All About Boats

Missouri law permits unsupervised operation of a motorboat or vessel at age 14, but that is not a guaranteed rental age. A person under 14 may operate only under the direct on-board supervision of a parent, guardian or another person age 16 or older, unless the motorboat is moored. For personal watercraft, an operator under 14 must have someone at least 16 aboard.

As of September 29, 2026, Section 306.127 requires a boating safety identification card for vessel operators born after January 1, 1984, and before January 1, 2006, on Missouri lakes. Beginning January 1, 2027, operators born on or after January 1, 2006, must carry one on waters of the state. The rental operator sets its own minimum, so confirm it when booking.

Source: Missouri State Highway Patrol Water Patrol Division (revisor.mo.gov)

Yes. Operators born after January 1, 1984 and before January 1, 2006 must carry a boater safety card or boating endorsement when operating a motorized boat or sailboat over 12 feet on the lakes of this state; this includes personal watercraft. The requirement has been in force since 2005. Beginning January 1, 2027 it also covers operators born on or after January 1, 2006, and extends from the lakes to the waters of the state.

Operators under 14 need direct onboard supervision by a parent, guardian, or other person 16 or older. Renters may use a once in a lifetime temporary card valid for up to seven days. Exemptions include qualifying Coast Guard licensees, military members and spouses, approved regatta participants, private waters, and recognized NASBLA credentials. The Missouri State Highway Patrol Water Patrol Division administers the program.

Source: Missouri State Highway Patrol Water Patrol Division (mshp.dps.missouri.gov)

From Osage Beach, boat the Grand Glaize Arm of Lake of the Ozarks, then continue where it joins the Osage Arm for broader, more open water. Fish Hatchery Cove and Anderson Hollow are enclosed side coves off the Glaize Arm, while the state park’s Aquatic Trail offers a shoreline-focused alternative. Public put-ins include the paved ramps at Grand Glaize Beach, Public Beach #1 and Pa He Tsi. Grand Glaize Beach and Public Beach #1 also have marinas, making them convenient starting points for exploring the main arm and nearby coves.

Source: Missouri State Parks (mostateparks.com)

From Osage Beach, boaters head across Lake of the Ozarks to Grand Glaize Beach for a sandy swimming stop with picnic areas and a playground; Party Cove for a livelier social outing; and Ha Ha Tonka State Park on the Big Niangua Arm, where docks serve both the castle ruins and spring sides of the cove. Together, these destinations offer a beach day, a gathering spot and a park landing without leaving the Lake of the Ozarks.

Source: Missouri State Parks (mostateparks.com)