3 Tips for Staying Safe on Your Dock this Winter

Winter weather can cause issues for homeowners, especially those with homes on the water. For many of you, avoiding your boat dock during the winter months is the best option. However, if you get hit by a winter storm, you may feel the need to go down and check on it. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when going on your dock and boat lift at the Lake of the Ozarks this winter:

1. Be Cautious During Ice and Snow Removal.

Dock owners attempting to remove snow and ice from their dock during inclement weather should be extra careful. Not only could you slip and fall into the frigid waters, but the added weight from the snow and ice could cause the dock to collapse. Falling into the extremely cold water can cause hypothermia to set in quickly, rending a person helpless in the water. If you insist on being on your dock during winter conditions, always wear a life jacket and use the buddy system.

2. Treat All Wires as Live Wires. 

Winter storms can cause electrical issues on your dock. Strong winds and/or ice can damage wires. Remember to treat any and all damaged electrical wires around docks as if they were still live. Even if the power is shut off, these loose wires could pose a threat. If you suspect electrical damage on your dock, the best thing to do is make sure the power is completely shut off and then call in an electrician to take a look at it. Most electrical companies will come out and inspect your dock electricity for free.

3. Make Sure Your Dock is Secure.

Winter weather can take it's toll on your dock. Depending on how secure your dock is, it's possible for a large chunk of ice to damage it, make it crash into the shore and/or even break it free. Check your hardware to ensure everything on your dock is secure. You might even want to tie a line from the dock to a fixed object on land that will not break if pulled. Keep in mind that icy conditions also weaken dock cables, which may need to be replaced or repaired in the spring.

Summerset Boat Lifts wants to make sure you, your dock, your boat and your boat lift all stay safe this winter. The winter weather is just beginning here at the Lake of the Ozarks and we don't know what to expect in 2016. Preparing your property now, will save you from costly repairs in the spring. You want to make sure your Lake of the Ozarks boat lift, dock and boat are all ready to hit the water as soon as the warm weather hits!

Summerset Boat Lifts

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!!

Like Our Facebook Page

Connect with us on LinkedIn

Follow Us on Google+

Protect Your Dock During Winter Drawdown

While we haven't seen much snow or ice yet here in mid-Missouri, winter has arrived. The temperatures are dropping and the water levels in the Lake of the Ozarks are dropping. The annual winter drawdown is something that waterfront property owners need to pay special attention to, as their docks can be affected by the change in water depth.

Winter Drawdown

At the Lake of the Ozarks, lake and river fluctuations occur for several reasons. In order to prepare for the winter flood season, the levels of the lake are lowered. This makes room in the lake for possible runoff produced by winter storms or melting snow and ice. Also, during the winter months, there is a higher demand for electricity; therefore, water levels will change when Bagnell Dam releases water to meet this need for electricity.

Lake of the Ozarks Docks

While the winter drawdown is necessary to prevent flooding and provide electricity, it can cause issues for dock owners at the Lake of the Ozarks. Now is the time to prepare your docks for the lower lake levels that are to come in the coming months. Here are a few things you, as a dock owner, can do to avoid damage to your dock this winter:

1. Check to make sure your dock isn't pinned or hampered by any stumps or other objects that would prevent it from moving up and down with the fluctuations in water levels. 
2. Inspect all dock cables and bolts for any loose or rusting parts. 
3. Be sure to drain all water lines. 
4. Raise your Lake of the Ozarks boat lift to ensure that it is holding air as it should. 
5. Lengthen your dock cables to allow the docks to drop. 
6. Make sure that you have a deicer to keep the water around your dock from freezing and causing major damage. 

Don't let the water level fluctuations damage your dock - get prepared now. For all your winter boat lift needs, contact Summerset Boat Lifts at 573-348-5073. We have deicers available that can protect your dock and boat lift throughout the winter months, ensuring that you're ready to hit the Lake come springtime. 

Summerset Boat Lifts

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!!

Like Our Facebook Page

Connect with us on LinkedIn

Follow Us on Google+

Join Us at the Overland Park Boat Show in January

Kansas City's Largest Boat Show!

Mark your calendars and make plans to attend the 2016 Overland Park Boat Show, January 7-10! The Lake of the Ozarks Marine Dealers Association invites you to participate in this premiere show for boating enthusiasts across the Midwest. We're bringing the Lake to Overland Park this winter! See the latest in 2016 cruisers, runabouts, performance boats, tritoons, ski boats, personal watercraft, docks, lifts, and all boating accessories. Bring the entire family to the Overland Park Convention Center for KC's largest annual boat show!

Photo From: Overland Park Boat Show Website

HOURS 

January 7: 3-9 PM
January 8: 12-10 PM
January 9: 10 AM - 9 PM
January 10: 10 AM - 5 PM

ADMISSION

$9.00 for Adults
$5.00 for Children 6-12
FREE for Children 5 & Under

**$1.00 of each paid Adult admission is donated to Kids' Harbor Child Advocacy Center

For further boat show information, you can text BOATS to 22828. 

The best boat lift dealer at the Lake of the Ozarks will be there to show you all we have to offer with our Galva-Hoist product line. Galva Hoist is engineered at the Lake, for the Lake...Lake of the Ozarks that is. It is extremely capable of withstanding the roughest waters here at the Lake. No matter what brand of boat or dock you have, the Galva-Hoist provides great value and performance. Be sure to stop by and see Summerset Boat Lifts next month at the Overland Park Boat Show!

Summerset Boat Lifts

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!!

Like Our Facebook Page

Connect with us on LinkedIn

Follow Us on Google+