Friday, November 30, 2018

Interesting Facts About the Historic Bagnell Dam

The construction of the Bagnell Dam has helped to make the Lake of the Ozarks what it is today. Without our beautiful lake, our area would be much different. We're thankful the dam was built and we all have a fun place to spend time with friends and family. Memories made out on the water are memories that last a lifetime! Our Lake of the Ozarks boat lift company knows how important Bagnell Dam is to our area and we've decided to feature some fun facts about Bagnell Dam in this week's blog!



  • Bagnell Dam was originally built to supply power up in St. Louis. Luckily our beautiful lake was made as a byproduct!

  • The construction on Bagnell Dam started on August 1929 and was completed in April 1931.

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • The generators in the dam were designed to produce a maximum of 21,500 kilowatts each.


Now that you know some of these fun facts about Bagnell Dam, you're ready to put your new knowledge to good use. While the dam has a long history, Summerset Boat Lifts does too! We've been lifting your dreams since 1982. Our family-owned company offers quality boat lifts at the Lake of the Ozarks. We pride ourselves on offering quality lifts and great customer service for our customers! If you want to experience the difference at our Lake of the Ozarks boat lift company, contact us today!


1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO  65065
573-348-5073
Email:info@summersetboatlifts.com
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Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Prevent Ice Damage to Your Dock & Lift this Winter

Since we had our first freeze of the winter recently, we thought it would be the perfect time to talk about our in-water de-icer to help protect your dock and boat lift at the Lake of the Ozarks this winter. If the last week has been any sign as to what we can expect this coming winter - it's going to be a cold one! With the cold temperatures comes ice on the lake. Ice can cause damage to your dock, boat lift, and even boat. Learn how you can help protect your lift with a de-icer from Summerset Boat Lifts below.


How Ice Causes 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.

Now that you know a little more about our de-icer at the Lake of the Ozarks, you're ready to make your purchase. Contact the best boat lift company at the Lake of the Ozarks today. We can help get your de-icer purchased and installed by your Lake of the Ozarks boat lift. It's the best way to protect your dock, boat lift, and boat this winter!

1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO  65065
573-348-5073
Email:info@summersetboatlifts.com
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Friday, November 9, 2018

Deck the Docks Holiday Cruise

It's that time of year again! With Thanksgiving right around the corner, now's a great time to start planning your holiday activities - it'll be here before you know it! The Deck the Docks cruise is a popular event for many around the Lake of the Ozarks. As many lake homeowners decorate their docks - the cruise will get a festive glimpse of many dock owners lit displays. Enjoy a spectacular view of decorated homes on the water while aboard the Celebrate Cruise. Check out the details to this festive holiday event at the Lake of the Ozarks below!


About Deck the Docks:

Deck the Docks is an annual fundraiser for Dogwood Animal Shelter at the Lake of the Ozarks. The event encourages local lake residents to light up their docks and lakefront homes while bringing awareness to homeless pets. Proceeds from all the cruises over the holiday season are donated to Dogwood Animal Shelter, a no-kill animal shelter serving the Lake of the Ozarks area.

2018 Cruise Details:

8th Annual DECK THE DOCKS Festival of Lights to benefit Dogwood Animal Shelter!

Starting November 23rd, 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! Tickets are $35 each adult / $25 each child ages 3–10.

All Passengers must book reservations in advance. Tickets may be reserved through Celebration Cruises by calling 573-480-3212 or on the website at www.cruiselakeoftheozarks.com.

Now that you know more details about the 2018 Deck the Docks Cruise, you're ready to get into the spirit and enjoy this festive event.

About Dogwood Animal Shelter:

Volunteers have been the driving force behind Dogwood animal shelter since its beginning.  Through auctions and sales, a handful of dedicated people raised enough money to build a small facility and in 1976, the badly needed shelter was established as a 501(c)3.  It was filled beyond capacity almost immediately.  From the start, Dogwood offered low cost spays and neuters, and since 1997, when the board of directors declared Dogwood a no-kill facility, it has steadily expanded that program.   When the long awaited new shelter facility, located near Osage Beach was built in 2005, a spay/neuter clinic was included so that the surgeries could be done on site.

As the cool weather makes it's way to our area, now's the time to make sure your dock and boat lift at the Lake of the Ozarks are protected from the harsh weather that is right around the corner. A dock de-icer at the Lake of the Ozarks is a great solution to help protect your dock, lift, and boat from ice. Here at Summerset Boat Lifts, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality products - lifts and de-icers - to help better protect your investments! Enjoy the beautiful and festive holiday season!



1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO  65065
573-348-5073
Email:info@summersetboatlifts.com
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Thursday, November 1, 2018

Reasons to Buy a De-Icer for Your Dock

As we near the freezing temperatures of late fall and early winter, it's time to prepare for ice around your dock. Especially if your dock is located in shallow waters of a cove, you may experience damage due to the water icing over. Our boat lift company at the Lake of the Ozarks has you covered. Not only do we build quality lifts to help protect your boat during the winter months, we also have de-icers to help prevent ice from forming and causing damage to your investments. Learn more about our de-icer below!


Less Worry

If you have a de-icer you don't have to worry about the water freezing by your dock. The de-icer will keep the water moving, therefore, preventing the ice from becoming solid. This can also help prevent you from having to go down to your dock in the freezing temperatures and checking on your dock all the time. When it's that cold outside you should be able to stay in the warmth of your home.

Reduce Chance of Damage

Ice can cause dock, lift, and/or boat damage in a number of ways. If your dock has ice all around it, it is unable to move like it naturally does. This can actually cause your dock lines to snap due to excessive tension. Your dock floats can also be damaged from ice forming against or hitting the tubs. Ice can cause your boat lift to malfunction and in some cases leave your boat to fall into the water.

Protect Your Investments

You spend a lot of money on your water toys - protect what you've worked so hard for with a de-icer. This can help protect your dock, boat, and lift by lowering the chance of ice to form and causing damage to your property.

How Our De-Icer Works

Kasco De-Icers are known throughout the world for their quality, durability, and effectiveness. The Kasco D-Series De-Icer became a staple of the industry by tackling some fiercely challenging applications. The de-icer works by moving large volumes of warm, bottom water to the surface. This eliminates and prevents ice formation around boats, docks, pilings, bulk heads or any other property you need to be protected from damaging ice formation. The water flow eliminates damaging ice expansion and ice jacking, as well as provides excellent aeration for winter months. The unique design of this product provides superior flow and excellent energy efficiency to solve your de-icing needs in a cost effective manner. By using a Kasco De-Icer, you are ensuring your property is protected from the harsh winter conditions.

Now that you know why you should invest in a de-icer and how our Kasco de-icers work, you're ready to make your purchase! Contact the best boat lift company at the Lake of the Ozarks to get yours today. Not only do we provide quality lifts, Summerset Boat Lifts provides a number of products to help protect your boat and dock. We want to help keep your investment protected this winter so you can easily hit the water come 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!!