With a landscape adorned by the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, in addition to over 200 named rivers, and home to over 1,000 public lakes, Missouri is a treasure trove for outdoor and boating enthusiasts. The state’s blend of Midwestern sensibility and Southern countryside charm, as well as urban areas like Kansas City and St. Louis, creates a unique cultural experience for both residents and visitors. The “Show-Me” State provides ample opportunities for boating, fishing, water sports, and peaceful cruising. However, before you set sail, there are a few crucial things to know about boating in Missouri. The boating experts at NBOA are diving into the top boating locations and taking a quick look at some local boating laws and safety guidelines.
Top Boating Destinations in Missouri
Lake of the Ozarks
One of Missouri’s largest lakes,
Lake of the Ozarks in mid-Missouri, is beloved for its speedboating, water sports, and fishing opportunities. With over 1,150 miles of shoreline stretching across four counties, there are over 40 marinas, restaurants, and bars accessible by boat. Nine public boat ramps and two stunning beaches enhance the shoreline’s convenience. In 2022,
Lake of the Ozarks was named the second-best boating lake in the United States. Although man-made in 1931, this lake is the epitome of a boater’s paradise with quiet coves and the pure serenity and beauty of Mother Nature.
Table Rock Lake
One of the Ozarks’ prime boating locations is
Table Rock Lake. Boaters will find 24 public boat ramps on the lake’s 800 miles of tree-lined shores and enjoy crystal-clear waters. Table Rock Lake is perfect for boating, trout fishing, paddle boarding, water skiing, and even scuba diving. Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and offering many coves for peaceful anchoring, Table Rock Lake is a boater’s dream.
Mark Twain Lake
Named after Missouri’s famous son and author, Mark Twain Lake is the largest lake in northeast Missouri. Its 18,600 acres of water is a haven for fishing enthusiasts, with a thriving bass, catfish, and crappie population. Located 20 miles southwest of Hannibal, MO, and as a part of the Clarence Cannon Dam, Mark Twain Lake is a naturally alluring boating destination for all sorts of activities.
Bull Shoals Lake
Located in southern Missouri, east of Branson, you’ll find Bull Shoals Lake. The lake is 45,000 acres with almost 1,000 miles of shoreline nestled among rock ledges and steep bluffs. Boating in Bull Shoals Lake is quite peaceful, whether you’re enjoying water sports, fishing, or cruising and enjoying the scenery.
Stockton Lake
Stockton Lake is a reservoir known and loved for its clear water, stunning scenery, and excellent sailing opportunities. The high winds on Stockton Lake are considered some of the best in the Midwest, making it the perfect destination for sailing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding.
Harry S. Truman Lake
Also known as
Truman Lake or Truman Reservoir, this is another excellent spot for fishing, particularly for crappie. As the largest lake in Missouri, boaters can enjoy 55,600 acres of open water and numerous coves, great for cruising and water sports. Swimming and fishing are popular activities on Truman Lake thanks to the Truman Dam, which helps warm the water year-round.
Lake Wappapello
One of the oldest man-made lakes in the country, Lake Wappapello, is in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains in Southeast Missouri. It was created by the Wappapello Damn, which was built on the St. Francis River. The lake offers 8,400 acres of boating, fishing, swimming, and tranquility, in addition to three beaches, four marinas, and 26 public boat ramps.
Missouri Boating Laws and Safety Guidelines
Age Requirements
In Missouri, any person born after January 1, 1984, must have and carry a boater education card along with a photo ID to operate a motorized boat with over ten horsepower. While there is no minimum age to
sign up for the boater safety course, it’s essential that all younger boaters are educated and feel confident before taking the helm.
Safety Equipment
Missouri law requires that all boats must be equipped with proper safety equipment, including life jackets for each person on board, throwable flotation devices for larger vessels, and fire extinguishers for motorized boats. Lights are also required when boating between sunset and sunrise.
Alcohol and Boating
Operating a boat while intoxicated is a serious offense in Missouri. Boaters should always designate a sober captain if alcohol is being consumed on board.
Speed Limits
While Missouri doesn’t have a statewide speed limit for boats, local restrictions may apply, and boaters must always maintain a safe speed. It is illegal to operate a boat at speeds that may cause harm or property damage or in a careless way that disregards the safety of others.
Missouri Boat Insurance
Although boat insurance is not required by law in the state of Missouri, it’s critical to note that boat insurance is highly recommended. Marine insurance protects boat owners from various risks, such as physical damage to the boat, liability for injuries or damages caused by you or your boat, and theft or vandalism. Some financial lenders might require you to carry insurance if you have a lien on your boat (i.e. if you’re making payments on it). Additionally, some marinas may require you to have insurance before being able to dock or store your boat at their facility.
It’s always a good idea to discuss your situation with a trusted insurance provider and
apply for a free quote at NBOA to ensure you have the right level of coverage for your specific needs at the best price possible.
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