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
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on Google+

4363 Osage Beach Parkway, Osage Beach, MO

How to Choose a Boat that Fits Your Lifestyle

If you have made the decision to purchase a new or used boat at the Lake at the Ozarks, you may wonder which type of boat is right for you. Think about the activities you enjoy when you get out on the water. The #1 boat dealer at the Lake of the Ozarks can help you find a boat that bests fits your lifestyle. Iguana Boat Sales has an exclusive selection of boats with the right combination of price, quality, and value to fit anyone's budget. Below we have listed some popular types of boats on the market:

Cruiser Boats

Cruisers provide the joy of living on the water with the ability to handle deeper and rougher water. Comforts include a galley or kitchen, a head or toilet, and one or more berths or sleeping areas. Other common features are air conditioning, heating, hot water, electrical power from a generator, and a hookup for quick access to shore power. Cruisers can range in length from 23 to 60 feet depending on the model. If you are looking for an experience on the water that delivers style, performance and craftsmanship, a cruiser is for you.

Runabout Boats

Runabouts can be used for racing or for pleasure activities like fishing and water skiing. Some familiar runabout boats are bowriders and cuddy cabins. A bowrider is equipped with extra seats and forward access to the bow. Cuddy cabins are ideal for day-cruising, watersports, and other on-the-water activities such as fishing and swimming. If you are looking for a great family boat to relax in the sun on the lake, then a runabout is your speed.

Pontoons and Tritoons

Many pontoons are still two-tube watercraft, but now those tubes are sleek and carry lifting strakes and keels. Several manufacturers have added a third pontoon, that perform like V-hull boats. Pontoons and tritoons have become more sophisticated and include many state-of-the art amenities including elegant seating, movable tables, wet bars, powerful stereos, and even LED under deck lighting. If you are looking for a boat that is capable of taking friends and family out for a cruise and some casual fishing, then a pontoon might be for you.

Deck Boats

If you are torn between an agile bowrider and a crowd-friendly tritoon, a deck boat might be the answer for you. A deck boat has a wide deck, with fast maneuverable hulls that look and perform like bowriders. However they retain much of their beam further forward, with bows that don't come to a bowrider's sharp point.  This allows more seating capacity and creates a very stable platform. As deck boats have become bigger and broader and pontoons have become more powerful and posh, the two watercraft categories have drawn closer. When you are looking for a family boat that does it all, from cruising and fishing to wakeboarding, choose a deck boat.

Wakeboard Boats 

If you are an adrenaline junkie, and prefer to catch air than to cruise, than a wakeboard boat is for you. Wakeboard boats have inboard engines, which are ideal for watersports, as the propeller is under the boat protecting the riders from danger. There are some boats that combine the best parts of wakeboard, wakesurf, and water-ski boats for the legitimate watersports lovers.

Iguana Boat Sales Has a Boat To Fit Your Lifestyle

Choose the boat that fits your lifestyle from the best boat dealership at the Lake of the Ozarks. Iguana Boat Sales has an exclusive collection of Cruisers Yachts and Cruisers Sport Series. If speed is what you are looking for we have several different lines with great options to choose from. Malibu and Axis are both known for their wakeboarding boats, Rinker is known for not only family runabout boats but also cruisers, and then of course the Hurricane Deck Boat is currently the #1 deck boat in the country. If cruising the lake or river is more of what you are looking for check out our line of tritoons from AquaPatio, Sweetwater, or SanPan. We don’t want to forget the fisherman out there so we also have PolarKraft in our lineup which is one of the best aluminum dealers available. As the #2 Cruisers dealer and the exclusive Midwest Rinker dealer, we have something for everyone including PWC’s and preowned boats. Stop by our showroom today!

573-355-5027
Check out our Website
Iguana Boat Sales
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on Google+