Stay Safe This Boating Season

Boating season at Lake of the Ozarks is almost here! Iguana Boat Sales is excited to get back out on the water, but we know that one of the most important considerations when getting back on the water is boating safety. Whether you have your own boat or will be using the best boat rental company at Lake of the Ozarks, safety on the water is the obligation of all boaters. For a safe outing, the best boat dealer at the Lake of the Ozarks has listed some tips to be a responsible captain:

Photo courtesy of MalibuBoats.com

Get Educated and Licensed

If you are new to boating and plan on renting or purchasing a boat from the best boat dealer at the Lake of the Ozarks this season, there are a few requirements for operating a vessel on a Missouri lake. Every person born after January 1, 1984, is required to possess a boating safety identification card issued by The Missouri State Water Patrol. The safety education course can be taken online or classes are offered in Sunrise Beach. You do not have to be a Missouri resident to get licensed.

Before You Leave the Dock

Prepare a checklist of the items that you need on your boat before you take off. Here is a list of recommended items to have on your boat before you leave the dock:

• Have enough Coast Guard approved life jackets accessible for each person that will be on the boat? Missouri law requires children under the age of seven to be wearing a life jacket whenever they are on a boat unless they are in a cabin area of a cruiser or houseboat.
• If your vessel is longer than 16', have a throw-able device.
• Carry a sound producing device, such as a horn in case of emergency.
• Make sure your boat is equipped with fire extinguishers.
• From sunset to sunrise, navigational lights are required. Double check these are in working order if you plan to go out after dark.
• Your boat registration should be current and kept on board.
• The boating identification card should be kept in your possession while operating a boat.

Be Smart On the Water

Boating is easily one of the most popular activities at Lake of the Ozarks and needs to be taken seriously. Unfortunately, lack of responsibility can lead to boating incidents and drownings. Boating while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs and alcohol are violations of the law and can bring some serious consequences.

Know Your Missouri Boating Responsibilities

To stay up to date on laws governing boating and safe boat operation, obtain a copy of The Handbook of Missouri Laws and Responsibilities. This is the official boating handbook provided by the Missouri Water Patrol. The booklet can be purchased from the Missouri Highway Patrol.

Topics include:

• Vessel Basics
• Navigation Rules
• Nighttime Navigation
• Emergencies
• Personal Watercraft (PWCs)
• Boating Laws and Regulations
• Required Equipment
• Skiing
• And much more

Your Boating Resource 

The Iguana team doesn't just carry boats, we understand the needs of boaters and know safety is a big factor in having an enjoyable time on the water. Whether you plan to buy or rent watercraft at Lake of the Ozarks this season, we can help you find exactly what you need. Iguana Boat Rentals has a large selection of fishing boats to luxury cruisers. If you are ready to take that next step, the best boat dealer at the Lake of the Ozarks has some of the best boat brands, offering the right combination of price, quality, and value. Visit our website or stop by our showroom to see how we can help you.

573-355-5027

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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