Captain's Corner

Here at Lake of the Ozarks (and in fact all of Missouri’s waterways and lakes), State Law requires the use of certain combinations of lights (Red, Green, and White), called “Navigation Lights” when boating at night. Missouri Law also regulates certain other styles of lights that boaters use at night, called “Recreational Lighting”.  Recreational lighting on boats has become more popular in recent years.  Recreational light can include Rub Rail lighting, Deck Rail lighting, or Underwater lighting.  These can come in a variety of colors and intensities.  The newest recreational lighting configurations use LED lights, which, by nature, are usually brighter than filament bulbs. So, what’s the problem? Well, there are a few; let’s discuss those. First, USCG Regulations, Rule 20 again, states “ The Rules concerning lights shall be complied with from sunset to sunrise, and during such times no other lights shall be exhibited, except such lights as cannot be m...

It’s nearly Friday! Getting ready to go kick back on the boat this weekend? Relax, unwind, invite some friends and have some beers, right? Think twice before you get behind the wheel of a boat while intoxicated, though. Jail time, lawsuits, injury and death can all result from driving a boat drunk. Boozing and boating is definitely a great way to ruin a good time. While  alcohol  consumption is not illegal while  boating ,  boat  operators should be aware of the laws and potential penalties for operating the vessel while under the influence. ... Just like with driving a motor vehicle on land, there is technically no safe amount of  alcohol  that someone can  drink  and then operate a  boat . Here are 6 of the most common rumors about alcohol and boating: 1.  Drinking alcohol while operating a boat isn’t a big deal; it’s not as dangerous as drinking and driving a car. The fact is, alcohol is responsible for 16% of boating f...

  There is a nip in the air, the leaves are starting to change color.  It is time to start thinking about putting the boat away until next year. BoatUS offers the Following information: The bad news about winterizing your boat is that if you forget something critical or you do something incorrectly, you may be faced with expensive repair bills and a long delay to get back on the water next spring. The good news is that most winterizing chores are not that hard, and we can show you how to avoid the vast majority of problems in a single page (though you'll want to  download our winterizing guide  for a much more in-depth look). In a nutshell, winterizing means storing your boat properly, making sure engines and drives are protected, and making the plumbing freeze-proof. Taking a few moments now to think about how you'll put your boat to bed for the off season, as the days grow shorter and the ducks fly south, will pay dividends later. Whether this is your first or your...

  You've always wanted a   personal water craft (PWC)   such as a Jetski, Wave Runner or a Sea-Doo, and now you've got one. Now what? If you plan on taking your new toy out and testing its limits on your favorite lake, river or ocean, there are basic essentials to keeping  yourself and children safe. Personal Water Craft are fast and injuries occur. In a recent study in over a 30-month period, there were 82 wrecks, 57 injuries, and four deaths alone involving PWCs.  About half of all injuries were people under the age of 19. The most common cause of the accidens were cited as inexperience (50 percent), inattention (28 percent), and negligent operation (10 percent).  In the U.S., only 16 states require boating education and 10 require special training for using PWC. There are 43 states that have age limitations for PWC, but these range dramatically from age 10 to 16.    Missouri Boating Laws and Regulations  All persons must be at least  ...

  Tubing is a exhilarating ride, and can be fun.  But also a event that is potentially  dangerous and could end with tragic results. Y our kids are more than ready for a fun-filled day   tubing on the water .  They’re begging you to take them out on the water when the weather’s nice. Your on Vacation,  They have been on their best behavior, in the hopes of staying in your good graces. Any parent with a boat  and kids  are familiar with this scenario. But do you know how to keep them safe? Tubing accidents  and injuries are on the rise.  Water tubing, a recreational activity in which participants ride an inner tube which is pulled behind a boat by a tow rope, has grown in popularity in recent years.  According to a new study by researchers at the  Center for Injury Research and Policy  of  The Research Institute  at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the annual number of water tubing-related injuries increa...

  The Lake of the Ozarks Shootout is the largest unsanctioned boat race in the US, named one of the nation’s eight “must-see” boating events according to Powerboat Magazine, the Shootout will take place for the ninth year at Captain Ron’s Bar & Grill in Sunrise Beach (Lake Road 5-50, mile marker 34.5).  The event raises funds for eight Lake-area rescue teams and numerous other charitable organizations; last year, $357,000.00 to 32 different Charities and 8 Fire Departments. The Lake of the Ozarks Shootout is alive and well and looking forward to the 32nd year in August of 2020.  The event is August 28 Thur 29th. The  Lake  Rescue  Shootout  started in 1988 as an event in which many local boats participated simply to establish who had the fastest boat. As the years went by it became a bigger and bigger event that also helped supplement the  Lake  Area Fire Departments water rescue efforts. To keep this a safe and fun fill week end her...

  As of May 2, 2020 the Lake of the Ozarks has had 3 Boat explosions that has injured 9 people and one person died.  There are many reasons that would cause these tragic events, from electrical arcing to excessive build up of gas fumes in the bilge.   As boaters, safe fueling practices are a must.   After fueling and before starting your engine, run your blower for at least 3 - 5 minutes, this will exhaust any fuel fumes trapped in the bilge /engine compartment.  Do not run the blower while fueling.  Running the blower while fueling can blow gas fumes into the engine compartment and cause a explosions when starting the engine. Also open the engine hatch while running the blower,  this will help air out the bilge /engine compartment.  Do a sniff test for any odor of fuel. Something to consider, it is not  bad practice to run your blower each time before starting your engine.  On a hot summer day, the fuel fumes / vapors can stil...

  Wakes are part of the boating experience.  They can be a enhancement for wake boarders, and a thrill ride for wave runners.  Others will look at wakes as the terror of the lake, cause by large boats, damaging docks and  property. What is a Boat Wake? A  wake , of course, is the wave a  boat  creates underway as it displaces water. Whether you're on your way to a fishing spot, just cruising or heading in from the action, you could be endangered by another  boat's wake , and you might even put another  boat  in peril by your own  wake . What causes a boat wake? The  wake  is the region of disturbed flow (often turbulent) downstream of a solid body moving through a fluid,  caused  by the flow of the fluid around the body. What boat is responsible for wakes? There is many types of boats with various hull types. All boats have the potential to create a wake if operated incorrectly.   One common mistak...

  One of the most common questions is the use of a Skier Down Flag. When to use it and how to use it.  On any given day, one will see well meaning boaters pulling a skier, or a tube, with the flag proudly displayed for all to see.  Conversely, one will see  boater displaying no flag and worse yet no observer when pulling a skier or tube.  Each state has different laws regarding the skier down flag.  So become familiar with the law in what ever state you are boating in.  In Missouri  State law requires that operators of a motorboat (other than a PWC) on the waters of the Mississippi River, the Missouri River, or Missouri lakes between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and sunset must clearly display a red or orange flag whenever a person enters the water before or after being towed on water skis or other similar devices. The flag must be at least 12 inches x 12 inches in size. The flag should not be displayed while the vessel is underway towing the person(s...