The Shootout in Missouri: Lake of the Ozarks Top Speed Runs 2018
By all accounts the annual Lake of the Ozarks Shootout for 2018 was a huge success. With all the of the events leading up to it, and all of the partying beforehand, it is amazing that everyone could even get out of bed on Saturday. Being one of the most anticipated boating events of the year, it wasn’t surprising to see the massive turnout. One of the coolest things about the event is seeing enthusiasts from all over the country participate; from amateur to top race teams. The Lake of the Ozarks shootout is truly a fun party for everyone, not to mention the tremendous drive it has on the local economy, as well as the significant contribution to charities that are mounted each year.
If you’re a boat lover, you will have a hard time finding a place or event where you can see such an eclectic mix of performance boats in one place. From classic offshore hulls, to the latest cats, you will see almost everything here. And the community really rallies around the show, on the water I heard there were boats lined up for over a mile near one side of the course.
Saturday is the big day, and you are stuck with the conditions you have. For some of the drivers I talked to, the cross wind was one factor, but the rollers from the course were the hard part, competitors would circle around to wind up for the start line, and over time the wake would be there waiting for the next in line. You could see a few boats having a hard time setting up on the pad or airing it out without getting a little out of shape.
I talked to Mark Weigl of Tuff Marine about it after his first pass at 113 MPH, and he didn’t mind the slight chop from the wind, but the boat waves prevented him from setting up perfectly. Mark waited it out for his second run a couple hours later, and the conditions were much better. He balanced his new 28’ Tuff really well and the boat looked much more composed for the best single engine V bottom speed of 125 MPH. Powered with a Mercury Racing 860, and a ¾ mile course, that’s an incredible number.
The Tuff 28 ran 125 MPH, powered by a Mercury Racing 860 and M6 Drive.
Other notable runs were the DCB M35 with twin Mercury Racing 1550s. Tony Chiaramonte of DCB drove it, and what is most impressive is that this is a fully equipped boat, not a stripped down race boat, making it all the more incredible. Probably some left in that one too, but again, a short course and some funky wind, that’s a great number.
The 51’ Mystic, American Ethanol team ran a best 204 MPH.
American Ethanol getting ready for a run. Lake of the Ozarks Shootout 2018.
Factory Billet ran their very impressive 51’ Outerlimits to 139 MPH.
Factory Billet Outerlimits waiting at the dock. The team ran 139 MPH on Saturday.
Some great sights at the docks and some really cool boats all around the event from participants to spectators.
