As the temps continue to drop in mid-Missouri, it's time to prepare your water toys for the winter season. While winterizing your boat is a common practice, taking the extra steps to ensure your dock and lift are ready for the freezing winter weather is important, as well. Our boat lift company at the Lake of the Ozarks knows how important it is to protect your lift year round to ensure it can properly lift your boat and keep it safe. Check out some tips for winterizing your boat, dock, and lift this fall!
Schedule Boat to be Winterized
Winterizing your boat and PWC is vital before it gets too cold. If fluids aren't properly drained from the vessel, the liquid could freeze and cause terminal damage to your engine or body. During the winterization process, all fluids will be drained from your vessel. This time of year is also a great opportunity to make any mechanical or cosmetic repairs. From buffing your paint to repairing a chip to breaking down the engine - winter is the best time to have these types of repairs completed since you likely aren't using your boat anyway!
Get Dock Ready for Cold Temps
Freezing temperatures and precipitation can be rough on a dock. If the water around your dock freezes, it can damage these tubs. Your dock being frozen in one place can be rough on the structure, especially on the catwalk and connection lines. If you have water lines ran to your dock, consider winterizing them. as well. Another way to prepare your dock for winter is to ensure all the bracing and structure is sound and ready for the potential weight of ice and snow. The lake level typically drops this time of year, which can cause your dock to sit on dry land. In addition to being dry docked causing potential damage, the sharp rocks and tree branches in the lake can puncture these flotation devices, as well.
Inspect Boat Lift
Even when you aren't thinking about your lift in the cold of winter, it is working hard! Not only does it hold your boat out of the water, but it also protects it from the harsh winter weather. Up on a lift is a safe place for your boat - as long as your lift is in good working order. This time of year is a great opportunity to ensure your lift fittings and bracing are all in place and tight. This is an important step as you get your lift ready for winter - especially if your boat is being stored up on a lift. The last thing you want is to find your boat in the water when checking on your dock this winter!
Schedule Boat Lift Check
While you're preparing your summer toys for the off season, it's a great time to have your boat lift maintenanced at the Lake of the Ozarks. Having a professional check over your lift can help ensure it is in good working order to protect your investment all winter long. Give our Summerset Boat Lifts crew a call and one of our maintenance members will be on your dock for a boat lift inspection at the Lake of the Ozarks before you know it!
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