Prepare Your Boat For Boating Season

While we're just now getting into the coldest part of the year, it's time to think about preparing your boat for spring! As we count down the days until boating season, you can start planning your boat maintenance at the Lake of the Ozarks. Although we are the best boat dealership at the Lake of the Ozarks, we also specialize in boating maintenance and service. Take a look below to learn some ways you start to prepare your boat for the upcoming season!

Wash Your Boat

Regularly washing your boat with soap and cleaners made specifically for boats is important in order to protect your boat’s finish. The Lake of the Ozarks has fresh water, but if you happen to take your boat to a salt water location, make sure to clean it with fresh water after every outing to remove the salt residue. If left on, the salt will corrode metal, fasteners and other hardware. It will also ruin the gel coat.

Change Oil

Just like with a car, boats need to have their oil changed. The frequency varies by model, but typically you will want to change it every 12 months or every 100 hours – whichever comes first. Also like a car, you can change the oil yourself, or you could just bring it to Iguana! If you do not know how to change your boat’s oil or if you just don’t want to deal with the mess it creates, brings it to the best boat service center at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Check the Propeller

If you have an outboard or stern drive boat, it is a good idea to check the propeller as part of your pre-launch routine. Check to make sure that discarded fishing line hasn’t been wrapped around the propeller shaft by removing the propeller several times during the season. If you discover that it has, inspect for damage as it could cause gear case leaks. If you do find issues, bring your boat to the best Lake of the Ozarks’ boat service shop and we’ll get you back on the water in no time.

How Iguana Boat Sales Can Help:

• Oil Changes
• Drive Services
• Boat Detailing
• Boat Buff & Wax
• Bottom Paint
• Prop Rebuild or Replace
• Canvas Repairs
• Vinyl Repairs
• Winterize
• Dewinterize
• Gelcoat Repair
• Water Pump Impeller Replacement

Now that you know some ways you can better prepare your boat for the upcoming season, you're ready to schedule your boat maintenance or service with Iguana Marine Group! We look forward to working on your vessel and getting it geared up for another great summer at the Lake of the Ozarks!

573-355-5027

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Iguana Boat Sales

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4 Boat Maintenance Tips to Keep You on the Water This Summer

Regardless of the size or type of your boat, there is one thing every boat needs and that is maintenance. Luckily, it's not difficult to keep your boat running properly, especially when you have the best boat service company at the Lake of the Ozarks helping you. Ensuring your boat is properly cared for can definitely help avoid costly repairs down the road. Iguana Boat Sales has four maintenance tips to help keep your boat out on the water this summer.

Keep Your Boat Clean

The best thing you can do for your watercraft is to wash it regularly, especially if you ever use it in saltwater. The salt can corrode metal, fasteners, and other hardware. However, even if you're just boating in freshwater, it's important to wash your boat to preserve the paint. When cleaning your boat, ensure you use soaps and cleaners made just for boats to protect the finish. Don't forget to also clean the interior of the boat as well, especially if you're not using a cover. You’ll want to make sure the floor is clean and you wipe down the surfaces before and after you use it.

Don’t Forget to Change the Oil

Boats are similar to cars, especially when it comes to needing their oil changed regularly. Four-stroke outboards, inboards, and stern drive boats require regular oil changes. The frequency will vary by model, but a good rule of thumb is to change the oil every 100 hours of operation or once a year. If you don't want to do it yourself, or you don't know how Iguana Boat Sales can help! Our Lake of the Ozarks boat service can help you with everything from fiberglass repair to boat detailing, and of course oil changes.

Check the Propeller

If you have an outboard or stern drive boat, it's important to regularly check the propeller as part of your pre-launch routine. Use a deep socket to make sure the propeller is nice and secure. It's also important to remove the propeller several times throughout the season to make sure any discarded fishing line hasn't become wrapped around the propeller shaft. If it has, have a Lake of the Ozarks boat maintenance company take a look at the gear case for leaks. While the propeller is off, inspect it for nicks, dents and other signs of damage. If you find any damage, send it out for repairs, as even the smallest of dents can cause your boat to lose performance and burn excessive fuel.

Get Your Boat Serviced at Iguana

At Iguana Boat Sales, our technicians are factory trained and certified to ensure great customer service. Whether you need routine maintenance or an engine rebuild, our staff will have you back on the water enjoying the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks in no time. Our staff at the best boat dealership at the Lake of the Ozarks also offers 100 plus years of experience. Not only can we service new boats but our technicians are experienced servicing boats 10+ years old. We also offer mobile service and offer haul-outs up to 60 ft. We will be there within 24 hours to look at your boats! Currently, we have four service locations: 1 MM, 5.5 MM, 12 MM and Four Seasons Marina.

573-355-5027

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Iguana Boat Sales

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4363 Osage Beach Parkway, Osage Beach, MO

4 Boat Maintenance Tips To Keep You On The Water

No matter what type of watercraft you own, there is one thing every boat needs - maintenance. Luckily, it's not difficult to keep your boat running properly, especially when you have the best boat service company at the Lake of the Ozarks helping you out. Ensuring your boat is properly cared for can definitely help avoid costly repairs later on down the road. Here are four maintenance tips to keep your boat on the water this summer.

1. Wash Your Boat Regularly

The best thing you can do for your watercraft is to wash it regularly, especially if you ever use it in saltwater, as salt can corrode metal, fasteners and other hardware. However, even if you're just boating in freshwater, it's important to wash your boat to preserve the paint. When cleaning your boat, ensure you use soaps and cleaners made just for boats to protect the finish. Don't forget to also clean the interior of the boat as well, especially if you're not using a cover.

2. Remember To Change The Oil

Just like cars, boats need to have their oil changed. Four-stroke outboards, inboards and stern drive boats require regular oil changes. The frequency will vary by model, but a good rule of thumb is to change the oil every 100 hours of operation or once a year. If you don't want to do it yourself, or you don't know how Iguana Boat Sales can help! Our Lake of the Ozarks boat service can help you with everything from fiberglass repair to boat detailing, and of course oil changes.

3. Check The Propeller

If you have an outboard or stern drive boat, it's important to regularly check the propeller as par of your pre-launch routine. Use a deep socket to make sure the propeller is nice and secure. It's also important to remove the propeller several times throughout the season to make sure discarded fishing line hasn't become wrapped around the propeller shaft. If it has, have a Lake of the Ozarks boat maintenance company take a look at the gear case for leaks. While the propeller is off, inspect it for nicks, dents and other signs of damage. If you find any damage, send it out for repairs, as even the smallest of dents can cause your boat to lose performance and burn excessive fuel.

4. Bring It To Iguana

At Iguana Boat Sales, our technicians are factory trained and certified to ensure great customers service. Whether you need routine maintenance or an engine rebuild, our staff will have you back on the water enjoying the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks in no time. Our staff also offers 100 plus years of experience. Not only can we service new boats but our technicians are experienced servicing boats 10+ years old. We also offer mobile service and offer haul-outs up to 60 ft. We will be there within 24 hours to look at your boats! Currently, we have four service locations: 1 MM, 5.5 MM, 12 MM and Four Seasons Marina.

573-355-5027
Check out our Website:
Iguana Boat Sales
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4363 Osage Beach Parkway, Osage Beach, MO

How To Store Your Boat During The Off Season

The boating season is slowly coming to an end. There are a few weeks left that you can spend on the water, but many people are getting their boats ready for the winter season. If you recently acquired a boat at the Lake of the Ozarks, you may be wondering how to store it, and what the process is like, during the off-season. Iguana Boat Sales takes a look boat storage options at the Lake of the Ozarks both on land and in water for you:

Covers

Any boat that is being stored outside, whether it is on land on in water, should have a cover to protect them against the weather. There are several different types of covers boat owners can use:

Canvas - This is a traditional method of protecting boats in the winter season. Canvas is ideal for covering boats, as it is a breathable fabric. This allows excess moisture, which could cause mildew, to escape. 

Shrink Wrap - This is a more modern technique, but has become quite popular for covering boats. Webbing is put over the oat to support a thin film of plastic. Heat from a propane gun causes the plastic to shrink tightly around the boat. Although shrink wrap is very efficient in protecting boats, they cannot be reused. Once the season is over, the film is cut off the boat. 

Plastic Tarps - Using a plastic tarp and a few pieces of wood, owners can build a temporary tent to protect their boat. The covering is kept in place by typing it to the boat. Plastic tarps allow good airflow, which can help prevent mildew. However, they are not very durable and can only last one season before needing to be replaced. In addition, the tarp or cords where it was tied down could rub against the hull causing the gel coat to chaff. 

Land Storage

Dry storage is a great option for several types of boats such as, runabouts, performance boats, pontoons, and cruisers. There are a couple of options. If it makes sense for you financially, you can opt for dry rack storage while sometimes the more economical choice is keeping it on a trailer.

Dry Rack - Most dry rack buildings are capable of storing boats up to 26'; however, some marinas have the equipment to lift and store larger boats as long as they meet the height requirements.Storage fees incur during the months your boat is stored. Many rack storage facilities offer a variety of services, such as boat washdowns, along with winterization and shrink wrapping at the end of the year. Make sure to inquire about additional costs!

Trailer - If you're a do-it-yourselfer and towing your boat yourself, and storing it on your own property, is possible- loading and storing your boat on a trailer is less expensive than paying the fees to have it stored at a marina. However, several marinas do offer on or off-site storage locations for boats on trailers and, for a monthly fee you can utilize their services. Keep in mind, when your boat is stored outside it is at the mercy of the weather.

Water Storage

There are two ways to store your boat at the dock. In or above the water. And the advantage to water storage is the early start on the spring boating season! You may have a boat lift to utilize during the off season or in some cases, your boat might stay in the water year round.

Boat-lifts - offer you the ability to store your boat high and dry yet ready for use in minutes, helping you stretch the boating season as long as possible. The disadvantage to storing on a lift at the Lake of the Ozarks is the unpredictability of our winters. Heavy snow or ice can damage the lift so it is important to make sure the lift is well maintained and used correctly.

In water- If you plan to leave your boat in the water year round, it is recommended that you inspect your boat once a week throughout the coldest time of the year. If you store your boat at a marina there may be a de-icing system in place to enure ice does not accumulate on your boat. With proper winterization and a cover this is an option.

The Lake of the Ozarks is home to many boats and there are several options for storage. At Iguana Boat Sales, we want to help protect your investment through the winter! Iguana carries one of the largest selections of new and used boats for sale at the Lake of the Ozarks, contact our knowledgeable staff for and and all your boating needs!

573-355-5027
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4363 Osage Beach Parkway, Osage Beach, MO

Need To Winterize Your Boat? Let Iguana Boat Sales Help!

The leaves are changing, the weather is getting a bit chilly and boats are beginning to be taken off the water. Sadly, boating season is coming to an end. If you are thinking about taking your boat out of the water, or if you have already done it, it's a good idea to have your boat winterized soon. Winterizing your boat or PWC can help make sure it is in tip-top shape for next year's boating season. The time and effort you spend on your boat now will definitely have an impact on your boat/PWC's performance, whether that is good or bad. If you are a new boat owner, or just needing help with the winterizing process, don't worry, the best boat service company at the Lake of the Ozarks is here to help! Check out these tips from Iguana Boat Sales to help make sure your boat is stored properly.  

1. Clean the inside.

Remember to remove any valuables, such as electronics, lines, PFD, fire extinguishers, flares and fenders. Open all drawers and storage areas and clean them thoroughly. Bring cushions inside to keep them from being out in the cold. If you are unable to do that, make sure they are turned up on the edge, so that air is able to circulate around them. 

2. Add stabilizer to the fuel.

Adding fuel stabilizer to the tank will help ensure that it does not spoil over the winter season. Do not drain the tank and leave the system dry, as this can cause leaks and cracks in the system that could lead to fires when you start it back up the next summer. Make sure to add fresh gas to your watercraft before adding the stabilizer, however, do not top off your tank. Leave it at about 75 percent full to leave room for the fuel to expand on a warmer day without spilling over and onto the boat.

3. Take it to Iguana Boat Sales.

When you take your boat to a Lake of the Ozarks boat service company, you don't have to worry about not winterizing your boat yourself. Doing the winterizing process yourself leaves room for error. Proper boat maintenance is the key to keeping it in running order. At Iguana Boat Sales, our expert service staff will make sure all steps in the winterization process are complete, so you know your boat will be stored properly during the off-season. the best boat maintenance company at the Lake of the Ozarks has a brand new, specialized hydraulic trailer, so we can now do haul outs up to 60 feet! 

Let Iguana Boat Sales Winterize Your Boat or PWC

Proper boat/PWC maintenance is the key to summer fun. Make sure you properly store your watercraft, so you can have lots of fun next boating season. When you take your boat to the best boat maintenance crew at the Lake of the Ozarks, you can rest assure that your watercraft will be taken care of and properly stored. If you need to schedule an appointment to winterize your watercraft, call 573-355-5027 or visit www.IguanaBoatSales.com/Service to request an appointment. 

573-355-5027
Check out our Website:
Iguana Boat Sales
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4363 Osage Beach Parkway, Osage Beach, MO

Get Your Boat Serviced at Iguana!

If you have recently bought a new or used boat at the Lake of the Ozarks, you may be wondering how to properly take care of it. Proper maintenance of your boat is important. Just like with a car, boats need to be serviced and maintained regularly. Fortunately, the best boat dealer in Missouri offers service and maintenance for boats at the Lake of the Ozarks. However, there are still things that you should look out for and do for your boat between your routine services:

Wash Your Boat

Regularly washing your boat with soap and cleaners made specifically for boats is important in order to protect your boat’s finish. Luckily, the Lake of the Ozarks has fresh water, but if you happen to take your boat to a salt water location, make sure to clean it with fresh water after every outing to remove the salt residue. If left on, salt will corrode metal, fasteners and other hardware. It will also ruin the gel coat.

Change Oil

Just like with a car, boats need to have their oil changed. The frequency varies by model, but typically you will want to change it every 12 months or every 100 hours – whichever comes first. Also like a car, you can change the oil yourself, or you could just bring it to Iguana! If you do not know how to change your boat’s oil or if you just don’t want to deal with the mess it creates, bring it to the best boat service crew at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Check the Propeller

If you have an outboard or stern drive boat, it is a good idea to check the propeller as part of your pre-launch routine. Check to make sure that discarded fishing line hasn’t been wrapped around the propeller shaft by removing the propeller several times during the season. If you discover that it has, inspect for damage as it could cause gear case leaks. If you do find issues, bring your boat to Lake of the Ozarks’ boat service shop and we’ll get you back on the water in no time.

Iguana Services Offered:

• Oil Changes
• Drive Services
• Boat Detailing
• Boat Buff & Wax
• Bottom Paint
• Prop Rebuild or Replace
• Canvas Repairs
• Vinyl Repairs
• Winterize
• Dewinterize
• Gelcoat Repair
• Water Pump Impeller Replacement

Have Your Boat Serviced by Iguana Boat Sales

If your boat needs to be serviced, bring it to Iguana Boat Sales. Whether you need routine maintenance or an engine rebuild, our staff will have you back on the water in no time! Visit one of our three service locations which are at the 1MM, the 5.5MM and the 12 MM. Visit our website to learn more about Iguana Boat Sales services and to schedule an appointment with us.

573-355-5027
Check out our Website:
Iguana Boat Sales
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4363 Osage Beach Parkway, Osage Beach, MO

Ways to Prevent a Blown Boat Engine

Some of the best times can be had while boating at the Lake of the Ozarks, that is when your boat is running. Don't let a blown engine ruin your outing on the water. Besides changing the oil, filtering the fuel, and making sure the cooling water is flowing, there are lots of things that can be missed that could affect the health of your boat engines. Here are some things to keep in mind to prevent a blown engine:


Economic Indicators: By ignoring warning buzzers and lights, once they come on you risk a repair bill. Make sure your LED warning lights are not overwhelmed by sunlight or low-watt bulb indicators are located where they can be seen. Be sure you can hear your warning buzzers over your engine, stereo, and wind. Keep in mind that by the time a warning goes off, the problem has already occurred.

In Hot Water: A surefire way to guarantee your engine overheats is by installing your thermostat backwards, where the heat-sensing part is located on the wrong side. This is actually a common mistake, even some pros are guilty of it.

Unusual Noises: A squealing sound can indicate a belt is loose. A metallic tapping that keeps time with engine rpm means your valves, lifters, or rocker arms are having trouble. Grinding and grating metal could mean a water pump bearing is shot. If your exhaust gets louder and has a higher pitch, there's probably less cooling water running through it.

Antifreeze Meltdown: If you do not use a mixture of antifreeze and water in your sealed cooling system, you could risk overheating the engine. Undiluted antifreeze boils at a higher temperature than water, therefore retaining more heat.

Strong Odor: A healthy engine has a distinct smell that most boaters recognize. The stench of burnt rubber could come from a number of mechanical areas. Burnt oil could mean the engine was run hard, or if it's a strong odor, there's likely an oil leak dripping on the hot engine. A sweet aroma could indicate leaking antifreeze. And a smell like burnt hair could be an electrical short.

Cheap Oil: You will not be saving money by using an off-brand oil. Better oils are uniform and consistently meet standards. The difference between cheap oils and the ones offered by engine manufacturers are very insignificant compared to the repair costs from using bargain oil.

Engine Vibration: Various vibrations can result in a number of things, including your prop's blades are bent or your prop needs balancing. When the whole boat rumbles and shakes at all speeds, the engine and shaft are likely out of alignment.

Oil Changes: Completely replace the old oil with the new. Another option is to change your oil more
frequently so that the oil left behind never has a chance to get bad.

Owner's Manual: The instruction manual has a purpose. Our engines would last a lot longer if they weren't neglected. By referring to them once in awhile, you might save some wear and tear on your boat's engine.

Iguana Boat Sales will Keep Your Boat Running Smoothly This Summer

By maintaining your boat at the Lake of the Ozarks regularly, being in tune with warning indicators, as well as being familiar with your owner's manual, you can prevent engine trouble. Iguana Boat Sales has technicians that are trained and certified to service your watercraft. Whether you need routine maintenance or an engine rebuild, our staff will have you back on the water enjoying our beautiful lake in no time. We currently have 3 service locations at this time. Contact us at (573) 355-5027 ext. 7013 for boat maintenance at the Lake of the Ozarks.


573-355-5027
Check out our Website:
Iguana Boat Sales
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4363 Osage Beach Parkway, Osage Beach, MO

Get Your Boat Dewinterized and Back in the Water

The season is almost here and you are probably anxious to get your boat ready for the water again.  If your boat was properly winterized for the cold weather months, de-winterizing should be easy. You will want to make sure everything is in working order by getting a full inspection of some vital parts. Iguana Boat Sales can do a full inspection and de-winterize your boat to ensure safety and fun on the water. Here is a list of parts we check when de-winterizing your boat:

We check Your Engine from Top to Bottom

A thorough check of the engine is essential when de-winterizing your boat, including an oil change. Long periods of inactivity causes the oil to drain down over a period of time. We check all of your oil including the out-drive oil as well. We make sure your engine is clean and ready for you to start the engine. We also replace the oil filter if needed and put the right oil additive in to keep your engine clean and corrosion free.

The Battery

During de-winterization, we check the battery and top off fluids if necessary. During the season, you should check your battery water level often…a dry battery will not hold a charge. We can use a battery tester to check the amps and volts. If the battery does not hold a charge, we have replacement batteries available. We will also clean any corrosion from the battery terminals if needed

The Cooling System

We will fill your cooling system to the proper level. If it was not drained for the winter, we can replace the cooling fluid with fresh coolant. We also check all hoses and empty the strainer.

  

The Gas Tank

While the cooling system is drained to winterize a boat, the fuel tank should have been filled up to prevent moisture from forming. Freezing temperatures can easily crack fuel lines. We will change your fuel filter if needed. If you did not put an additive in the gas to prevent water contamination and fuel separation before winter, then we can drain the old gas from the fuel tank and make sure a quality non-ethanol containing additive is suggested to prevent damage from E10 gas.   

The Distributor and Belts

We will clean and replace the distributor as needed and ensure all connections are hooked up properly.

We check all of your boat's belts and replace any worn belts. Belts should give slightly, but not significantly. If we see any soot near the pulleys, it also means some wear/tear and we can replace any that may give you trouble later in the season.

Let Iguana Boat Sales Service Your Boat for Spring

Iguana Boat Sales has a trained and certified service, parts, and detailing department. We can get your boat at Lake of the Ozarks dewinterized for spring. Contact their service department at (573) 355-5027 (Ext. 7013) to schedule your appointment and get your boat back in the water.

573-355-5027

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Iguana Boat Sales
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