Shootout No-Wake Zone & Tie-Up Spots! Here's What You Need To Know For The Races

This year’s Lake of the Ozarks Shootout, set for August 29-30 at Dog Days Bar & Grill, is more than a boat race. It’s a celebration of speed, community, and summer fun.

Boaters turn out by the thousands, and that means two things: a massive flotilla and a special no-wake zone.

The location on the Glaize Arm of the Lake means the historically unpopular-but-necessary extended no-wake zone is gone. But there's still a No-Wake in key areas near the race.

Here's what you need to know...

The Flotilla

As the largest unsanctioned charity boat race in the country, Shootout draws crowds eager to watch high-octane competition and enjoy the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks. Spectators create a massive flotilla near the course, creating a sea of boats.

If you plan to watch the Shootout from the water, here are some tips:

Plan To Stay. It’s a day-long event! Don't try to leave in the middle of the action.

Leaving Early? If you only plan to stay for a short while, choose a spot at the end of the flotilla or tie-up with your own group.

Stock Up. Stock your boat with plenty of lifejackets, sunscreen, food, and water too.

Bring Enough Anchor Line. Anticipate needing enough anchor line for water more than 100 feet deep. 

Arrive Early. The race day officially starts at 9 a.m. Saturday and 8:30 a.m. Sunday, and experienced boaters know the earlier you get there, the better chance you have of watching from a good spot!

Abide By Anchor Management. Shootout Patrol boats will be managing the flotilla. Be cool, follow their directions, and enjoy the fun.

The No-Wake Zone

During summer weekends, a No-Wake Zone is implemented from the confluence of the Glaize Arm and the Main Channel (the 19 Mile Marker of the Main Channel) up to the 1.5 MM of the Glaize Arm. That No-Wake Zone will be in effect from 7:30 a.m. until sunset on Saturday & Sunday, Aug. 29-30.

A No-Wake (Idle) speed area will also be enforced in the area of the race course. This will extend from the normal Glaize No-Wake Area to the 4 MM of the Grand Glaize Arm (around the Party Cove area). 

The No-Wake Zone no longer extends into the Main Channel.

In past years, the zone extended more than 10 miles downstream of the former Shootout location at Captain Ron's, to mitigate damaging wakes caused by the large amount of boats leaving the area and all heading the same direction. Now, boating traffic is more likely to split: with many boaters heading upstream from the Glaize Arm and others heading downstream.

In the map below, the red flags indicate the beginning and end of the zone in relation to the course. 

No-Wake & Tie-Up Tips

Idle Up to the Line: Approach slowly and steadily. With so many boats, rushing can cause accidents or injuries. Take the time to navigate into position.

Introduce Yourself: Meet your neighbors in the flotilla. A friendly introduction can foster a positive atmosphere and make for a more enjoyable day on the water. You might even make new friends!

Be Wake-Wise: Again, idle, to prevent creating large wakes that could disrupt other boats or endanger those on the water. Respect the crowded environment and ensure a safe and pleasant experience for all.

Tie Up Smartly: Aim to tie up to boats of similar size when possible, though this isn’t always feasible. Keep the boat steady by ensuring the lines are secure and dropping anchor so the flotilla doesn't shift.

Fender Up: Protect both sides of your boat with fenders to prevent damage. Even though each boater is responsible for their vessel, using fenders helps avoid unnecessary drama and potential damage.

Respect the Space: Once tied up, plan to stay put until the flotilla starts to disperse. Avoid being "that boater" who disrupts the setup by trying to leave prematurely. 

Ask Before Crossing: If you're tied to the line and want to visit other spectators, always ask before crossing another boat's back platform. Conversely, don't be surprised when people ask your permission. It's a community event, after all!

The best rule of thumb is to simply be courteous. And if you're unsure what to do, don't be afraid to ask a stranger. Enjoy the races, the air show, and the vibrant community spirit of the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout!

Not watching by the water? Here's the parking information for the Shootout, headquartered at Dog Days at 1232 Jeffries Rd, Osage Beach. 

Live race coverage will air on Mix 92.7 FM radio. The video stream will be available on the Shootout's and on Facebook and YouTube.

The restaurant will have restricted parking access. There are multiple $20 parking spot areas with a shuttle to Dog Days. 

Rideshare pick-up and drop-off are at the top lot of Dog Days (same place where the shuttle will go).