Summerset Boat Lifts: preparing your dock for winter

Friday, November 3, 2017

Preparing Your Dock, Lift and Boat for Winter

The winter season is quickly approaching and it's time to make sure your dock is prepared for the cold, winter weather. Today's blog from your favorite Lake of the Ozarks boat lift dealer offers tips on preparing your dock and boat lift for winter.

1. Consider Purchasing a De-Icer.

To protect your dock, lift and boat from the icy waters during the winter season, consider purchasing a de-icer. Even if you're not storing your boat in the water, a de-icer will protect your dock and lift from ice damage. Ice can easily break up entire dock structures, as well as age the wood and even splinter the surface of the dock. A de-icer keeps the water around your dock from turning to ice. Purchase your de-icer from Summerset Boat Lifts today!

2. Winterize Your Boat.

Obviously the first step in preparing your boat dock for winter is to winterize your boat. The time and effort you spend on your boat now will affect your boats performance, or lack of it, when the season ramps back up. Prepping your boat now will save you time, effort and money when spring rolls around. In addition to winterizing the engine and other systems, make sure your boat is well covered with a tarp or other sturdy covering. Follow the owner's manual for all the steps involved in winterizing your particular boat.

3. Maintain Your Boat Lift.

Ideally, your boat lift should be maintained twice per year. Once in the fall (now) and once in the spring. Maintaining your lift is important for eliminating lost time on the water and reducing the likelihood of needing major boat lift repairs at the Lake of the Ozarks. By catching issues early, we can reduce major problems with your lift that could affect your boat and your dock. At Summerset Boat Lifts we service a variety of different types of boat lifts.

4. Make Sure You Have Insurance Coverage.

No matter how well you prepare your dock for the brutal winter weather, there's always a chance of something going wrong during a major snow storm. Therefore, it's important you have proper insurance coverage. Many people assume their homeowners insurance extends to their dock and lift, but that's not always true. In addition to the liability insurance, you'll want to make sure you have physical damage coverage that includes collapse due to heavy snow cover. The best way to make sure you're properly insured is to talk to a local, Lake of the Ozarks insurance agent.

Make sure your boat lift is in tip-top shape for when the season rolls back around by having us service it now! Summerset Boat Lifts is here for all your Lake of the Ozarks boat lift needs. From new and used lifts to service and repair, we've got you covered! In addition, we can supply you with de-icers and other accessories for your dock and boat. Give us a call at 573-348-5073.

Summerset Boat Lifts

1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO 65065

573-348-5073

Email:info@summersetboatlifts.com

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Friday, November 20, 2015

Winterizing Your Boat Dock

While you may have already winterized your second home at the Lake and put you're boat away for the season, you might not have thought much about your boat dock. Boat docks need to be winterized as well. Just like with your home, the harsh winter weather can take a toll on your dock. Summerset Boat Lifts is here to give you a few suggestions on how to prepare your boat dock for the winter months.

1. Inspect Your Dock for Good Condition.

The work you put in now will not only protect your dock from the extreme winter weather, but it will also make sure it's ready for use when spring hits.

Clean the surface of your dock with a deck cleaner to remove dirt, fungus and algae.
Spray your dock with water to see how the water beads on the surface of the wood. If your dock is not adequately repelling the water, it might be time to get it re-sealed.
Check to make sure you do not need to replace any components. Replace them now so that you're not exposing a weak structure to the brunt of winter weather.
Check all fasteners, hardware, bolts and skirting. Make sure the skirting is well above the water line.
Remove any ladders or other attached components in contact with the lake water.

2. Store All Boating Accessories.

This tip may come as a no-brainer. When you decide it's time to put away your outdoor furniture for the winter, it's important to remember the furniture and other stuff that typically sits on your dock all summer. Be sure to store not only dock furniture, but also any life jackets, water toys, fishing rods, etc. If you don't have a good place to store them, look into purchasing one of our dock lockers! Summerset Boat Lifts has a large selection of boating accessories not only to use during the summer months, but also to help you get through the off -season.

3. Install a De-Icer.

Protect your dock, and boat lift, from ice damage by installing a de-icer. The number of units you need will depend on the size of your dock, the depth of the water, lake conditions and the expected weather conditions. 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 is with a de-icer, which you can purchase right here at the best boat lift dealer at the Lake of the Ozarks!

Preventing damage to your dock and boat lift at the Lake of the Ozarks from winter weather is much easier and less expensive than repairing your dock after the fact. By taking the time to winterize your dock now, you can ensure an easy transition to your boating lifestyle again come spring. For more information about our de-icers and dock lockers, give Summerst Boat Lifts a call at 573-348-5073!