It never fails, on the busy weekend waters of Lake of the Ozarks, you'll inevitably see a boat — sitting uncomfortably low in the water or listing precariously to one side — overloaded with passengers.
A recent viral video showed just that. Bunch of dudes on the top deck of a tritoon, and... well...
This is avoidable, and Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper Dylan Green says there's good reason to avoid it. Actually there are several:
1. You could get pulled over
2. You could damage the boat
3. Someone could get seriously hurt or killed
"Happened last summer," Green said. "We had about 18 people on a tritoon. They got out into the channel and it was just taking on water, and we told them they gotta lose some people or they're done for the day." While the Patrol does not issue citations for an overloaded boat, he said they are authorized to end the trip for a vessel in cases like that, where the boat is deemed to be unsafe.
Green said what he often sees is people just disregarding basic physics... like piling everyone into one spot.
"It's knowing your space and balancing," he said. "Balance out the boat. We'll see people put 10 people in the front of a tritoon. So then it's nose-heavy."
On Lake of the Ozarks, the dangers of overloading are magnified by the large wakes that may occur on busy summer weekends, due to the number of boats — many of them large — on the main channel. An overloaded boat that is hit from the side by a large boat wake is in serious danger of capsizing. And that can be deadly.
Don't get stuck with a four-figure tow bill. XTow members receive free towing, free jump-starts, and 10¢/gallon fuel discounts at participating Lake marinas.
Save 50% through the July 4th weekend with promo code FIREWORK at LakeXTow.com.
How To Avoid Overloading
But how would you know if you're overloaded? Well, most recreational boats have a capacity plate. That's typically located at or near the helm, where the captain can easily see it — and be reminded if he/she is doing their job of keeping everyone aboard safe.
Can't find it? Do a quick online search of your boat's make/model, and add "capacity" to the search term, or ask your favorite AI tool.
Green gave a few tips:
1. Go by the capacity plate
2. If the boat's taking on water in the front, change weight around
3. Consider the power of the boat. "If the boat's struggling to get under way, especially in the main channel, consider your maybe over weight from what the boat's supposed to have."
And don't just assume you're within the boat's rated capacity range if everyone has a seat. Some boats have more seats than their rated capacity.
Even within boat models, there's a wide range. A Harris Breeze 210 pontoon is rated for 9-12 people, depending on the package. But a Harris Grand Mariner 250 pontoon is rated for between 9-14 people, again, depending on the capacity package.
(Shameless plug: Need a bigger boat? Shop Harris pontoons & other boats from lots of dealers at Lake of the Ozarks, at LakeExpo's one-stop-shop site, XBoats.)
What To Do Instead
Got 15 people but a boat that only holds 12?
DON'T: Put them aboard anyways. This can be a fatal decision.
DO: Take groups out in shifts. Someone needs to man the cooler and the grill back at the dock anyways. Or consider renting a PWC. Depending on the size, some PWCs can safely hold three adults.
REMINDER: Always designate a sober captain. Boating while intoxicated is not only illegal, it is also often deadly.
Need To Rent A Boat?
Here are a few local places we recommend, at Lake of the Ozarks:
Pirate's Point Gas Dock & Rentals
Quicky's Boat Rentals & Gas Dock
