The Off Season

As the weather continues to get colder and the boats are all tucked away for the winter; we are sitting in our warm houses and wondering now what? This time of year may not be a favorite among boaters but there are some projects you can do now to make your next boating season a great one, not to mention help pass the time.

 

During this time of year it is perfect for doing all those little projects on your boat that you never got to over the summer because you were having way too much fun on the water. You know which ones I'm talking about. Upgrading your navigation system, doing those minor repairs to keep your boat running in like new condition, and doing all those checks to make sure that your equipment and all your boating accessories are working properly. Tackling these little things, or maybe even a couple of big things, over the winter will give you more time in the spring to spend on the water.

 

Maybe by the end of this past boat season you began to grow tired of your boat. It could have been it was just getting older or your boat wasn't delivering to you what you were hoping to get out of. Whatever the reason, this time of year is actually a great time to research and buy yourself a new boat. Take your time to do your research and find the perfect boat for you and your needs. Then during the upcoming boat show season (Jan-March), you can make your purchase. You will never find a better price on a boat than at a boat show.

 

If those reasons were not how you were hoping to spend your winter, you can always take your boat and head south for the season. There are places where the boating season never ends and boaters are always welcome. I know it sounds like a dream, but it is real. Whatever you choose to do with your off season; we will be there to help you.

The Season of the Boat Show

Depending on where you live determines how you celebrate the Christmas season as a boater. Some people go all out and decorate their boats in Christmas lights and throw boat parties and cap everything off with a parade. Those are the people that we envy this time of year because for most of us our boats are tucked away until spring commissioning.


So what can we do to keep boating at the top of our minds during this non boating season? That is the hard part; which is why there was such a thing called boat show season. This season starts the beginning of January and usually goes through March and it is when most of the major boat shows happen.


One of the most important ways that you prepare for a boat show is to get your budget in order before you head out. You don’t want to be at a boat show and have that discussion with your significant other once you have fallen in love with a boat that is way out of your price range. Of course, you don’t have to buy a boat when you go to a boat show. But know what you want to spend whether it is $20 or $200,000.


Now that you know what you can, or can’t, spend, you need to find all the boat shows that you would like to attend during the season. You can do so by using this tool from Discover Boating. Mark those dates in your calendar and start getting excited.


Taking what you have learned today, you can make this boat show season a great one. Leave us a comment telling us what boat show you are most excited about attending.

Boat Load Of Toys

We at Atwood Lake Boats love all of our customers, we love our lake, and we love our community. One of the ways that we are showing our community how much we care for them is by having our 1^st annual Atwood Lake Boats Boat Load of Toys event.



Now through December 7th, you can bring in an unwrapped new toy or new articles of clothing to Atwood Lake Boats- West Marina. We are collecting to donate to the Tuscarawas County Share a Christmas. Need another reason to make your donation? Anyone who donates at our drop off will receive a 20% off shopping spree good for parts, accessories, clothing, water toys and gift shop items.


Why wait? Come in and make your donation now at Atwood Lake Boats-West Marina. For more information including the address for the drop off, click here.

Your Battery Needs Love Too

Boat winterization is a popular topic around the water now a day. Everything from where people are getting theirs done, to how they can DIY their winterization and store their boats at home. One important piece of winterization that is sometimes forgotten is your boats battery. Batteries too need care and maintenance to provide long term service.

 

During the boating season, your battery care includes things like checking to make sure that all the connections are tight, clean and greased. It is also ensuring that the acid isn't boiling away. Now that the end of the boating season is in sight, what should you do with your battery for winter storage?

 

Hauling Your Boat

 

If you are hauling your boat out for the winter, which most of us are, there are a few tips to help preserve its life. The first being charge it up. Once you have the battery charged, remove the negative cable and let it sit for a few hours before checking its status. When you do check on it using a hydrometer, verify that each cell has a specific gravity of between 1.21 and 1.28. If you do not have a hydrometer, you can use a voltmeter. A fully charged battery will read 12.5 volts. Throughout the winter, make sure to check the battery power once a month to ensure that it is keeping its charge.

 

Storing Your Boat

 

If you are storing your boat in the water for the winter months, you will have a whole different list of tips. Keeping the battery and area dry is the first one. You will need to switch off all breakers except the one for the bilge pump. A lot can happen to a boat that is stored in the water when not in use. Because of that you will need to regularly check on your boat at least once a week, and even more in bad weather. Keeping your battery charged is an important priority. You can do so by plugging into shore power and using an installed charger or a regulated battery maintainer. Preforming an acid test should also be done. Do this by checking the electrolyte level of flooded batteries and top off with distilled water just enough to cover the plates.



Using these helpful tips will ensure that your batter will last through the off season making it easier for you to hit the water in the spring. For further information on battery storage, click here. 

What Will This Winter Hold?

The seasons are changing which is not a happy time for most boaters. We are winterizing and storing our boats for the winter months. You might be wondering about the lake, what is happening to the lake this winter and when will lake drawdown be happening this year. We will answer those questions for you.


This winter will be a very busy time in the area. There is an estimated $1.25 million worth of shoreline stabilization projects happening throughout the area this winter. That is the total for 13 projects that will be completed over the off season. On our very own Atwood Lake, there are two projects that will be completed over the winter.


Every year there are sites that are chosen to receive the shoreline rejuvenation and at the end of this winters projects, there will have been a total of more than 80 individual shoreline projects in four years that have been completed.


These off season projects happen once lake drawdown is completed. As part of the flood-risk management operation of the reservoirs and dams, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers conduct annually a temporary reduction in the lake water levels. Doing this allows the lakes to have the storage capacity of floodwaters from rain and melting snow.


This year's drawdown on Atwood Lake will begin on November 1 and the waters will drawdown to an 8 foot depth. Not to worry, starting in February 2014 they will start to pump up the lake to its summer level for all of us to enjoy. Do you want to learn more about the shoreline rejuvenation projects? Click here.

My First Time Fishing

So you want to get started in fishing? Congratulations! Fishing is a great sport, hobby, and past time for millions of Americans. Now, you will get to call yourself an angler. Do you have everything you will need in order to have a successful first fishing trip?


One of the most important pieces of equipment you will need for your first trip to the water is a fishing pole. When picking a pole it can be a little overwhelming. There are many different sizes and styles to choose from. Since we will be fishing mostly at Lake Atwood and not in the open ocean, those huge poles will not be the ones you will want or need. Find yourself a medium weight rod and let’s get going.


The next important piece of your fishing equipment is the bait that you are going to use. There are a variety of different baits out on the market and everyone has their own opinion about which one is the best. It is up to you to decide which bait is right for you. There is live bait, dead bait, and artificial bait. They are all just like they sound. Live bait is living insects & worms. Dead bait could be cut up pieces of fish, dead insects & dead worms. Artificial bait is that brightly colored weird looking bait that you see in the fishing isle. You can pick the bait that works best for you.


You have your pole; you have your bait, now it sounds like you are just about ready to start fishing. So where will you do your fishing? Yes, most likely it will be on Lake Atwood, but you have your option as to whether you choose to stand (or sit) on the shore line or to hop in your boat and find that perfect spot in the middle of the water. Whatever you choose, you are bound to have a great time. So go and pack your cooler, grab your gear and round up a couple of friends, and lets go fishing!

Do You Know How To Change A Spark Plug?

With today's modern fuel injection changing your spark plugs is few and far between, that day will come that you will need to know how to properly change a spark plug on your boat. That is where we come in. Here are some tips and tricks for changing your spark plugs.

Choose The Right Plug

To short or to long, or even not the right heat range could make for a costly mistake. "Close enough" will not work when installing spark plugs. The best way to figure out the right spark plug is to contact the manufacturer. 

Using The Right Wrench

Spark plugs have a protective foam cover over a  porcelain tip. Using a standard socket wrench could crack the porcelain. which is not what you want to happen. You will need a steady hand, socket extension and a tight griping socket.

Using The Right Torque

One of the most common mistakes is over tightening of the spark plug. If you over tighten the spark plug when reinstalling it, your could strip the cylinder which would be another costly mistake. If that happens, you would have to remove the cylinder have it re-threaded. The average torque wrench setting should be between 18-20 pounds per square inch. Make sure to check with the manufacturer before use.

Using The Right Gap

Gap: The distance the spark has to jump from the plug to the engine. If you have a gapless engine, then this is one step that you do not have to worry with. If your sparks need to be gapped, I would suggest investing in feeler gages. The gap setting can be found on the emissions plate of the engine or in the owner's manual

Quick Tip: As you are changing your plug, check the others. Look for water droplets, aluminum bits, or a white substance on them. If you find any, take it to your dealer before you head out again. Those are all signs of a bigger problem in the works. It is better to get it checked out before it becomes a problem.

Now that you know how to change your spark plugs, don't let the fear of what might go wrong stop you from enjoy a day relaxing on the water. If you are looking for some more tips on the subject, check these out. 

Do You Know About Boating Safety?

Boating is a fun and enjoyable way to spend your time. It is something that anyone from any background can enjoy. Boating can also be dangerous. Accidents can happen on the water at any time. As long as you remember some of your basic safety rules, you will help to do your part to keep you and other boaters around you safe.


One of the first things to do would be, learn how to swim. If you are going to be in and around water, learning to swim could save your life. Find a buddy who knows how to and spend a day learning how to swim.


After you have learned how to swim, now would be the time to sign up for a boating safety course.  Taking a boating safety course like the one provided by boat-ed.com gives you the opportunity to learn about the water and about boating.


Now you are ready to make your first trip out on the lake. Before you even leave your house, you should check the forecast. The weather can make or break a boating adventure. If they are calling for bad weather, don’t risk it, reschedule your outing.


Once you have the boat loaded up and in the water, there are a few things that you want to make sure you did before you head out. The first, make sure that you developed a float plan and left it with someone on land. Your float plan should consist of things like the registration information for your boat, the names and contact information of all parties on board, and the itinerary for your trip. You will also want to make sure that you follow your pre departure check list. Having the same routine that you follow at each outing is the best way to make sure that no safety rules or regulations have been broken.


Once you have finished your check list, designate an assistant captain. You want to make sure that you are not the only one on board who knows how to operate your boat. Hand out everyone’s life vests and make your way out onto the lake. Always remember to use these simple tips before departing, and you will have a more enjoyable boating experience.

On Board Cooking

When you plan on spending all day on the water, you will need to remember a lot of things before you leave the dock. Is your fuel tank full? Check. Do you have your sunscreen? Check. Do you have food for the day?


Boating is a world of fun but cooking on board your boat could turn into a little bit of a disaster if you didn’t plan right. If you happen to be one of the lucky ones with a galley kitchen or an on board grill, then here are a few tips for you to make your next cooking adventure a little easier.


Thinking small when it comes to cooking on board is the way to go, you are limited on space. You are working with smaller appliances so think appetizer or salad size for what foods you can cook easily on board. Also, be aware of the type of food that you choose. You will be spending a day out in the sun and heat. Steer clear of hot heavy meals. Think light, like picnic style meals.


To keeping things manageable in confined spaces starts before you even step foot on your boat. Food prep is an important step in maintaining order and getting things done faster. Have all your meats precooked, veggies cut up, and salads made up before you leave the house. Also, practicing the habit of clean as you go will go a long way in managing your limited space. Don’t leave all the cleaning up until the end, you will run out of working room before then.


If you have no on board kitchen or grill, then the prep portion is the most important. You will also make use of coolers for your pre made food. If you are tired of having sandwiches all the time, you could try a few of the suggestions that these folks use. Enjoy your day on the water, and let’s go boating.

On The Pontoon

As you know, we are Ohio’s largest pontoon dealer. Why, because pontoon’s are awesome of course. So I figured, let’s take some time to talk all about pontoons. Starting with what is a pontoon. I’m sure that most of you have an understanding but just so everyone is on the same page, a pontoon is a flotation device with buoyancy sufficient to float its self as well as all your party goers. It is a flattish boat that relies on its pontoons to keep it afloat.



Pontoons first dropped on the scene in 1954 by a farmer who needed a more stable platform on the lake that he worked along. He strung a couple of barrels together and placed a platform of a piece of wood on top, attached an engine to the back, and there you have it the first pontoon boat.



From there, not much has changed. When you look at the modern pontoons out on Atwood Lake, you notice that the foundation is pretty much exactly what was described in the 1954 version; it has just become a little more put together. Pontoons have grown up from that original foundation to include sides and even a dashboard console.



Depending on the pontoon that you have depends on the features that you will get. Some of the cooler features that I have seen on pontoons are double deck pontoons and some even with a slide coming off the second deck that throws you right into the water. You can get grills and speaker systems put on your pontoon to really make it a boat you want to spend a majority of your time on. This weekend, let’s go and celebrate pontoons by heading out on Atwood Lake. Let’s go pontooning.

Fun For Your Summer

Here at Atwood Lake Boats we like to keep busy. This time of year is by far our busiest. Not only is it busy for us in the office with our day to day of selling boats, servicing your boats. We also like to keep you busy. Our blog this week we are going to take the time to go over what all we have going on for you for the rest of the summer. 

July 20-Float In Movie: Watch a movie under the stars from the comfort of your own boat & enjoy food prepared by The Dock Waterfront Grill. The movie will be held at Atwood Lake Boats-Marina East.

July 27-Pirate Scavenger Hunt: Follow clues and race other boaters/ pirates around the lake in search of treasure and glory. Return to shore and enjoy live entertainment and a caribbean buffet. The hunt begins at Atwood Lake Boats-Marina West.

August 3- Party at the Islands: Enjoy live entertainment on the water at the Annual Party @ the Islands. Party will be held at Boater's Beach Islands on Atwood Lake.

August 17-Float in Movie & Fish Fry: Enjoy fresh fish at the Fish Fry and then watch a movie under the stars from the comfort of your own boat.. The movie will be held at Atwood Lake Boats-Marina East.

August 24-Crab Boil: A good time will be had by all at the Lighthouse Bistro.

August 31-September 1 Labor Day Boat Show: The last boat show of the year offers a look at next years models as well as end of season deals on dealer demos. Also browse through the popular nautical flee market.

September 1-Car Show: Come over, bring your car and enjoy your time at Atwood Lake Boats-Marina West.

September 28- Clambake: Come and enjoy some good food at the Lighthouse Bistro.

As you can see, we are trying to keep you as busy and involved with us here. Remember that any of these could change or we can have new ones added so make sure to keep checking our event page. Also, if you need any more information about any of these events, please come in or call (330)-735-2323.

How To Drop Anchor

Imagine this, you have just spent a few hours cruising around on your boat with your friends and you find this awesome spot that you would like to go swimming. How are you going to keep your boat from floating away while you are enjoying yourself in the water? An anchor. We will discuss the proper way to drop anchor to keep you, your friends, and your boat safe.

The very first thing to remember when dropping an anchor should be done before you even leave the dock. You need to made sure that you have the appropriate anchor onboard. The type of anchor has little to do with the type of boat and more to do with the condition of the water. If you are going to be in a part of the water with mud and sand, then a pivoting fluke anchor is what you would want. If you are going to be in rocks weeds or even sand the plow anchor would be your best bet.

The next step in preparing to anchor is attaching the anchor to the boat. You will want to have three to six feet of galvanized steel chain attached directly to the anchor (This stands up better to the abrasion of sand, rock or mud then a fully nylon rode.) Then you will want to attach the nylon rope for the remainder of the length that you will need. Not sure how much rode you will need? You will need 5-8 times the depth of the water in length. 5 times for day anchoring, 8 times for night anchoring. 

Finally we can get out and find that perfect spot to drop anchor. A couple of things to keep in mind while picking your perfect spot, make sure that you are not going to be in the way of any traffic. You will also want to find a spot that offers protection from the wind and currents.

Once you find your spot try to get an accurate depth of the water so that you can prepare the length of your rode. Secure the anchor line to the bow of the ship where you would like it to stop. Now, turn your boat so that the bow is facing into the wind or current and pop the engine into neutral. Once the boat has stopped moving, slowly drop your anchor. When your anchor hits the bottom idly reverse with your engine to help and set the anchor.

Now that you have anchored your ship, make sure to take a look at your surrounding. Keep track of the landmarks that you see to ensure that your boat is not drifting. As you can see, anchoring is a simple task as long as you follow these guidelines. Tell us, where are you going to go drop anchor?

Wanted: Used Pontoons & Lady Boaters

It's the busiest time of year for a marina right now, as I am sure you can imagine. We're servicing boats to get them out on the water for summer. We're selling some of the last new boats that will make it on the lake this season. We're opening restaurants, planning events and so much more. But there are two specific things going on right now we want to alert you to: we need used pontoons, and we're hosting another Women Making Waves class.

First, the pontoons: If you're thinking about selling and upgrading to a 2013 model Sweetwater, Sanpan or Aqua Patio pontoon, now's a great time. We need used pontoons! They are our fastest selling inventory, especially this time of year. Interested in learning more? We make it easy: just call any of our sales staff Mon-Sat, 9-5, to get a ballpark quote of how much we can give you for your used pontoon. 



Now on to Women Making Waves. This is a course we hold specifically for the ladies to help them feel comfortable at the helm of the boat. Who says boating is for men?? If you own a boat, or just want to feel more comfortable out on the water, join us on Saturday, June 8 for a day of learning. We'll talk boating laws, boating safety, boating practices and much more. We held this event last year, and it was a huge success. Spaces will be limited, so please reserve your space ahead of time. 

Saturday, June 8 at 9 am
at Atwood Marina West
Call 330.364.4703 to reserve your space

Looking forward to seeing you around, whether it be to sell us your pontoon or to join us for Women Making Waves!

Preparing Your Outboard for Boating Season

You might be mentally ready to spend hours on the water, boating away. But is your boat physically ready? One of the most important parts of getting ready for boating season is checking out your engine. Of course, we would be happy to do it for you here. We do service work on Yamaha, Honda, Nissan, Johnson and Evinrude outboard engines.  We have two factory trained and certified Yamaha and Honda technicians that work full time. 

But if you are the more do-it-yourself type, here are a few basic steps you should take to ensure your outboard is just as ready for spring as you are.

• Drain and refill your fuel tanks. Even if you put marine fuel treatment in your tank last winter, ethanol collects water over the winter. So, dispose of all fuel over a month old.
• Charge your batteries or replace them if they are more than two years old.
• Replace your fuel filters, lower unit lube and spark plugs.
• Check all steering, throttle, and shift cables and connections to make sure they work smoothly.
• Check the operation of the engine "kill switch". Run the motor and pull on the kill switch cord to make sure the engine dies instantly.

Last, of course, check your owners manual or factory service manual for its recommended service. 

After taking a long break (like over the winter), it's important to gradually introduce your outboard into usage again.



For a two stroke engine:
For the first 10 minutes:  Run engine at lowest possible speed, a fast idle in gear is best.  
For the next 50 minutes:  Do not exceed half throttle or 3000 rpm.  Vary engine speed occasionally.  
For the 2nd hour:  Accelerate onto plane then reduce to 3/4 throttle and vary engine speed occasionally.  
For the 3rd through 10th hour:  Avoid operating at full throttle for more than 5 minutes at a time.  Let the engine cool between full throttle runs.  Vary engine speed occasionally.  
After the first 10 hours:  Operate engine normally. 



For a four stroke engine:
For the 1st hour:  Run @ 2,000 rpm or no more than half throttle.  
For the 2nd hour:  Increase speed to put boat on plane but avoid full throttle, then back off throttle while keeping boat at a planing speed.  
For the next 8 hours of operation:  Avoid continuous full throttle for more than 5 minutes at a time.  
After the first 10 hours:  Operate engine normally.

Is your outboard ready for spring?

Welcoming Regal Boats

We are in our first year of being a Regal Boats dealer, and we have definitely enjoyed getting to know these boats. They're a bit (okay, a lot!) different than our pontoons, but we like having the variety. We think you will too, because if a pontoon isn't your style, then we have great alternatives. 


We thought we'd give you a bit of an introduction to this line of boats as we all learn more about them. The company began in 1969 and has been innovating ever since. We like Regal's FasTrac hull, which was introduced in 1995 (so, obviously it works!). It's engineered with a full-beam step to reduce drag and friction. Learn more about the hull with this video. Some Regal boats also have a power tower, which means you can raise or lower the sports tower with the push of a button - super convenient. Lots of our customers like pontoons because of the amount of seating - well, we're here to tell you that Regal boats have made seating a priority as well. There is a lot of it, and much of it is convertible to fit your needs on a particular day. The company has received many awards for excellence and we're sure it will continue to do so. 




We've got several Regal boats in our showroom right now, but definitely not as many as the company makes. We're most excited about the bowriders and deckboats. 

 

Which Regal are you most interested in learning more about?

Register for Our Spring Open House

Coming to our spring open house?



Then make sure to register here so we know to expect you! See you then!

Welcome to Our Blog!

Welcome to the new Atwood Lake Boats blog! We'll be posting about once a month about boating techniques and supplies, our future plans, and so much more.

      

But first, let's educate you on us! We are Atwood Lake Boats, a locally owned business in Mineral City, Ohio, with over 47 years of experience serving Ohio boaters. We are Ohio's largest pontoon dealer, selling Sweetwater, Aqua Patio and Sanpan pontoons. In addition, we recently added Regal Boats to our dealership. We also sell Yamaha and Honda outboard motors.

With four on-water locations we treat our customers a little different than your typical boat store. Atwood Lake Boats sells you a lifestyle, not just a boat. Every customer receives personal consultation to determine the right boat for their needs. Each new boat delivery includes a demonstration ride, docking lessons, safety instructions and unlimited follow-up training. We want every day on the water to be a pleasurable boating experience. Our lakefront facilities are open all year offering boat sales, service, rentals, parts, accessories, a gift shop, Atwood Lake clothing and dining. 

Atwood Marina East offers boat rental, accessories, ethanol-free fuel and dining. This marina is home to some of our most famous yearly events including drive-in movies and the annual fish fry. Saltfork Marinas are on Saltfork Lake and offer a greater variety and number of rental boats than any other location in Ohio. There, we have waverunners, ski boats, pontoon boats, fishing boats, kayaks and canoes available to rent. Rentals are only available at Sugartree Marina at the north end of the lake close to the lodge, Cabins and golfcourse. Overnight docking is only available at Saltfork Marina.  Both locations offer boat accessories, supplies, logo clothing, fuel, ice, pumpout service and food. Lighthouse Bistro is our full-service restaurant, which is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Finally, The Dock  is our casual, waterfront grill.

So now that you know about us, we want to know something about you: what sorts of things would you like us to write about? Are there tips and tricks you'd like us to share? Current events you want us to explore? Our ears are open!

Here's to lots of blogging!