10 minute read
Boating
Skyfall accomodates 13 guests and the crew. It is an experience modeled after a European Mediterranean style yacht and gives passengers the impression they are at a five-star hotel, but on the water.
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THE INS AND OUTS OF CHARTERING A BOAT AT THE LAKE
Story by MARIE KROLIKOWSKI
There’s something special about being behind the wheel of a boat.
Anticipating each wave and setting the
course. But what about the times you
don’t want that responsibility? What if
your group has more people than your
boat can hold? What if you don’t want
to be the designated driver? For those
days, there are several captains at the
Lake that will do the driving for you.
From fun to fabulous, there’s a num-
ber of options to fit every need. While
every charter service at the Lake can’t
be addressed, here is just a sampling.
PROVIDED PHOTO PROVIDED PHOTO
BAR HOP TOURS
If you’re looking for a ride from one point to another, then look no further than Playin’ Hooky Water Tax and Charters. This is the original, and still the only water taxi service on the Lake. Started and owned by Jim Bascue, the business has grown to meet the demand.
“We started in 2010 with a Formula cabin cruiser that could only carry six passengers,” Jim explained. “We had to shut down for a couple of months because we couldn’t meet the demand.” Realizing the need to carry more passengers, he purchased the 36-passenger taxi boat in 2011. In 2014, Jim added a 49-passenger boat to the fleet.
There’s a number of trip options available. The Daytime Fun Cruise goes to some of the most popular waterfront bars and restaurants. The Coconut Shuttle takes passengers on a 30-minute ride to and from Coconuts Caribbean Bar & Grill. These trips, Jim explained, are popular choices for bachelor and bachelorette parties. The Night Time Howl at The Moon Bar Hop allows passengers the opportunity to experience the Lake at night while visiting two different waterfront establishments for food, drinks and entertainment. These trips run on Friday and Saturdays and are perfect for large groups or corporate events.
Depending on the charter and the boat being used, trips leave from either Lazy Gators, the gas dock at H. Toad’s Bar & Grill or Millstone Thunder Marina. All captains who operate the boats are United States Coast Guard licensed. Passengers are not permitted to bring beer or hard liquor on the boat, but beverages are available for purchase. Since waterfront bars are family friendly during the day, minors are welcome on any of the daytime bar hop cruises.
If you have a different destination in mind, the Water Taxi will pick up from your private or commercial dock and take you to a chosen location. Travel is restricted to the area from the Bagnell Dam to the 14-mile marker and the Gravois Arm and is available on Fridays and Saturdays.
For those looking for a thrilling tour ride, the Super Cat 55 is the new addition this year. The 55-foot Offshore Race Cat was built by Thriller Marine. The open cockpit can carry 43 passengers in addition to the captain and deck hand. Often used as racing boats, it has twin turbo engines that equate close to 1,000 horsepower. The boat has currently completed all required coast guard certification and made its debut early this summer.
The tour goes out on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from Shady Gators to Backwater Jack’s where passengers can spend a few hours. While at Backwater Jack’s, passengers have the option to board for a 45-minute thrill ride before returning back to the original location. Jim will personally captain this boat.
“There’s nothing at the Lake like what we do,” Jim said. “We do everything 100-percent legit. I have a close relationship with the Coast Guard and talk to them weekly. We carry about 500 people every weekend. We’ve grown
very quietly.”
To further assist people in their vacation planning, the company website provides information about lodging, restaurants, attractions and more around the Lake area. “We don’t make a dime off of this,” Jim explained. “We do it to help people plan their vacation.”
A FLEET TO CHOOSE FROM
If you have a group looking for a day trip and you’re not sure what size boat you need, Gator Boats can help. Gator Boats has been cruising the Lake for close to 14 years and offers a fleet of nine boats in which to choose from. Ranging in size from the 38-foot Sea Ray cruiser to their 63-foot Sea Ray flagship vessel, there’s sure to be a fit.
Destiny McMurray handles all the bookings for the business and said many people aren’t too concerned about the size of the boat they get. Others, however, choose the largest boat available. The larger boats are typically requested for bachelor and bachelorette parties and larger groups. Fraternities, she explained, often book the two-hour cruises for their formal events on the larger vessels.
All cruises board and leave from Shady Gators restaurant in Lake Ozark and are operated by a United States Coast Guard Licensed Captain. Charters are available seven days a week and typically run from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Rates vary but the best pricing is for Monday to Thursday outings. Rates do not include fuel costs or gratuity.
Each boat has a kitchen area, bathroom and bedroom. Renters have use of the full cabin. The boats are also Bluetooth equipped. Passengers can bring their own food and drinks or can order from Shady/Lazy Gators and it will be on the boat when they board.
Gator Boats also works with Got Your Bach which does event coordination and design. Options available for an additional cost include boat decorations, custom T-shirts, bach bags that contain all the essentials for a great day, and more. The “Boat Day Package” is available for purchase and includes a 12-pack of beverages, famous Smash Mouth sub sandwiches, cabin décor, and a boat day essentials gift tailored to the group.
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GEORGE DENNY
The Calypso is docked at Jolly Rogers in the Gravois Arm of the Lake.
“We don’t necessarily have a limited mile marker to which we go,” Destiny said. “Most people just want to be on the Lake. Some want to cove but a lot of people want to go to the restaurant pool parties. We just want to provide a safe way for people to get around.”
For an outing that’s as fun as it is unique, The Calypso pirate ship if what you’re looking for.
TAKE AN ADVENTURE
Docked at Jolly Rogers Grub N Grog, the ship and restaurant are owned by Joe and Christie Jung. Purchased seven years ago, The Calypso is 65-feet long and was originally commissioned to the John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier from 1995 to 2007. It underwent modifications and today is used to entertain those of all ages.
“We host a lot of bachelor and bachelorette parties,” Joe said. “The request for family reunions is growing. We also do a lot of corporate events and field trip for schools.” There’s also a two-hour sunset and fireworks cruise available. Many passengers, he said, like to dress like pirates. In that case, winners receive a Jolly Rogers gift card. For those looking to tie the knot, Captain Scalawag is an ordained minister and will perform the legal and binding ceremony right on the boat. Captain Scalawag has been commander of The Calypso since its maiden voyage.
The Calypso carries 45 passengers and is equipped with a state-of-the art Bluetooth sound system. Purchases can be made for an additional fee from the fully stocked bar and a number of different appetizers can be catered to the ship.
“One of our most unusual outings was a heavy metal rock and roll reunion,” Joe said. “It was a group from all over the United States that meet annually for a reunion. They chose us that year.”
A LUXURIOUS RIDE
For those who like to cruise in the lap of luxury, the impressive 60-foot Skyfall is for you. Joshua Gould and his father Jason are the owners of Skyfall Yacht Charter. Joshua has owned charter boats at the Lake in the past, but decided to make this boat the pride of them all.
“My dad and I are both perfectionists but in different areas,” Joshua said. “We complement one another very well in business. We built this company together and it’s very surreal to be doing it with him.”
The Skyfall experience, Joshua explained, is modeled after a European Mediterranean style yacht and takes the charter boat experience one step
further than most. Every attempt has been made to give passengers the impression they are at a five-star hotel, but on the water. The 2003 60-foot Sea Ray is powered by twin 800 horsepower MAN diesel motors. Purchased from its original owner in Tampa, Florida, she was transported and launched at the Lake this past April.
“We wanted this particular boat because of the layout,” Joshua said. “It really has all the comforts of home.” The amenities aboard Skyfall include multiple residential size refrigerators, ice makers, a gourmet kitchen, two luxurious staterooms, a state-of-the-art sound system, two European style sun pads, custom LED lighting, WIFI, a hydraulic swim platform and more.
Joshua is a United State Coast Guard Licensed Captain Merchant Mariner and captains most outings. Every charter includes a Licensed United States Coast Guard Captain and a steward, and all crew members wear matching uniforms. Skyfall serves the Lake region from the zero to the 45-mile marker in addition to the Gravois Arm. It departs from Camden on the Lake (Toad Cove) in Lake Ozark. Half and full-day cruises are available and rates vary.
The vessel can accommodate 13 guests in addition to the crew. Guests can bring their own food and beverages or cater everything from Hy-Vee grocery store and have it loaded on the boat before they board. A chief stew is available for hire to serve guests throughout the charter and help prepare any food or beverages brought on board. A secondary yacht with similar amenities can be added to accommodate an additional 26 guests for an additional charge. Other additional fees aboard Skyfall include fuel, use of the custom linens and bedding, and any severe cleaning needs.
The sunset engagement cruise, Joshua said, is available for those who want to pop the question in style. This event includes photos, a bottle of premium champagne and a charcuterie board.
Skyfall, Joshua explained, is truly a European Yacht Experience. “Skyfall is for the most discerning guests that demand the best experience,” he added.
More info
For additional information and reservations: www.playinhookyatthelake.com www.shadyboats.com www.jollycharters.com www.skyfallcharter.com
