What’s Developing?

What’s Developing?

Big things are under construction at the Lake: projects that promise to grow and reshape the Lake economy for good. by Nathan Bechtold The Lake of the Ozarks has long struggled under the “seasonal economy” stigma. And no doubt, the Lake’s population swings...

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Tragedy & Mystery

Tragedy & Mystery

How many people were aboard, during one of the most infamous boating calamities in Lake of the Ozarks history? by Nathan Bechtold & Captain Charles Meyer, various photos collected by Captain Charles Meyer A short tour of the Lake. A freak storm. Three people,...

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The Big Gamble

The Big Gamble

Inside the schemes and dreams of two very different groups with the same aim: be the first to build a casino at Lake of the Ozarks. by Nathan Bechtold The buzz of energy and anticipation fills the room. Lights glimmer off cocktail glasses and diamond jewelry. A shout...

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Editor’s Note

Editor’s Note

“The present is the future of the past,” sings Switchfoot frontman Jon Foreman. That profundity is not original to Jon. He loves borrowing from philosophers and historic theologians for his lyrics, and in this case, the idea comes nearly verbatim from St. Augustine in...

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FASS Man, FASS Boat

FASS Man, FASS Boat

The story of Brad Ekstam, the man behind one of the Lake’s most well-known boats and coolest business success stories: FASS Diesel Fuel Systems. by Christy Wagner, Lake Ozark The year was 2003. Brad Ekstam was a man of humble beginnings and had driven a semi-truck...

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DOCK DIGS: BARS AND KITCHENS

DOCK DIGS: BARS AND KITCHENS

by Deanna Wolff Nothing complements dock life like a bar and/or kitchen! It’s the perfect place to hang out with family and friends after a delightful day out on the boat. Enjoy refreshing lakeside cocktails at the bar or cook a mess of fresh-caught crappie in your...

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A Premier Pick-Up

With the purchase of Premier 54, Rick Ball and Steve Brink keep growing their marine business portfolio at Lake of the Ozarks. Here’s their secret. by Nathan Bechtold Where would the number-one dealer of Chaparral Boats in the world be located? Of course, the answer...

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The North Shore

Homebuyers are finding this stretch of lakefront real estate appealing, for a host of reasons. Photo by Lake Shots Photography by Kate Robbins The real estate market has exploded at Lake of the Ozarks. In 2021, home sales were on-pace to show a 33% increase compared...

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The Lake’s Lost Towns

Beneath these waters, a history lies… by Janet Dabbs, with additional information by Michael Gillespie (posthumous) Bagnell Dam was—and is—an engineering marvel, one that would supply electricity to Missouri and, in creating Lake of the Ozarks, bring economic...

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Business In Their Blood

The family that founded Cobalt Boats just bought family-owned Summerset Boat Lifts at Lake of the Ozarks. Meet the St. Clairs. by Nathan Bechtold - all photos courtesy the Brooks & St. Clair families Ancient historians report when the Romans went to war, their...

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From Ankeny To The Ozarks

by Kate Robbins Carl Moyer has had a storied career, from leading a successful racing career to growing a thriving auto group. This summer, the long-time Iowa auto dealer made Lake of The Ozarks his second home.  Moyer always had a passion for cars. He got his start...

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The Lake’s Best Beer Tour

by Emily Debert The number of breweries in America is at an all-time high. In January of this year, beveragedynamics.com predicted the total number of American breweries to exceed 8,000 in the not-too-distant future. For Lake of the Ozarks residents and vacationers...

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The Lake’s First Seaplane Pilot

by Michael Gillespie The 1950s were interesting times at the Lake. Simple roadside attractions were the rule of the day, and that usually included a trip to the dam to sample the various amusements and souvenir shops, and maybe take an excursion boat ride. Those boat...

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Through Your Lens

The Lake's scenic sunsets and perfect photo ops are endless. SHORE readers shared some of their favorite shots from 2020. Got the perfect sunrise, sunset, or scenic Lake photo? Send it to publisher@shoreboatingmag.comWant your crew included in SHORE 2022? Send photos...

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The Lake Is My Happy Place

SHORE readers sent us photos of friends and family enjoying the Lake of the Ozarks–their happy place–in 2020!Want your crew included in SHORE 2022? Send photos to publisher@shoreboatingmag.com  

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Elevating Dock Electric Safety

Lake of the Ozarks has 30,000 docks, and local electricians are raising the bar to keep them safe. by Nathan Bechtold A group of electrical contractors at Lake of the Ozarks is banding together to improve dock electric safety. Decades ago, most docks had no need of...

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The Formula For Success

Two Missouri boys’ journeys from selling cars to dream boats by Tegan Shockley & Nathan Bechtold Anyone who’s had a business partner knows the huge upsides… and the potential pitfalls. But with Rick Ball and Steve Brink, it’s been a charmed partnership from the...

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