Preparing for the 2018 Boating Season

The official start of spring is March 20th, which is just around the corner! Now's the time to start thinking about de-winterizing your boat for the 2018 boating season. After sitting unused all winter, your boat, dock and boat lift at the Lake of the Ozarks should be inspected to ensure proper working conditions. Today's blog from your favorite Lake of the Ozarks boat lift dealer offers some tips for de-winterizing your boat and getting everything ready for the upcoming season.

1. Inspect Your Boat, Lift and Dock for Visible Damage. 

One of the first things you want to do when preparing for the spring season at the Lake is inspect everything for any noticeable damage. During the winter season, a variety of weather-related issues can arise. Did the wind knock debris onto your dock? Did ice formations create any problems? You want to make sure your dock is safe for friends and family to be on, that the lift is in proper working condition and your boat isn't damaged in any way.

2. Schedule Your Spring Boat Lift Maintenance. 

After sitting unused all winter, your boat lift needs special attention. The changes in weather and temperature can affect your boat lift in a variety of ways. Before using it for the season, consider having Summerset Boat Lifts come out to look it over. We'll ensure your boat lift is in proper working condition and is ready for the upcoming boating season. We pride ourselves on service, and that's what sets us apart in the industry. We want you to relax knowing your boat lift needs are being handled by a professional.

3. De-Winterize Your Boat. 

Once you've inspected the exterior of your boat for visible damage, it's time to start the de-winterizing process. Everything from the engine to the gas tank and the belts will need to be inspected before you hit the water for the 2018 season. If you didn't change your boat's oil last season, now's the time to do so. While winterizing your boat, you should have drained the cooling system to avoid freezing, but even so, you will want to examine all hoses for any cracks or breaks. Check all the fluid levels and refill any of them that are low. Check the boats battery to ensure it's holding a charge, and inspect all the electrical connections for clean, tight, corrosion free connections. Also, be sure to check the fuel system and change the fuel filter. If you did not use an additive to prevent contamination, you'll want to drain the gas from the tank as it's likely stale. Be sure to check your owners manual for other de-winterizing information about your particular boat. 

4. Schedule an Electrical Inspection. 

A common part of the de-winterizing process that's often overlooked is the electrical situation on your dock. The winter weather can cause electrical issues on your dock, and it's important that you have your dock inspected to ensure all the electrical wires, outlets, etc. are in proper working condition before you start using them for the season. Electricity and water don't mix, so this a crucial step in preparing for the upcoming boating season to ensure your family and friends are safe on your dock. Many companies even offer free inspections!

Follow these steps and you'll be ready to hit the water! To schedule your spring boat lift maintenance at the Lake of the Ozarks, give us a call at 573-348-5073 today. Summerset Boat Lifts is here to take care of all your boat lift needs at the Lake! From boat lift maintenance and repairs to the sale of new and used lifts, we've got you covered.

Summerset Boat Lifts

1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO  65065

573-348-5073

Email:info@summersetboatlifts.com

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5 Tips for De-Winterizing Your Boat and Preparing for Spring

The first day of spring is just a couple weeks away! Now's the time to start thinking about de-winterizing your boat for the season. After sitting on your Lake of the Ozarks boat lift all winter, your boat will need to be looked over. The boat, the lift and the dock should all be inspected to ensure everything is in proper working order. Your favorite boat lift dealer at the Lake of the Ozarks has created a list of tips for de-winterizing your boat and preparing for the spring season.

1. Look for Noticeable Damage.

While we had a rather mild winter at the Lake of the Ozarks this year, we did get a few storms. One of the first things you'll want to do when preparing for the spring boating season is to check the dock, lift and boat for any damage. Did the wind blow debris onto your dock? Did ice formations create any issues? You want to make sure the dock is safe to use before family and friends get on it. You also want to make sure the lift is working properly and that there's no damage to your boat.

2. Schedule an Electrical Inspection for Your Dock. 

Electricity and water don't mix. That's why it's important for you to have your dock inspected to make sure all the electrical wires, outlets, etc. are in proper working order after sitting all winter. Some dock companies even offer free inspections to ensure the safety of you, your family and your guests. 

3. Clean the Entire Boat. 

By starting with cleaning your boat, you'll be able to find any problematic areas. Using a mild detergent, do a general cleaning of the hull, deck and topsides. Make sure the drains and scuppers are clear. Clean teak and oil, windows and hatches, canvas, bimini and dodger, and the interior, including bilges. You should also check and replace wiper blades if necessary. While you are cleaning, check for abrasions, scratches, gouges, etc and make any necessary repairs. Check for blisters and refinish the boat if needed.

4. Check All Important Components. 

There are many parts of a boat that work together to keep it operating properly. Check your boat thoroughly, but pay special attention to these areas:

• Check the Engine - You may have changed the oil in your boat at the end of last season. If not, you'll want to do that before taking your boat out for the first time this spring. You'll also want to replace the oil filter. Consider adding an oil additive to keep your engine clean and corrosion free. 
• Check the Cooling System - Before winter arrived, you should have drained the cooling system to avoid freezing. Even so, be sure to check hoses for any cracks or breaks. If you have an outboard engine that uses an impeller cooling system, make sure that the rubber impeller is not cracked. If all looks good, fill everything back up so you're ready to go!
• Check all Fluid Levels - Be sure to check any and all fluids including the engine oil, power steering, power trim reservoirs and coolant.
• Check the Battery - Test your battery to check the amps and volts. If you're battery isn't able to hold a charge, you'll need to purchase a new one. If it does hold a charge, make sure to clean the terminals of any corrosion and you're ready to roll - or well float. Inspect all electrical connections for clean, tight, corrosion free connections. Electrical systems should be regularly inspected by a professional.
• Check the Distributor - During the winter months, the distributor can become corroded. To clean the distributor, you'll need to take its cap off. Once you're done cleaning, make sure the connections are tightly hooked back up.  
• Check Belts, Cables and Hoses - If any belts seem loose or worn, they need to be changed before firing up the boat for the season. To test the belts, push down lightly; any significant movement represents the need for replacement. Another sign to look for is black soot near the pulley. The alternator belt can wear faster than the others, so pay particular attention to it. 
• Check the Fuel System -  While you hopefully filled the tank up before winter to avoid moisture from forming inside, you'll want to ensure the fuel filter gets changed. You also want to check the fuel line, as cooler winter temperatures can easily cause them to crack. If you did not use an additive in your gas to prevent water contamination and/or fuel separation, drain the gas from the fuel tank, as it is probably stale.

5. Schedule Spring Maintenance with Summerset Boat Lifts.  

After sitting untouched all winter, your boat isn't the only thing that needs looked over. The changes in temperature and weather can also affect your boat lift. Before using it this season, have Summerset Boat Lifts come out and take a look at it. We will inspect your lift and replace bushings, nuts, bolts and hoses as needed. We'll ensure your boat lift is working properly and is ready for a great season ahead!

At Summerset Boat Lifts, we pride ourselves in service, and it’s what sets us apart from everyone else! We want our customers to relax knowing their boat lift needs are being handled by professionals. Summerset’s record of service after the sale is unparalleled in the boat lift industry. We don’t just sell you a lift, we sell you our service. Give us a call at 573-348-5073 for all your Lake of the Ozarks boat lift maintenance needs!

Summerset Boat Lifts

1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO  65065

573-348-5073

Email:info@summersetboatlifts.com

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It's Time to De-Winterize

Spring is just a few weeks away and you'll be wanting to hit the water before you know it! Before you head out for a day on the Lake, you need to make sure your boat is in proper working order. After sitting all winter, some things should be inspected before you get your boat up and running. Summerset Boat Lifts has gathered a few tips for de-winterizing your boat and getting it ready for spring:

1. Inspect the Engine. 

If you didn't change the engine oil at the end of the season, you'll want to do that now. Change the oil filter while you're at it as well. Adding the right oil additive can keep your engine clean and corrosion free. Be sure to check the out-drive oil too, making sure it's clean and ready for you to start the engine.

2. Test the Battery. 

If you have water in your battery, be sure it stays full of water; if and when it dries out, it's no longer good. Use a battery tester to check out the amps and volts. If the battery is incapable of holding a charge, then you may need to purchase a replacement battery.  If it is holding charge, attach the cables after cleaning any corrosion from the battery terminals.

3. Fill Up the Cooling System. 

You should have drained the cooling system before winter to avoid freezing lines. Be sure to examine the hoses for any cracks and empty out the strainer. If you have an outboard engine that uses an impeller cooling system, make sure that the rubber impeller is not cracked. If all looks good, fill everything back up so you're ready to go!

4. Examine the Gas Tank. 

You should have filled the tank up completely at the end of the season to ensure moisture didn't have a chance to form in there. You'll still want to make sure that the fuel filter has been changed and be sure to inspect the fuel lines for cracks. It's not uncommon for the cooler winter temperatures to cause the lines to crack. If you did not use an additive in your gas to prevent water contamination and/or fuel separation, drain the gas from the fuel tank, as it is probably stale.

5. Clean the Distributor. 

The distributor can become corroded during the winter months. To clean out the distributor, you'll need to take its cap off. Once you've checked it out, be sure the connections are tightly hooked back up.

6. Check the Boat's Belts. 

If any of the belts seem too loose, they need to be changed as that is a sign they are worn. To test if it's worn, try pushing down on it. While it should push down slightly, any significant movement is not good. The alternator belt can wear out faster than the others so pay special attention to it. You can also look for black soot near the pulley, as that is another sign the belts are worn.

Be sure to check your owner's manual to see if there are any other steps specific to your boat that need to be taken during the de-winterization process. However, before you start your de-winterizing process, it's important to have spring maintenance done on your Lake of the Ozarks boat lift. Call the best boat lift company at the Lake of the Ozarks at 573-348-5037 to come out and take a look before you head out on the water for the first time this season!

Summerset Boat Lifts

1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO  65065

573-348-5073

Email:info@summersetboatlifts.com

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