BEYONDER Marine at Sterett Creek

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 Warsaw, choose between Truman Lake above Truman Dam and the Osage River Arm of Lake of the Ozarks below it; the dam separates the boating areas, so launch on the side you plan to explore. Drake Harbor has a concrete public ramp beside downtown for the Osage Arm. Bledsoe Ferry launches into the old Osage River channel, where the ramp was placed for still water. On Truman Lake, Shawnee Bend reaches a broad expanse of open water near the dam. Thibaut Point offers a creek-arm alternative at the meeting of Little Tebo Creek and Sterett Creek, with a boat ramp.

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

Good day-trip targets from Warsaw include four recreation areas on Truman Lake: Harry S Truman State Park, Long Shoal Park, Thibaut Point Park and Berry Bend Park. The state park’s peninsula draws boaters with a marina, sand swimming beach and shaded picnic sites. Long Shoal, on the Grand River Arm, has a marina, boat ramp and swimming beach. Thibaut Point, where Little Tebo Creek and Sterett Creek meet, offers a ramp, beach and picnic shelters. Berry Bend, on the Osage Arm, is known for fishing, natural scenery and lake access.

Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Kansas City District (mostateparks.com)