WaterFire KC 2017- US Boatworks Saves the Night

This past weekend was the annual WaterFire event on the Plaza in Kansas City.  WaterFire is a unique experience of sparkling bonfires on the water, live music from boats along Brush Creek, and performances from the shore & the boats.  The event employs three boats with 25 hp Mercury outboards to move performers up and down the creek.

The week of the show, organizers came to US Boatworks with two non-working Mercury outboards.  They arrived on Wednesday & our team immediately took to action to get the motors in working order.  On Thursday the first outboard was repaired and was quickly back on the water to practice for the upcoming show.  Then on Friday, the day before the show, we finished up the second repair.  Within just a couple of days, we had both boats back on the creek, the performances would go on!

I was lucky to be able to attend the 2017 WaterFire event on Saturday. It was a wonderful show with something for everyone. If you have a chance, be sure to check out. More exciting events are planned for next year.

Boat Safety Checklist

Planning for a day out on the lake can take some time.  The most skilled planner will have lists of items to buy before the trip, items to bring in the car for the ride to the lake and also a list of items to go on the boat.  Of course we remember the snacks and drinks, the water skis and fishing poles all which are a necessity for having a great time.  However, with the fun list of toys comes a short list of safety items which could be a huge help in the event of a boating emergency.  While we will never use all of these safety items, having the right tools when you need them can make all the difference.  In fact, missing some of these items can make or break your fun day.  Better yet, having the right safety gear on your boat can save a life.

Boat Safety Items:

Fire Extinguisher
First Aid Kit
Life Jackets
Whistle or Air Horn
Flash Light
Screw Driver
Pliers
Spare Prop
Prop Nut Wrench
Duct Tape

While researching items for this article, we came across Federal Requirements for recreational boats published by the US Coast Guard.  These regulations go into great detail as to the type of equipment necessary in its 82 page document called A Boaters Guide to Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats.  Page 42 of tha
document lists the requirements based on the size of your boat.  For our purposes, we are discussing boats up to 26 feet in length. Their list starts with reminding boaters that they need the required  state numbering and licensing then the remaining 8 items are about safety.  Similar to the list above, items required are life jackets, electric distress signals, flares, fire extinguisher, gas tank ventilation,horn or whistle, navigation lights and backfire flame arrestor for non-outboard motors.  We recommend all boaters review this document in its entirety as it address safety in operating your boat as well.  We will cover that topic in another post in the coming weeks.

In summary, take a few extra minutes this year before your first trip out with the boat to
be sure you have the proper safety equipment.  Do it now and at the beginning of each season.  A few safety precautions now can mean the difference between fun and disaster.

- See more at: http://www.boatengine.com/boat-safety-checklist/#sthash.ZxtmF1D7.dpufB

Open Saturdays 9-Noon

Its going to be unseasonably warm this weekend. Spring is in the air as our phones are ringing off the hook and customers are lining up to get their boats ready for the season.  Since our customers need us, we will be open on Saturdays beginning March 4.  Every year beginning the 1st weekend in March, we open our doors on Saturdays to meet the needs of our customers.  So, please come down and see us tomorrow from 9am – Noon.

Bring your boat in for that repair you have been putting off.  Your turn around time in early March is much shorter than what it would be should you bring your boat down in May.  Eliminate the stress of having your boat at the shop when the warm temperatures hit.  It will be lake weather before you know it and you won’t have to disappoint your family by not having your boat ready this season.  Plus you’ll feel good knowing you had your repairs and maintenance done at Kansas City’s #1 boat repair shop.

While you are at the shop, ask about our Kansas City Mercury Outboards for sale.  New specials and rebates just started and they won’t be around long.  US Boatworks pricing on outboard motors usually beats the big guys plus we offer unsurpassed service and knowledge that you won’t find elsewhere.  Once you give us a try, you will understand why US Boatworks is a trusted place to buy Kansas City outboard motors.

Boat Winterization

Winterization under way

Our lot is full to the brim with

Kansas City area
boats to winterize.  Many boaters already decided to get their
boats in for winterization service this year due to the cold weather in Kansas and Missouri
this week.   
Our customers choose US Boatworks for our great rates and outstanding
reputation.   Each winterization is personally performed by one
mechanic from beginning to end.  Rest assured that your motor will be
properly winterized and safe from the upcoming freeze.

Another reason our
customers choose US Boatworks is because we offer

boat parts that are hard to
find.  Parts for older boats that are not longer made are stocked by the
thousands.  We get people from all over the United States looking for
marine parts.  Most of our

old boat parts are
NLA - No Longer Available
marine parts
from the manufacturer.  Once a manufacturer stops producing parts that fit
your boat, it can be very difficult or impossible to fix your motor. 

The major brand boat parts we carry are

Mercury Marine, Mercruiser, OMC Cobra,
Johnson, Evinrude and Mariner.  Our lower unit replacement
program offers you two choices.  Choose a new lower unit or a
remanufactured lower unit by visiting our site.

For more information on any of
these products or service send us an email at
parts@boatengine.com or call us M-F
9-5 CST at 913-342-0011.  TIm, Ron or Mike are happy to help you with your
boat repair or maintenance needs.  We are open 9-5 Monday through Friday
until spring hits. 

Happy boating.