Captain's Corner

  Memorial Day is right around the corner.   With that many vacationers will be visiting the lake and rivers of Missouri.     Lake of the Ozarks averages 10 to 12 million visitors per year, and a vast majority take to the water for the first time.   Many are renting Personal Watercrafts (PWCs) and renting boats. Before you rent a boat or a PWC, there are a few things you should know. Missouri  law requires all motorized boat and PWC operators born after January 1, 1984, to pass a  boater safety course  and to carry a boater education card.   You can take a on line class at    https://www.boat-ed.com/missouri/   There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course. You do not have to be a resident of Missouri to take this online course.    However, to operate a vessel in Missouri you must be 14 years or older.   Get your boating license in 3 steps. 1.        Study and pass the $29.50 course and pay a $17.00 state fee. 2.        Print your online course completion doc

  Friday, May 27 and Monday, May 30, 2022, the Missouri State Highway Patrol responded to one drowning and a capsizing incident at the Lake of the Ozarks over the weekend. Troopers say Matthew Frazier, 40, drowned in the Elk River in McDonald County.  At the Lake of the Ozarks, two teens and an adult were hurt when a boat capsized. Investigators say all three were on a boat traveling too fast for the conditions, then the boat capsized. Two of the three victims were sent to the hospital for treatment. Table Rock Lake had four incidences two collisions with watercraft, one individual with serious injuries one with minor injuries, both sent to hospital: Two Groundings with injuries.  From January 2023 to April 1, 2023, the state of Missouri has had 7 drownings.     Unfortunately, a contributing cause to water related injuries and fatalities, is not paying attention to the rules of boating and water safety.  The statistics show that the majority of individuals that are injured or die are

  Water recreational activities are a big deal in Missouri. Residents and visitors alike come to Missouri’s lakes and rivers to swim, boat, ski, fish, and paddle.   The emphasis, of course, is on fun and enjoyment. However, emphasis should also be placed on safety. No one wants their vacation sadly interrupted by a drowning, especially if it involves a child.   Life jackets can (obviously) help save lives. So, what are lifejackets? Which one is right for you? Missouri (and the Federal Government, through the Coast Guard) have regulations regarding use of lifejackets, or more generally, personal flotation devices, or PFDs.   The following is a summary of applicable PFD Regulations: -           In Missouri, all vessels 16 feet or longer must carry on-board at least one US Coast Guard (USCG)-approved wearable lifejacket (PFD) for each person on board or being towed. Vessels less than 16 feet in length must carry one wearable or throwable device for each person on board or being to

  Warmer weather is around the corner. Soon the open water will be calling.    A new boating season is upon us. Many of us have purchased a new boat or are thinking about upgrading to a bigger boat.   Or change in style, type of boat.   Some may be looking at more horsepower adding additional features such as joystick controls, radar, live scope etc. Buy new a boat, or  buy a used boat ? That’s a tough call for a  boat buyer , especially a first timer. There’s no right or wrong answer. It all depends on you: your tastes, your budget, and your mechanical aptitude. but you decide. Here's some factors to consider... Benefits Buying a Pre-Owned Boat With a used boat, you get more boat for fewer dollars, lower cost per year of ownership, and less on the line if you decide a different style or size boat would better serve you. It sounds funny, but there’s peace of mind in knowing you’re not going to put the first scratch or ding in the boat. Any initial bu

  Believe it or not 69 days or Monday , 20th March 2023 , Spring will be here.    That means to get ready for another season of water activities.   You may be ready but is your boat, jet Ski, and other water activities related Items ready? If you are like many people, you winterize the boat or jet ski, put away the life jackets and water toys after the summer season has ended, and look forward to the spring hoping into the boat or jet ski and starting it up and away we go, right!..... maybe not. Before your boat hits the water though, ensure your boat Jet Ski is ready. Preparing for spring ensures proper performance and safety. These tips for preparing for spring will give you peace of mind and get you on the water in no time.   1.       Check that the boat registration is current and onboard. You need to have this available if a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officer asks to see it. 2.       Invest in boat towing insurance. You’ll be glad you did if an emergency arise