Nearly a century old and one of America’s most beloved lake vacation destinations, the Lake of the Ozarks has quietly earned its title as the Powerboat Capital of the World—without ever intending to. The tradition of high-speed boating here dates back to the 1950s, when boat owners would race across the lake for fun, dashing from one spot to another.
By the late 1980s, local boating enthusiasts—including businessman Fran Steingrubey and a group of dedicated volunteers—decided to formalize the thrill of competition. In 1989, they launched the first official "Shootout" at the iconic lakeside venue Shooters 21, dubbing it The Lake Rescue Shootout (though many still called it the Shooters Shootout).
Top 5 Lake of The Ozarks Neighborhoods: Homes For Sale
From the start, the Shootout was all about bragging rights—determining who had the fastest boat on the lake—while raising money for the fire department and local charities. The two-day event became a tradition: the first day for trial runs, and the second for the ultimate showdown, where competitors vied for the top speed trophy and, most importantly, the right to boast that their boat was faster than their friends'.
The Rise of Powerboating at the Lake of the Ozarks
The 1980s and ‘90s were a golden era for real estate development at the Lake of the Ozarks. Thousands of condominiums were built during those decades, opening the door for Missourians and out-of-state buyers to embrace the Lake of the Ozarks lifestyle. As families and second-home owners flocked to the lake, they invested in boats—transforming summer weekends into a tradition of sun-soaked adventures and lifelong memories.
Boating quickly became a way of life, and manufacturers took notice. The lake, once dominated by small runabouts like IMP hardtops, Century, and Chris-Craft—along with ski boats and houseboats—soon saw a shift in demand. Buyers wanted speed and performance, fueling the rise of brands like Donzi, Formula, Wellcraft, and Fountain Powerboats.
By the 2000s, advancements in marine technology took powerboating to new heights. Boat hulls evolved with stepped designs and catamarans ("cats"), while engine manufacturers pushed horsepower limits and refined outdrives for better performance and handling. Suddenly, even the average boater could harness serious speed—and with 1,200 miles of shoreline to explore, the Lake of the Ozarks became the ultimate playground to unleash it.
The Evolution of the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout and the Rise of Midwest Coast™ Racing
By the late 2000s, the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout had already cemented its reputation as one of the most thrilling unsanctioned boat races in the world. Dave Callan set multiple top-speed records, culminating in a blistering 209 MPH run in 2007—a course record that marked the end of an era as the event’s longtime home, Shooters 21, closed its doors.
In 2008, the Shootout faced another pivotal moment when Ron Duggan, owner of Sunrise Title, stepped in to host the race at his lakeside hotspot, Captain Ron’s. Rebranded as the "Lake of the Ozarks Shootout," the event flourished at this new location, attracting record crowds and raising unprecedented funds for local charities. The move proved to be a game-changer, as the Shootout grew into a must-see spectacle, drawing high-performance boats and adrenaline-seeking fans from across the globe.
The Shootout’s legacy of speed continued in 2014, when Sheikh bin Jabor Al-Thani shattered records once again, piloting his jet-powered "Spirit of Qatar" to an astonishing 244 MPH—a mark that still stands today. But as with all great traditions, change was inevitable. In 2025, the Shootout announced another major shift, relocating to the Grand Glaize Bridge in Osage Beach, bringing the race closer to its original roots while ushering in a new chapter.
Beyond the Shootout: A Boating Mecca
While the Shootout remains the crown jewel of Lake of the Ozarks racing, it’s far from the only high-speed attraction. The XINSURANCE Offshore Lake Race, held near the historic Bagnell Dam Strip, has become a staple for powerboat enthusiasts. The Strip itself—known as the "front door" to the Lake of the Ozarks—boasts 17 restaurants and bars, creating a vibrant hub for entertainment.
Lake Ozark Mayor Dennis Newberry, a longtime advocate for the Strip’s growth, has played a key role in fostering these events. As a founding member of the Bagnell Dam Strip Association (2006) and now as mayor (since 2021), Newberry has championed the Shootout Meet and Greet and other unique attractions that set the Lake apart as a one-of-a-kind destination.
The Future of Midwest Coast™ Racing
In 2024, the Lake of the Ozarks solidified its status as the Midwest Coast™ with the debut of Super Cat Fest, hosted by Camden on the Lake. This high-octane event brought the world’s fastest offshore catamarans to the 7MM marker, showcasing the Lake’s growing reputation as a premier boating playground. With catamaran ownership surging and top manufacturers well-represented, Super Cat Fest is poised to become a marquee event—further proving that the Lake of the Ozarks isn’t just a Midwest gem, but a true rival to coastal boating capitals.
From record-breaking speeds to world-class festivals, the Lake of the Ozarks continues to redefine what it means to be a boating paradise—no ocean required. Whether it’s the roar of a turbine engine at the Shootout or the sleek lines of a Super Cat cutting through the water, one thing is clear: the Midwest Coast™ is here to stay.
Powerboat Paradise: The Midwest Coast’s Premier Dealerships
The Lake of the Ozarks isn’t just a boating destination—it’s a high-performance powerboat mecca, home to some of the most elite dealerships in the country. Whether you're chasing speed, luxury, or cutting-edge design, these showrooms deliver the best of the best.
Big Thunder Marine – Speed & Luxury Defined
3401 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Lake Ozark | www.bigthundermarine.com
Big Thunder Marine is a powerhouse in the performance boating world, offering 17 top-tier brands, including legendary names like Cigarette, Donzi, and Fountain. Owner Fred Ross has solidified his influence in the industry by acquiring Donzi and Fountain, ensuring these iconic brands remain at the forefront of Lake of the Ozarks’ high-speed culture. For those who demand both speed and sophistication, Big Thunder’s showroom is a must-visit.
Midwest Boating Center – Nor-Tech’s Exclusive Midwest Hub
3007 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Lake Ozark | www.midwestboatingcenter.com
As the exclusive Midwest dealer for Nor-Tech—a premier high-performance boat builder out of Southwest Florida—Midwest Boating Center brings coastal-level craftsmanship to the heart of Missouri. Owned by Marvin Duffner, a longtime Lake of the Ozarks boating enthusiast and prolific businessman, this dealership has brokered more boats than nearly anyone else at the Lake. If you’re looking for precision-built speed with Florida-grade quality, Nor-Tech delivers—and Midwest Boating Center is your gateway.
Performance Boat Center – The Ultimate High-Performance Playground
1650 Yacht Club Drive, Osage Beach | www.performanceboatcenter.com
No visit to the Lake of the Ozarks is complete without stopping at Performance Boat Center (PBC). Their showroom is a jaw-dropping showcase of the world’s finest performance boats, featuring brands like MTI, Skater, Outerlimits, and their own in-house line, Performance Powerboats. Owner Mark Waddington has been a driving force in elevating powerboating at the Lake, with a portfolio that includes Redhead Yacht Club and Roxie’s on the Bagnell Dam Strip. If you want to see (or own) the fastest, most advanced boats on the water, PBC is the place to be.
Why the Lake of the Ozarks is Powerboating’s Midwest Coast™
With world-class dealerships, record-setting races, and a culture built around speed and luxury, the Lake of the Ozarks has earned its reputation as the Midwest Coast™. Whether you're shopping for a thousand-horsepower offshore rocket or just want to admire the finest boats on the water, these showrooms prove that you don’t need an ocean to live the high-performance dream.
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