Lake Living at the Ozarks
Best Boats of 2008
Here’s a sneak pick at some of the ‘in’ rides you’ll find on the lake this season.

Ahhh, summer, and it’s about time since the Midwest unfortunately endured an extended winter for way too many months. It’s now time for T-shirts, flip flops, tanning and, of course, the lake. The 55,000-acre Lake of the Ozarks, one of the largest man-made lakes in the U.S. and home to 4.5-5 million visitors each year, is packed every spring and summer with boating and swimming enthusiasts cruising around on boats, pontoons and wave runners, or leisurely spending time skiing, swimming or tubing.

For all the lake-goers out there, here’s a head’s up on some of the newest lake ‘toys’ — you’ll definitely want to see and be seen on these ‘hot’ picks for 2008.

2008 Sea Ray 48 Sundancer

Speed, safety and good looks (with the satin-nickel-finish push-button knobs and switch plates) are all-inclusive in the 2008 Sea Ray 48 Sundancer. It features U-shaped seating (with storage below) and swim platform with a concealed ladder for those who need to take a dip in the lake after an all-day tanning session. If you want to relax, take cover under the fully enclosed hardtop with overhead lighting and two large opening sunroof hatches, and with the patented underwater exhaust for quieter cruising, naps can last all afternoon. The high-water bilge pump, alert system at helm, aluminum windshield frame and electric front vent help this model meet applicable USCG, NMMA and ABYC standards. Visitors can also enjoy the standard 26-inch LCD flat-screen TV with remote and DVD player, convertible salon sofa-sleeper for guests or optional washer/dryer combo. 

  

341 Meridian

It’s an overwhelming sense of freedom and power to cruise on the lake with the Meridian’s 341 Sedan. You can sail all day in a boat that has stainless-steel, welded rails, L-lounge seat, bimini top and a molded swim platform. The power comes from the T6.2L MPI Mercury Horizon engine, in addition to the battery paralleling system, electrical load panel and stainless-steel propeller shafts. For safety purposes, The Meridian boasts USCG-approved navigation lights, Rule bilge pumps with automatic float switch and indicator light at helm, and a ship’s bell. Overnighters can enjoy a full-service galley and salon, including mahogany flooring, recessed cook top and a 19-inch LCD stereo television with a DVD player and four speakers with salon and bridge remote. It’s the luxuries that come with life on the open sea (or lake, in this case). 

  

Formula 350 Sun Sport

Formula Sun Sports have the power to satisfy day boaters who know what they want in spirited, fun-loving moments on the water. The Formula 350 Sun Sport is gaining popularity for people who want the comfort of a cruiser but the power and handling of a performance boat. Long on looks and versatility, each Formula SS cockpit is designed around a comfortable lounge with stowaway table that offers great get-together appeal and easily converts to a large sun pad. It also features an aft-facing sun lounge for two that extends to take full advantage of on-water activities while at anchor. The ever-popular integrated wet bar in each cockpit is a Formula hallmark for convenient entertaining afloat, and there is a polished stainless drink holder within easy reach for everyone aboard. Sun Sport cabins appeal to the senses with high-gloss, deep cherry-finish cabinetry, solid wood tables and luxurious Ultraleather lounges with beautiful decor pillows and coordinating draperies. Subtly patterned custom carpeting or American cherry wood grain-finish flooring completes the interior. The Sun Sport can also be outfitted in the Ralph Lauren Style featuring the most exclusive decor with fluffy pillows, quilted bed coverings, lavish pleated draperies and upgraded kitchen furnishings. 

  

Formula 45 Yacht

Boldly innovative design and superb craftsmanship predominate in the elegant new 45 Yacht. Advanced engineering attains smooth, sure performance at an exhilarating pace. The commanding 45 introduces a coupe-top design with a motorized sunroof, protecting the entire forward cockpit while also providing convenient access to the foredeck. When retracted, the sunroof allows Lake boaters to enjoy the warmth and sunshine of summer. However, when weather isn’t as accommodating, the sunroof protects boaters with additional air-conditioning and heat availability. Interior accommodations of the 45 inspire a sense of wonder and appreciation, indulging every expectation with splendid decor and elite furnishings. Four LCD televisions can be found throughout the Formula 45, as well as Bose surround sound. The 45 Yacht can also be upgraded to the Ralph Lauren Style, which includes deep red, navy blue and warm khaki colors, in perfectly coordinated solids and plaids sleek, Corian countertops and high-gloss cabinetry in a deep cherry finish. 

The 2008 Sea Ray 48 Sundancer and the 341 Meridian can be found at MarineMax Port Arrowhead. 573.365.5382 or www.marinemax.com

The Formula 350 Sun Sport and Formula 45 Yacht can be found at Glencove Marine. 573.365.4001 or glencovemarine.com

Did You Know?

The Lake of the Ozarks is a hot spot for tourists and residents every summer. It’s filled with boats, of every shape and size, and people, from all-day loungers to those acrobatically inclined. Traditionally, however, the Lake of the Ozarks hasn’t been known as one of the safest lakes in the country, but the U.S. Coast Guard, Missouri State Water Patrol and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliaries (volunteer lifesavers who patrol the Lake and enforce rules) are taking measures to make sure that statistic changes for the better. “After moving back here [the Lake], I found out about all the good things the Coast Guard does, and I wanted to give back,” says Air Force retiree and commander of a Lake flotilla, Cecil Layton. “We’re trying to save lives; that’s what we’re out there for.”

Educating lake-goers is a major factor in reducing the amount of accidents each year. The Coast Guard Auxiliary at the Lake conducts safety boating classes that teach basic rules and regulations of operating a boat — but it’s getting people to go that’s a problem. To help that cause, legislature passed a law in 2004 requiring boat operators born after January 1, 2004, to obtain a certification card from an approved boating safety course. In addition to education, the Water Patrol is in the process of hiring more people, and the U.S. Coast Guard is present at all major fireworks displays, shootouts and boat races, which they didn’t use to do in the past.

The Lake of the Ozarks Water Safety Council is also taking action to ensure safety on the lake. Established only two years ago, the Water Safety Council is made up of U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Missouri State Water Patrol, business and community members. Their two main goals are to promote designating a captain and wearing a life jacket, and since the Council’s inception, the number of boating fatalities at the Lake is lower than it has been in 20 years. With that statistic, their powerful message must pack quite a punch: “If your captain is drunk, you’re 10 times more likely to go down with the ship. Wear a life jacket. Designate a captain.” Recently the Council received a federal grant for all banners, informational sheets on boating laws, posters and coasters that publicize their message.