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.