Big Thunder Marine at Ozark Yacht Club

Rentals from Big Thunder Marine at Ozark Yacht Club include life jackets, safety equipment, fuel, fishing gear, a bimini top, a Bluetooth stereo and GPS navigation. Amenities vary by boat and by season, so confirm what comes with the boat you book.

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 Lake Ozark, you can spend a day exploring several connected arms of Lake of the Ozarks. The lake’s main channel is the lively choice for cruising and water sports, while nearby coves offer quieter water. The Gravois Arm is known for waterfront stops and nightlife. The Grand Glaize Arm leads to the state park’s Grand Glaize marina and paved launch, with Pa He Tsi providing another launch. For a more relaxed fishing or casual boating route, continue into the Niangua Arm.

Source: Missouri Division of Tourism (visitmo.com)

From Lake Ozark, boaters make Lake of the Ozarks day trips to Grand Glaize Beach, Public Beach #1 and Ha Ha Tonka State Park. Grand Glaize pairs a sandy swimming beach with a marina and boat launch, while Public Beach #1 offers another sandy beach and marina. For a longer sightseeing run, Ha Ha Tonka has courtesy docks on the Big Niangua arm, with dock access to the castle ruins on one side of the cove and the spring area on the other.

Source: Missouri State Parks (mostateparks.com)