End of Summer Maintenance

The end of summer is a bittersweet time for any avid boater.  While the end of peak season means less crowded waterways, it also means its time to start thinking about putting your boat away for the winter.  As the cold temperatures start to approach, it is important to make sure your boat is adequately prepared to withstand the long winter.  Because you never know when a cold spell might come, the best time to winterize your boat and perform end of season maintenance is in September or early October.  If you need help with boat service and winterization at the Lake of the Ozarks, Surdyke Yamaha is here to help.  Here is our End of Summer Boat Maintenance checklist:


1. Service Any Issues

The end of the season is the perfect time to service any minor issues you notice over the summer.  Not only are marine mechanics typically slower compared to the spring when they are fully booked, but it is also better to take care of the issue now so your boat is ready to go in the spring.  Rather than have your vessel decommissioned with projects and repairs when you would rather be boating and relaxing, taking care of them now will leave with you with a nicely running watercraft come spring.  Surdyke Yamaha has factory-trained technicians and outstanding service staff ready to assist you with boat service and repairs at the Lake of the Ozarks.

2. Perform Regular Maintenance

Just like a car, a boat performs at its best with regular maintenance. If you want to keep your boat running at top shape for a long time, it is important to perform routine maintenance.  Make sure to change the oil and check high usage parts such as belts, hoses, clamps, fluid levels, propellers, impellers and lights to make sure everything is running smoothly.  If these tasks seem daunting to you, Surdyke Yamaha is happy to help you with your scheduled routine boat or PWC maintenance at the Lake of the Ozarks.

3. Clean

Regularly cleaning your boat not only keeps it looking in top shape, but it can also contribute to a longer life. Leaving dirt and residue on the outside of your watercraft can harm the gel coat and cause a yellowish tint.  Cleaning the hull also allows you to check for any cracks or chips that could potentially get bigger and become larger problems.  Removing any damp items and opening hatches and compartments can help keep mold from growing.  You should also clean carpet and upholstery with gentle cleaners that are designed for boat or car interiors.  Don’t forget to dispose of any trash and clean up any moisture or residue.

4. Winterize

Winterizing your engine is extremely important, especially in areas that experience freezing temperatures.  Freezing can severely damage the engine and other components as well as water and waste systems.  Winterizing can be a complicated process and can have catastrophic consequences if not done properly.  The owner’s manual for your boat and engine should give manufacturer’s recommendations for winterization, but if you’re unsure about doing it on your own, Surdyke Yamaha can take care of your watercraft winterization at the Lake of the Ozarks.  The best part is, we can come to you and winterize your boat or PWC right on your dock.

5. Storage

Cold temperatures and icy conditions can ruin the glossy shine on your hull, harm your interior, and cause other damage to your boat.  Ideally, watercrafts should be stored inside a temperature-controlled environment where they are protected from the elements during the offseason.  Surdyke Yamaha offers safe storage for boats and PWCs at the Lake of the Ozarks on a monthly basis.  If you are unable to store your boat off the water, it should, at the very least, be up out of the water and covered.


With the end of the boating season coming up, it is important that you have a plan for storing your boat through the winter.  This is also the perfect time to perform service and regular maintenance, so your boat is ready to go come spring.  Following our end of summer maintenance tips can help keep your watercraft at peak performance and extend its lifetime.

If you’re unsure about how to perform end of season maintenance on your boat, Surdyke Yamaha is here to help.  Our Factory-trained technicians and outstanding service staff can help keep you out having fun.  From scheduled maintenance to service and winterization, Surdyke Yamaha is your place for boat service and maintenance at the Lake of the Ozarks.  Give us a call or visit one of our 3 locations. You’ll be glad you did.


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Highway Store Location        Marina Store Location         Surdyke's Port 20
5863 Osage Beach Parkway      1660 Yamaha Drive               5395 Spruce Lane
Osage Beach, MO 65065           Osage Beach, MO 65065        Osage Beach, MO 65065

(573) 348-6575                       (573) 348-9283                    (573) 348-3178  

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