Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

Lake of the Ozarks Shootout: The Ultimate Boater's Guide

August 13, 2019 by Michael Kiel

It is time for the thunderous roars of the 31st Annual Shootout at Lake of the Ozarks on Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25, 2019. The Shootout would not be possible without the many sponsors and the countless volunteers who help in every facet of the event. This high-octane, two-day race is sure to satisfy any speed junkie. From how to get your boat into the best viewing position to post-race exit strategies, this is your ultimate guide to navigating the Shootout.

31st annual shootout lake of the ozarksPhoto Credit: Lake of the Ozarks Shootout

Captains Looking for a Front Row Spot Must Arrive Early

The Shootout is a two-day race event. We recommend going both days. If you have to choose one day over the other, consider the following. Saturday will be the busier of the two race days. If you are looking for a party, Saturday is your day. If you prefer smaller crowds, pick Sunday. Race weekend kicks off on Saturday at 9:45 AM with the opening ceremony and national anthem. Racing resumes on Sunday at 10 AM, followed by the award ceremony at 4 PM.

Boaters expecting to tie up along the race course (33MM) must arrive early. Your fellow captains and their mates will arrive hours before the race starts on both Saturday and Sunday. We recommend getting into position by 8 AM at the latest if you want a front-row position on Saturday. You should also have at least 100 feet of anchor line. Insider Tip: Listen to Shootout coverage in real-time on Cool 102.7 FM

boats tied up at lake of the ozarks shootout
Once you get your boat into position and tied up to a neighboring boat, we recommend staying in that position for the duration of the race. Come prepared for a long day on the Lake. Remember to bring plenty of food, drinks, sunscreen, and your favorite floatie. A well-prepared Captain and his or her mates make for a comfortable and enjoyable race day on the water.

Airshow at the Shootout

If you find speeds upwards of 200 mph on the water exciting, then the airshow at the Shootout will not disappoint. During race intermission, the high-flying, thrill-seeking, Brian Correll takes to the air along the race course both Saturday and Sunday. Among the highlights, Brian races a speedboat just feet off the water!

brian correll airshow at lake of the ozarks shootoutPhoto Credit: Brian Correll Airshows

No-Wake Zone - What to Know and How to Handle It

There will be a no-wake zone on both race days from the 31MM to the 36MM with an extended no-wake zone on Saturday only from 1PM to 7 PM that starts at the 21 MM. The Missouri Highway Patrol says, the extended no-wake zone is in place on Saturday because most boaters leave the race by exiting downstream, and Saturday is the busiest of the two race days. Insider Tip: Do not sit in the extended no-wake zone. Instead, visit a handful of awesome chill spots for dinner and a drink: Bulldog’s (33MM), Larrywood (31MM), Fish & Co. (31MM), Popeyz (31MM), Nautifish (3.5MM Niangua Arm), and of course Captain Ron's (34.5MM) the host of Shootout. Then, after your belly is full and the boat traffic has thinned out, take a nice sunset cruise back to your dock or spend the night in a quiet cove. As always, be safe, watch your wake, and have a sober captain.

shootout 2019 no wake zone mapPhoto Credit: Lake of the Ozarks Shootout

Do you prefer to view the race at the beginning of the course or closer to the finish line? Who do you think will be the Top Gun this year? Join the conversation, we would love to hear from you

Michael Kiel