Shootout Tie-Up Rules: How To Navigate Lake Of The Ozarks' Biggest Flotilla

The Lake of the Ozarks Shootout, set for August 24-25 at Captain Ron's Bar & Grill, is more than just a boat race; it's a celebration of speed, community, and summer fun. And the huge tie-up embodies that sentiment.

Shootout Crowd Shots! Lake Of The Ozarks' Biggest Party On The Water [GALLERY II]

The Shootout is a blast, whether you come for the boat racing, or just to tie-up with thousands of boaters for an afternoon of fun. Photos by Justin Pfeifer/LakeExpo.com

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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:

Shootout Spectators Flotilla — photo by JB Simpson

Plan Your Stay: It’s a day-long event! Don't try to leave in the middle of the action. 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 your boat with plenty of lifejackets, sunscreen, food, and water too. The earlier you get there the better to watch from a good spot!

No Wake Info:

8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 24, from the 31-36 Mile Marker
Extended 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 24, from the 21-31 Mile Marker
8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 25, from the 31-36 Mile Marker

Huge Crowd Of Boaters - Shootout 2021 - Flotilla — photo by Jeff Helmkamp

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!