Showboat Branson Belle

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 Branson, you can boat on Table Rock Lake or Lake Taneycomo, but Table Rock Dam separates them, so choose the right launch before setting out. Table Rock State Park has a ramp and marina leading to broad, open lake water and nearby coves. Indian Point provides another ramp and marina amid cove-lined water, while Moonshine Beach has a public ramp near the dam and a swim beach. For Lake Taneycomo, Cooper Creek Access has a concrete ramp. Taneycomo’s upper reach can be deep and swift during power generation, then shallow and difficult for boats when generation stops; boating becomes more practical farther downstream.

Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (mdc.mo.gov)

From Branson, boaters can make Table Rock Lake day trips to Indian Point, the Long Creek arm, Old Highway 86 Recreation Area and Table Rock State Park. Indian Point offers marina access, a swimming beach and picnic grounds; Long Creek has branching coves suited to the lake’s popular anchor-and-swim outings; Old Highway 86 combines scenic lake access with fishing, picnicking and a swimming beach; and Table Rock State Park provides a boat ramp, courtesy docks and a day-use picnic area. These are local lake stops, not road-trip attractions elsewhere in Missouri.

Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (visittablerocklake.com)