Boating

by Charis Patires

The boating industry surged, not only on Lake of the Ozarks, but nation-wide last year. Families looked for a safe way to social distance, spend time together and enjoy the outdoors. With schools, summer camps, sports leagues and other activities shut down because of the pandemic, families had more time to spend at the Lake. That means there are more first-time boat owners out there who may not be as familiar with operating a vessel as they should be.

According to Greg Riley, a licensed Coast Guard Captain who has been teaching boating lessons for more than 25 years, owners should know how to safely operate their boat, understand water safety, be knowledgeable of Missouri boating laws, and be aware of local knowledge including speed limits, marked and unmarked shallow water areas, buoy markers, contact numbers for the water patrol and tow boat assistance. They should also know how to encounter a wake and be responsible for the wake they create, he said.

While some marine dealers might give a short tutorial before handing over the keys, others take more time to make sure that each new boat owner is comfortable behind the helm. Riley teaches a Women on the Water course at MarineMax.

MarineMax offers a full range of services to include boating education, service, fuel dock, storage, parts, gear center, and all things boating. A professional delivery service to all new boat owners ensures that everyone in the family can safely and comfortably operate their boat. They also offer organized boating events that create opportunities to explore new waters, form new friendships, and boat in the safety of a group. Other available resources with lots of good information include funlake.com, Lake Locator Ryan and Winter Miller in app, lakeozarkboatdealers.com, and lotocaptain.com. “Lake of the Ozarks offers some of the best boating in the nation. Boaters love the diversity from Bagnell Dam to Truman Dam, the gorgeous landscapes, the abundance of coves to explore, their “new-to-them” boat. Their dog butters enjoys boating with them as well. the social entertainment provided by numerous waterfront establishments, quality fishing, watersports, and the many organized Lake area events and activities,” Riley said. “As a weekend destination, Lake traffic is high Friday through Sunday and boaters need to pay close attention to other boaters. As a large lake, there is a lot of areas to learn and become familiar with.”

Ryan Miller learned first-hand how challenging driving a boat on Lake of the Ozarks can be. Ryan and his wife, Winter, moved to Lake of the Ozarks in March 2020, and bought their first-ever boat on Facebook Marketplace.

“Before buying this boat neither of us had any boating experience,” Ryan said. “I have been in a boat before but nothing more than taking the wheel to hold a boat in place.” After purchasing the 2004 Sea Ray 270 Sundeck Ryan admits they learned how to operate it by “trial and error.”

“Thankfully the gentleman who we purchased the boat from was very patient and kind. He took us out on the boat, and even let me drive while he was teaching me the very basics boating on LOTO,” Ryan said. “We’ve met some great friends here. They all have shared their boating knowledge as well. I still am interested in taking a boating class, as does my wife. I believe that would be the best advice to give any new boater.”

“One thing to keep in mind for a first-time boat buyer is to set a budget on what you want to spend, and then throw that number away and triple it,” Ryan said. Initially the couple wanted to spend $5,000-$10,000 on a 19-foot runabout but were quickly talked out of making that decision from their neighbors. The advice was to go bigger. They found their boat with 500 hours on it for $21,000 but with titling, the cost of a boat lift to handle the weight and other fees their budget grew to $30,000.

The ins and outs of new boat ownership

BOATING Staying Safe on Lake of the Ozarks

MissouRi boaTinG laWs

13. The speed limit at night is 30 mph. Night 1. Life jackets must be speed limits begin ½ hour accessible for every per- after sunset and continue son on board a watercraft. through 1 hour before Children under the age sunrise. of seven must wear a life jacket at all times while Boating handbooks are on board a watercraft. All available at any Missouri persons must wear a life Department of Revenue jacket when on a PWC. License Bureau. 2. Navigation lights are required on all boats safeTY on THe underway between sunset WaTeR and sunrise. The Lake of the Ozarks 3. Proper ventilation is is a growing resort area required of every vessel. with a myriad of activi4. Fire extinguishers ties that promise to make are required equipment on every family member’s all motorized watercraft MarineMax offers an introductory Women on Water vacation a happy memory. carrying or using flammable or class that covers basic boating tips and focuses on For those who plan on spendtoxic fluid such as gasoline or propane. teaching ladies how to safely drive and dock a boat. Pic tured, instructor Greg Riley with Women on the Water participants. - ing time on the water, here are some courtesy and safety tips 5. Registration is required of that will ensure everyone a all motorized watercraft regard- great time: less of horsepower; all sailboats 12 feet and over in length are required to be registered. 1. Be aware of those around you. Drive on the right side of 6. The operator of any boat being used for towing a per- the channel or cove. Look before you turn. All boats have the son on water skis, inner tube or similar device must have an- responsibility to take whatever action necessary to avoid a other person aboard the vessel, seated in a position so as to collision or accident. observe the progress of the person or persons being towed 2. Wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket while water unless the vessel is equipped with a ski mirror approved by skiing and while operating a personal watercraft. Small chilthe Missouri State Water Patrol, mounted so that the prog- dren or non-swimmers should wear life jackets at all times ress of the skier can be observed by the operator. An orange anywhere near or on the water. or red skier down flag must be displayed any time people are 3. Turn your lights on 30 minutes before sunset. in the water. PWCs and moored or anchored boats are ex- 4. Operate your boat at a safe and prudent speed. empt from displaying the flag. 5. Newer boats have a safety cut off switch. Use it. 7. Riding on the bow, gunwales, railing, top of seat back 6. Upon refueling, check your engine compartment for and decking over the back of a motorboat is prohibited. spillage. Use your blower to expel fumes. 8. Anyone born after 1/1/1984, who wants to operate a 7. Get a voluntary inspection of your boat. The Water vessel on the lakes of Missouri, must have successfully com- Patrol and the Coast Guard Auxiliary provides this free of pleted a certified boating safety course and carry proof of charge. successful completion. 8. Take a boating safety course. (Available through the 9. The minimum age for operating any watercraft in the Water Patrol, the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Power State of Missouri is 14 years. Squadron, and online at www.boated.com.) Remember, expe10. All marker buoys, such as No Wake buoys, apply to all rience is not always the best teacher. motorized vessels, including all personal watercraft. 9. Consideration should be given to equipping your boat 11. Operating a boat while intoxicated is a state offense, with a marine radio or cellular phone. subject to a $5,000 fine and 1-5 years in jail, for a felony con- 10. Don’t drink and drive. A designated driver is as imporviction. tant on the water as on the land. 12. It is illegal to operate a boat or PWC at speeds greater 11. Missouri State Water Patrol – 573-751-1000 than “idle speed” within 100 feet of a dock, an occupied, anchored vessel, or a buoyed restricted area. Safety tips and information provided by Greg Riley.