Lake of the Ozarks

[Alex Miranda]

Hey everyone!!!! Headed to Lake of the Ozarks for a work conference next week and wanted to bring the boat. Anyone in that area want to let me know how boating conditions are right now. The wife is freaking out because the weather apps say 30% chance of rain, but here in San Antonio 30% = 5% chance. Just dont want to tow all the way there to have it sitting on the trailer all week. Thanks in advance.

 

[Babin Farms]

30% rain means 70% no rain. Would you play the lotto with 70% chance of winning??? Might just be morning showers or evening showers. I’d be taking the boat even if you only get out for a day.

 

[Mike Clark]

We took our 24 footer there last summer, July 4th week, was there for 8 days. Most of the boats there are 30 to 45 footers. super rough unless going early in the morning or late evening. Lots of smaller boats, pontoons in the docks, makes me wonder when they run them. Stay closer to shore if going out in the day. Not quite as bad. Will never go back unless I have allot bigger boat.

 

[meaningreen]

I'd take the boat, during the weekend is very different then during the week. The larger boats usually only come out on weekends or holiday weeks. It also depends on what part of the lake you are going to be on. The main channel is always busy on the weekends, but the farther away you are from the main channel the calmer it gets. It's been chilly and overcast but not horrible conditions. Water will be in the lower 70's so not swimming temp but cruising is fine.

 

[sleek98]

I wouldn't go out in a 195 in the main area on the weekend, unless your running up one of the non-busy arms to get away from the ocean cruisers. During the week you would be perfectly fine.

 

[AboveTheBest]

Just be careful and watch out for money-laundering drug cartels.

 

[Alex Miranda]

Appreciate everyones input. Based on the comments, where is considered the 'main area' or 'main channel'? I will be coming from the Margaritaville Resort side of the lake. Not sure how far I'll venture from there.

 

[hapyfishrmn]

Margaritaville Resort sits on the main channel of the lake. I would head south/west along the lake. You should be able to find some stretches of areas with good coves to relax or towing. I would not head north towards the Gland Glaze bridge or towards the Party Cove area. It would be very rough even on the edges of the main channel. Early morning and weekdays are good times to get out and enjoy the lake.

 

[sleek98]

I agree with hapyfishrmn, if you head south then west around that arm, you should be fine. You would be heading "up" the mile markers, the lower the number the more crowded the lake will be.

 

[Acard7]

We try to make it to the ozarks one week or more every year. We went from MM1 to MM47 (and back to MM1) on a 26ft tritoon without an issue last year during the week; really not my cup of tea by boat but the In-Laws wanted "the experience," and to get to Big Dicks Halfway Inn bar and restaurant. The key is vacationing there during the week like most have said. When we went out on Friday it really wasn't busy until the late afternoon, and we still didn't get rocked by a bunch of wakes either, granted we were on a 26ft tritoon as well. For the weekend it will get hairy so keep an eye out for sure. We will be traveling with our AR230 next weekend, 10-13th.

Below is the main channel and a MM Map under that. Starts at the dam in the top right (Lake Ozark/Lakeside area - MM1) and goes all the way down past Mansfield Forest State Wildlife. Stop by Paradise around MM24 and you're at MM25-26, so pretty easy boat ride; they have fuel, food, drinks, etc. If you want to make a trip up to MM10ish, Franky & Louie's Beach Front Bar & Grill is awesome too. Just be smart if it gets busy and you'll be fine. You'll see lots of state patrol monitoring the main channel as well pending how far you travel. If you haven't done a boater education course Missouri requires it for anyone born after 1984, just FYI.

 

[Alex Miranda]

 

[Alex Miranda]

Still conflicted lol, suppose to leave tomorrow morning. To prep the boat or not to prep ?

 

[Crob83]

I wouldn't fool with it with that forecast, but we all know that can possibly change. But 70% for multiple days in a row is enough to deter me ...lol

 

[sleek98]

The way the weather channel looks to me is it will rain one or two days. Not sure what the top app is from, it looks like accuweather but when I pull up accuweather it almost mirrors weather channel

 

[Alex Miranda]

As the cautious type, i dont want to chance it. However i know i would be aggravated if i was there all week and only saw light rain for a short period of time.

 

[sleek98]

I would assume a couple days will be a wash out. A couple others will be useable but I’m not sure I would tow if your coming from far away.

 

[Babin Farms]

We did 5 days in Destin, 2 were too windy & cold to go out but still well worth dragging the boat along. You know if you don’t take it there will be no rain during the times you would have went out.

 

[Alex Miranda]

I would assume a couple days will be a wash out. A couple others will be useable but I’m not sure I would tow if your coming from far away.

About 12.5hr drive ?

 

[sleek98]

@Alex Miranda What was your final call? I am a little north of you and it looks great, but I know it can rain down there while still being sunny here.

 

[Acard7]

Hope you took the boat! Weather looks to be great down in the Ozarks this week, besides the slight chance today and tomorrow!! We can't wait to get down there Thursday.