank 

Summerset Boat Lifts 


To learn more about our Galva-Hoist floating boat lifts, give us a call at 573-348-5073. At Summerset Boat Lifts, our new lift sales are complimented by pre-owned sales and servicing of many different brands of lifts. Have problem with a lift? Now is the time to get it taken care of, before you get your boat winterized for the season! We're here to make sure you and your boat get the very best level of product and service at the Lake!

1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO  65065
573-348-5073
Email:info@summersetboatlifts.com
Keep up with local news, events and product information by Following us!!

Friday, October 28, 2016

Test Your Halloween Knowledge: 13 Trivia Questions

One of the most fun holidays of the year is just a few days away. People will be getting their costumes together, and kids will be eager to go out trick-or-treating. In today's blog, we thought it would be fun to test your knowledge on some Halloween trivia!

1. According to superstition, hearing an owl's call means what? 


A. A baby is being born.
B. Someone is about to die.
C. The weather is going to turn severe.

2. Seeing a spider on Halloween means what? 


A. A loved one is watching.
B. You're going to die very soon.
C. You are going to have good luck in the following year.

3. According to a survey by the National Retail Federation, on average, how much will people 18+ spend each Halloween on candy? 


A. $26.48
B. $17.47
C. $23.10

4. What is the term for the fear of Halloween? 


A. Samhainophobia
B. Blennophobia
C. Coulrophobia

5. What is the top selling chocolate candy in the U.S.?


A. Hershey's
B. Reese's
C. Snickers

6. What was Dr. Frankenstein's first name? 


A. Francois
B. Boris
C. Victor

7. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, how much does the world's largest pumpkin weigh? 


A. 2323 lbs
B. 1265 lbs
C. 826 lbs

8. What do pumpkins grow on? 


A. Vine
B. Stalk
C. Bush

9. In Scotland, what vegetable was traditionally carved into a jack-o-lantern? 


A. A squash
B. A turnip
C. A pumpkin

10. What are poltergeists? 


A. Ghost
B. Psychokinetic activity
C. Noisy spirits

11. Which country is credited with founding Halloween? 


A. Ireland
B. Spain
C. Romania

12. People born on Halloween are said to posses what ability? 


A. The ability to move things with your mind.
B. The ability to see the future.
C. The ability to talk to the dead.

13.  If you want to keep spirits out of your home on Halloween, what should you sprinkle on the doorstep? 


A. Garlic
B. Cinnamon
C. Salt

Find the answers below! 





**ANSWERS** 
1. B - Someone is about to die.
2. A - A loved one is watching.
3. C - $23.10
4. A - Samhainophobia
5. B - Reece's
6. C - Victor
7. A - 2323 lbs
8. A - Vine
9. B - A turnip
10. B - Psychokinetic activity
11. A - Ireland
12. C - The ability to talk to the dead.
13. C - Salt

Happy Halloween from Summerset Boat Lifts! We hope you enjoy this beautiful weather we're experiencing this Halloween weekend at the Lake of the Ozarks. If you choose to take your boat out on the water during this warm spell and notice any issues with your lift, you know who to call! Summerset Boat Lifts is here for all your Lake of the Ozarks boat lift repair needs!

1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO  65065
573-348-5073
Email:info@summersetboatlifts.com
Keep up with local news, events and product information by Following us!!

Friday, October 21, 2016

The Fall Classic Open Buddy Bass Tournament is in One Week!

Alhonna Resort's Annual Fall Classic Open Buddy Bass Tournament is happening October 29-30. This 2-day bass tournament at the Lake of the Ozarks gives anglers the chance to enjoy brilliant autumn colors and fantastic fall fishing.

Photo Credit: Alhonna Facebook Page
Event Details 


Date:  October 29-30, 2016
Time: 7 AM to 4 PM Saturday and 7 AM to 2 PM on Sunday
Place: Alhonna Resort
Entry Fee: $100 per Boat, with $10 optional Big Bass

The tournament entry fee includes a complimentary breakfast at 6AM each morning for tournament participants at Bobber's Restaurant located in the resort.

Tournament Awards


The tournament offers a 100% payback of all entry fees. Tournament prizes will be awarded directly following the weigh in on Sunday, from 3-4 PM at the resort. The cash prizes will be divided as follows:
Photo Credit: Alhonna Facebook Page
  • 1st Place - 20% 
  • 2nd Place - 15% 
  • 3rd Place - 10% 
  • 4th Place - 9%
  • 5th Place - 8% 
  • 6th Place - 7%
  • 7th Place - 6% 
  • 8-12th Place - 4% each 
  • 13th Place - 5% 
The optional Big Bass prizes will be 50% for 1st place, 30% for 2nd place and 20% for third place.

While you're out on the water this weekend, keep Summerset Boat Lifts in mind for all your Lake of the Ozarks boat lift service needs. The time is coming to get your boat winterized for the cold season, but before you do, make sure to have your lift serviced. We'll make sure everything is in proper working order to keep your boat afloat this winter. Then when spring rolls around you'll be ready to hit the water in no time. Give us a call at 573-348-5073 to schedule an appointment today! 


1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO  65065
573-348-5073
Email:info@summersetboatlifts.com
Keep up with local news, events and product information by Following us!!

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Winterizing Your Boat, Dock and Lift

With winter vastly approaching and the weather cooling down, boating season at the Lake of the Ozarks is coming to an end. Now is the time to start thinking about winterizing your boat. In today's blog, your favorite boat lift company at the Lake of the Ozarks offers a few tips for getting your boat ready for the cold winter season.

1. Make a Winterizing Checklist.


There are a lot of different things you'll want to remember to do to your boat before the temperatures drop below freezing. The best way you can remember everything is to create a checklist. You definitely want to refer to your owner's manual for specifics on your boat, but here is a general checklist you can use from www.BoatUS.com:

  • Engines - 
    • Fill fuel tanks and add stabilizer to gasoline
    • Change oil and filter
    • Change fuel filters/separators in engine 
    • Check coolant level in freshwater-cooling system and add coolant is needed
    • Run antifreeze through raw-water-cooling system
    • Make sure water strainers are filled with antifreeze
    • Fog cylinders in gasoline engines
    • Top up battery electrolyte level and put batteries on marine charger
  • Installed Generator - 
    • Change oil and filter
    • Change fuel filters/separators
    • Check coolant level in freshwater-cooling system and add coolant is needed
    • Run antifreeze through raw-water-cooling system
    • Make sure water strainers are filled with antifreeze
  • Other Systems - 
    • Flush and fill air conditioning system with antifreeze 
    • Run antifreeze through watermaker and pickle as per owner's manual 
  • Outboards - 
    • Fill installed fuel tanks and add stabilizer 
    • Turn off fuel supply and fog while running 
    • Drain gear case and add fresh lubricant
    • Flush engine with muffs and fresh water 
    • Store unit in lowest position
    • Inspect/replace anodes 
    • Empty fuel from portable tanks into car tank and take them home for storage 
  • Outdrives - 
    • If water intake is in lower unit, flush and run antifreeze through using muffs 
    • Drain gear oil and add fresh lubricant 
    • Inspect/replace anodes 
  • Belowdecks - 
    • Pump out holding tank and add antifreeze to head 
    • Drain water heater and bypass it 
    • Drain freshwater system and run antifreeze through it 
    • Run antifreeze through refrigeration, deck washdown pump, etc. per owner's manual 
    • Drain shower sump and other places where water pools 
    • Remove food 
    • Open lockers to air 
    • Take home cushions or store on their sides
    • Take home portable electronics 
    • Close propane valves and take home portable canisters
    • Verify bilge pump and switch operate properly 
    • Clean and dry bilges 
    • Secure all ports and hatches 
    • Turn off all circuit breakers
  • In the Water 
    • Close all seacocks except for cockpit drains 
    • Plug exhaust ports 
    • Check docklines and chafe guards - center boat in slip 
    • Add or adjust fenders for proper placement 
  • Before You Go 
    • Tie off tiller/steering wheel 
    • Cover/shrinkwrap boat 
    • Lock cabin and leave spare key with marina manager


2. Decide How You Want to Store Your Boat.


There are several ways that you can choose to store your boat for the winter season. Many choose to pull their boat out of the water and keep it on a trailer in a storage facility. However, often times people find it either too expensive or too difficult to find a place. Others choose in-water boat storage on their Lake of the Ozarks boat lift. This option allows you to get back out on the water earlier in the spring. If you choose to store your boat in the water, you need to make sure you have a proper lift to keep your boat raised out the water, reducing the changes of damage.


3. Have Your Boat Lift Checked Out.


Whether you're storing your boat on a lift for the winter or not, now is the time to take care of routine maintenance on your boat lift. Whether you have some loose bushings or hoses, Summerset Boat Lifts can get your boat lift in tip-top shape. Then if you're storing your boat on it, you'll rest assured your boat is in good hands. Even if you're not storing your boat on your lift for the winter, your lift will be ready to use when spring rolls around.

4. Consider Purchasing a De-Icer. 


In-water storage becomes even easier when you choose to have a de-icer on your dock. Even if you're not keeping your boat in the water, installing a de-icer will protect your boat lift and your dock from ice damage. Ice can break up entire dock structures, as well as age the wood and even splinter the surface. The best way to protect your dock and lift is with a de-icer, which you can purchase from the best boat lift dealer at the Lake of the Ozarks, Summerset Boat Lifts.

5. Make Sure Your Insurance Coverage is Adequate. 


Insurance is there to protect you during unexpected circumstances. No matter how well you prepare for winter, there's always a chance of something, such as severe weather, causing damage to your boat, lift and/or dock. First off, you want to make sure you have liability protection because accidents can happen on your dock no matter how careful you and your guests are. You'll also want to purchase enough physical damage coverage to include the value of your boat, dock, lift and any other associated accessories. Coverage for your dock collapsing under the weight of ice and snow is another aspect you'll want to consider. The best way to make sure you're fully covered is to talk to an independent insurance agent that is familiar with the Lake of the Ozarks and the specific risks associated with this area.

For all your boat lift needs, whether it be a new lift or boat lift maintenance at the Lake of the Ozarks, Summerset Boat Lifts has you covered. Now is the time to make sure your boat lift is ready for winter by scheduling a fall maintenance check. Give us a call at 573-348-5073 today! Be surprised at how soon you may see a representative of Summerset Boat Lifts on your dock!

1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO  65065
573-348-5073
Email:info@summersetboatlifts.com
Keep up with local news, events and product information by Following us!!