3 Tips For Boating Etiquette

With the Lake of the Ozarks being the #1 Recreational Lake in the Country, our Lake is always full of vacationers and locals alike! With the increasing popularity of our Lake, it's incredibly important it keep boating etiquette in the forefront of your mind. Here are a few tips that can help keep your boating experiences fun and friendly!

Underway

You are always responsible for your own wake. There are obviously rules of the road, er...water, that must be followed, but sometimes it's just about being friendly. When you're passing a boat, you both have to work together to make sure that each are passed safely. As the boat being overtaken, you may need to adjust your speed a bit for the passing boat. As the overtaking vessel, however, you need to remember that your wake can leave an effect longer than just your passing. Use caution and courtesy when you're underway.

Anchoring and Mooring

When you are entering an anchoring or mooring area, be sure to do so at a slow speed. Much like moving into a new neighborhood, you'll want your new neighbors to like you! When you come rip-roaring into a cove your wake could upset someone's food or drinks, if nothing else, leave them grabbing onto their boat to steady themselves. When you're anchoring, make sure that you don't get too close to other anchored boats, and that you leave room for a swing radius. You don't want to ruin your boating fun when the wind picks up and the boats start banging against each other, or at the very least, tangling the anchor lines.

Marina Manners

When you're stopping for fuel, keep in mind that other boaters may be waiting to fuel as well - so don't leave your boat to get groceries and hang out. Tie up securely, follow proper fueling procedures, pay your bill and move away. When you are keeping your boat in a slip, be sure to keep your area clear. Roll up your hoses and place power cords in such a way that you or a passerby won't trip.




Even though you don't know the other boaters out on the water personally, we're all in this together as a boating family. Everyone has a right to their own space, yet we can all provide assistance whenever necessary. Boating is a fun way to enjoy our beautiful Lake, but when you abide by these 3 tips, it can help make it fun for everyone!
Surdyke's Port 20 is the newest full service marina at the Lake of the Ozarks. We can assist you with bottom paint, de-winterizations, boat storage, slip rental and boat rentals. We also have a full service gas dock at the Lake of the Ozarks, where you can practice all of your new etiquette! Stop by and take a tour of our facility and see what our marina can do for you!

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Highway Store Location        Marina Store Location         Surdyke's Port 20

5863 Osage Beach Parkway       1660 Yamaha Drive                 5395 Spruce Lane

Osage Beach, MO 65065            Osage Beach, MO 65065         Osage Beach, MO 65065
(573) 348-6575                         (573) 348-9283                      (573) 348-3178