What's Up Dock?

One of the more frequent questions that I get is just how important is a boat dock or boat slip when it comes to your vacation rental property at the Lake of the Ozarks?  The answer to that question is best answered with another question, "How many vacation renters are bringing or renting a boat while they are vacationing at the Lake of the Ozarks?" Once you have the answer to that question, you will realize the true value of having a boat slip available for your rental guests.

Boat Slips

These days, I usually don't accept a waterfront condo at the Lake of the Ozarks without a boat slip onto our rental program and I most definitely won't take a home without a dock.  About 25% of all our renters that rent a condo and closer to 50% of those that rent a home bring a boat. So if your home or condo doesn't have a boat slip, you are reducing your pool of available renters by 25-50%! In addition, many of our guests rent a boat for a day or two and need a place to park it overnight.

Large Homes, More Slips

It is even more important that a rental home have a dock with a boat slip.  And the bigger the waterfront home at the Lake of the Ozarks, the bigger your dock should be and the more boat slips you will need. Bigger homes are usually rented by a couple of families or a group of people that many times are bringing more than one boat.  Our history shows that large homes with two or more slips rent better than those homes that only have one boat slip available.

The Size Factor

Size is also a factor.  Most of the older homes and condos at the Lake of the Ozarks have boat slips in the 10x24 foot range.  On today's lake that is pretty small, especially when the boats keep getting bigger and bigger.  You can put a smaller boat in a big slip, but you cannot put a bigger boat in a small slip.  I would recommend that you try to have a slip in the 12x32 or 12x36 range just to be safe and again to maximize your rental opportunities.

Boat Lifts 

Another question I am frequently asked  is if the slip should have a lift or not.  The best answer is that you should avoid having a lift in the slip.  Lifts are set up for a specific boat and unless the renter has the same size, weight and hull style, you could end up with damage to the lift or even the boat.  Ensure that you have proper padding and tie downs while instructing your renter that a properly tied boat should be fine unless you have very, very rough water.

Russell Burdette is the owner/broker of Your Lake Vacation, a professional vacation rental management company at the Lake of the Ozarks since 1986.  Russell has served as the vice-chairman of the Tri-County Lodging Association, is past president of the Lake of the Ozarks Vacation Rental Association, sits on the board of directors for the Lake of the Ozarks Golf Council and is currently president of the Lake Business Builders BNI chapter.  Call 573-365-3367 or e-mail russell@yourlakevacation.com.  

For more information please call us toll free at 1-877-284-0267!!

YourLakeVacation.com

4571 Osage Beach Pkwy, Suite A
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Local - 573-365-3367
Fax - 573-365-5076  

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Celebrating 4th of July at Lake of the Ozarks!

Hopefully, you've already got your plans made and your condo or waterfront home at the Lake of the Ozarks booked because this is one of the busiest weekends at the Lake of the Ozarks! You don't want to miss out on the 4th of July fun the Lake area has to offer. Check out the long list of events below:

Thursday, July 3

Music & Fireworks at the Flying Tortoise
Flying Tortoise will feature the Randy Man Band July 3rd starting at 7:00PM followed by fireworks and DJ GadaBeats! No Cover! Plenty of seating and the lakes best new stage! We have 24 boat slips and a parking lot that can accommodate 70+ vehicles.

Friday, July 4

4th of July Fireworks Aboard Celebration
View the Lodge of Four Seasons fireworks display from the water at the 13 Mile Marker, aboard the Celebration Cruises yacht on July 4 from 7 to 9:30 PM. Call for reservations and details.

4th of July Fireworks Aboard Tropic Island
View the Tan-Tar-A Resort fireworks display from the water at the 26 Mile Marker, aboard the Tropic Island Cruises yacht on July 4 from 8:30 to 9:30 PM. Call for reservations and details.

4th of July Fireworks at the Lodge of Four Seasons

BBQ and Carnival held prior to the fireworks event (weather permitting).  Price is $22 for adults and $12 for children, with 5 and under free.  Paid Non-Hotel Guests must be on the Lodge of Four Seasons property before 8:00 pm.  View by water at the 13 Mile Marker. Call for details.

Playin' Hooky Fireworks Cruise 

Come and enjoy the spectacular view of the fireworks from the water while enjoying a 1 1/2 hour cruise on the Playin' Hooky Water Taxi. Departs 8:30 PM onn July 4 from H-Toad's/Camden on the Lake (Located at dock A near the pool). Limited seating available. Pricing is $20 per person. 

4th of July Celebration in Eldon

Parade Downtown Eldon; 10:00 am
A Day full of activities at Eldon Air Park:
Independence 5K Run/Walk; 7:00 am
Vendors open; Noon – 8:00 pm
Pet Show; 1:00 pm
Carnival; 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Jason Earl Band; 5:00 – 9:00 pm
Fireworks begin at dusk. 

Fireworks at the Inn at Grand Glaize 

Open to the public! Enjoy live entertainment by "SUPERBAND" from 6pm - 10pm at our lakeside pool deck. We will be serving cold drinks and awesome food. Followed by an incredible professional fireworks display at 9pm by Iguana Fireworks. NO COOLERS ALLOWED

1st Annual Flying Tortoise Picnic

Come out to our first annual 4th of July picnic!!! We will have an outdoor BBQ, Fun and Games, and even a hot dog eating contest with a portion of entry money going to charity.  In addition to all of that, we will also have live music starting at 2 PM with the Kentucky Gentlemen, followed by the Aaron Woods Band at 8 PM!  Come enjoy 4th of July with us! 

4th of July Weekend Bar Hop Cruises

Get ready for a great time as we search the Lake for the best drinks & entertainment at some of the most popular waterfront bars on the Lake Departs from H-Toad's/Camden on the Lake (Located at dock A near the pool) $30 per person, Limited seating available, Reservations required. July 4 and 5 from 1 to 5 PM. 

Coconuts Shuttle 4th July Weekend

Get ready for a full day of fun in the sun at one of the lakes most popular hot spots. Pool with two swim up bars, great dining, entertainment, relaxing in the sun, PWC rentals, sea plane rides and much more. 30 minute boat ride each way. Departing H-Toad's at 11:30 am and returning at 6:30 pm Friday and Saturday. 

Saturday, July 5 

4th Annual Fireworks Fun Fest at Old Kinderhook

All American Cookout & Pig Roast from 5 to 9:30 PM, $10 per person. Music by The Randy Man Band. Festivities include bounce houses, balloon artists, face painters, s'mores and other kids activities. Concession stand & beer garden. Fireworks begin at dusk.

Redneck Yacht Club 50 MM Pedal Boat Race

9th Annual Redneck Yacht Club Pedal Boat Regatta. Location: Apache Point cove behind the no-wake buoys Directly across from Red Fox. No Entry Fee. We will be racing Pedal Boats, Kayaks And Paddle Boards All are welcome! Come and watch the Race at 11 AM! Free T-Shirts for racers Trophies and lots of Prizes.

Freedom Fest 2014

Bring a chair or blanket and come Join us for a community wide, family friendly celebration of our countries birthday at the Sonlight Christian Fellowship. Festivities begin at 6pm with free food, bounce houses, live music, games, raffles & MORE!

Bands All Day at the Flying Tortoise 

We have three bands and a DJ going all day! These are some of the best upcoming bands in the country so come show your support! At 12:00PM we have Loaded Chamber out of Columbia. At 4:00PM we have Kentucky Gentlemen out of Wichita, KS who were runners up at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN. At 7:00PM we have Cuz I Said So who are a rock band that is sure to please the masses!

Other Fireworks Friday and Saturday:

• 4th of July Fireworks at Tan-Tar-A - July 4, 8:30 to 9:30 PM
• 4th of July Fireworks at Lake Valley Country Club - July 4 at Dusk 
• Fireworks at Mother Nature's Riverfront Retreat - July 4 at Dusk 
• 4th of July Fireworks at Bear Bottom Resort - July 4, 10 PM and July 5, 9:45 PM
• Beavers at the Dam Fireworks by Iguana - July 5, 8 to 9:30 PM
• Captain Ron's Bar & Grill - July 5, 8:30 to 9:30 PM
• Larry's on the Lake - July 5 at Dusk 

Your Lake Vacation wants to make sure your vacation at the Lake of the Ozarks is one you'll never forget!  Since 1986 we have helped thousands of guests with their vacation planning.  In fact we have served more than 10,000 guests staying a total of more than 40,000 nights in the past 25 years.  Our hope is that we will be able to serve you and your family as well as we would our own family!

For more information please call us toll free at 1-877-284-0267!!

YourLakeVacation.com
4571 Osage Beach Pkwy, Suite A
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Local - 573-365-3367
Fax - 573-365-5076  

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Dining at the Lake of the Ozarks

Here at the Lake of the Ozarks, you'll find plenty of dining options to choose from.  Whether you're looking for an upscale place to take your wife for your anniversary or a loud, exciting place to party with your friends for the weekend, we've got you covered!  Plus, many of our restaurants are either on the water or have a great view of the Lake!  Your Lake Vacation can even hook you up with some gift cards to our featured dining locations.  When you come for your Lake of the Ozarks vacation, you won't be dissappointed!

Featured Dining at Lake of the Ozarks

(Discounted Gift Cards Available) 

• Baxter's Lakeside Grille - Lake Ozark 
• Heroe's Sports Saloon - Osage Beach 
• Golden Corral - Osage Beach
• Paul's Supermarket - Lake Ozark, Osage Beach 

Fine Dining and Seafood 

• J. Bruner's Restuarant - Osage Beach 
• JJ's at the Copperpot - Laurie 
• Savannah Grille - Lake Ozark 
• JB Hooks Restaurant & Lounge - Lake Ozark 
• Blue Heron Restaurant - Osage Beach 
• Bentley's Restaurant - Lake Ozark 
• Ruthie D's - Lake Ozark 
• Roca's on the Square - Versailles 
• The Duck - Lake Ozark 
• Corral Reef Seafood - Osage Beach 
• LO's Crab Shack - Lake Ozark 

Homestyle Food 

• The Cozy Cafe - Osage Beach
• Kay's Restaurant - Osage Beach 
• RJ's Family Restaurant - Camdenton 

Pizza and Italian 

• Pappo's Pizza - Osage Beach 
• Arris' Pizza & Pub - Osage Beach 
• Li'l Rizzos - Lake Ozark, Osage Beach 
• Domenico's Italian Restaurant - Osage Beach
• Chicago Brother's Pizza & Pub - Osage Beach 
• JJ Twiggs Pizza & Pub - Lake Ozark 
• Shell's Pasta Emporium - Lake Ozark 
• Joe Mamma Place - Lake Ozark
• Alley Cats - Lake Ozark  
• Pop-A-Wheelies Pizza - Osage Beach, Camdenton 

Mexican 

• El Charco Azul - Osage Beach 
• Mexicali Blues - Osage Beach  
• Vista Grande - Osage Beach

BBQ

• Wobbly Boots Roadhouse - Osage Beach 
• Ozark Bar-B-Que - Lake Ozark, Camdenton  
• Half Sauced - Osage Beach 
• Bandana's Bar-B-Q - Osage Beach 

Bar Food 

• Shady Gators Bar & Grill - Lake Ozark 
• H. Toads Bar & Grill - Lake Ozark 
• Dog Days - Osage Beach 
• Captian Ron's Bar & Grill - Sunrise Beach 
• Bootlegger's - Osage Beach 
• Beavers at the Dam - Lake Ozark 
• Molotoft Cocktails Bar & Grill - Osage Beach 
• Hideout Bar & Grill - Osage Beach
• City Grill - Osage Beach 
• Shorty Pants - Osage Beach 
• Backwater Jack's - Osage Beach 
• Larry's on the Lake - Camdenton
• Bulldog's Beach House - Camdenton 
• The Fish & Company - Camdenton 
• Coconut's Carribean Beach Bar & Grill - Gravois Mills 
• Casablanca - Lake Ozark 
• Batter's Box - Lake Ozark 
• The Boathouse Lakeside Bar & Grill - Eldon 
• The Jerk Shack - Gravois Mills 
• Flying Tortoise - Camdenton 
• Franky & Louie's - Sunrise Beach 
• Nautifish Rum Bar - Camdenton

Be sure to check out some of these great restaurants while you are vacationing at the Lake of the Ozarks! Your Lake Vacation can set you up with a complete vacation package, from lodging to boat rentals and golf. Choose from a waterfront condo at the Lake of the Ozarks or one of our private homes on the water!  Give Your Lake Vacation a call today at 877-284-0267!

For more information please call us toll free at 1-877-284-0267!!

YourLakeVacation.com
4571 Osage Beach Pkwy, Suite A
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Local - 573-365-3367
Fax - 573-365-5076  

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What is Vacation Rental Insurance?

Travel insurance or vacation rental insurance allows your guest to get a refund when they have to cancel for a legitimate reason and allows you, the owner to still get paid for the rental even if you are unable to re-rent their time.

My first year in the Lake of the Ozarks property management business (2004) my company suffered around 40 cancellations totaling approximately $20,000.00 in lost revenue.  As a half million dollar company, that represented 4% of our income.  While that didn't affect my company that much, it did touch each of the owners who lost a reservation a little more personally.  Especially if one of those lost reservations was for a whole week.

That winter I heard about an insurance company that specialized in "Vacation Rental" insurance. As I spoke with the insurance company, they asked how we were currently processing our reservations, the penalty for cancelling and how much of a deposit was required.  At the time we were taking a deposit equal to a one night stay and the guest would pay their balance upon arrival.

The insurance company told me about their product, which was very similar to what the vacation cruise lines use where their travelers were paying up to a year in advance.  The insurance covered most unforeseen situations like a death in the family, hospitalization, severe illness, some weather related situations, etc.  They told us that we would need to require full payment at the time of their booking.  I told them that I didn't think that would work.  For the past 20 years, our guests had only been required to pay a one night deposit, how could we demand the entire payment?  They said that if the guest didn't have anything to lose, then there was nothing to keep them from cancelling.  I couldn't argue with that.  So we made a compromise.  We made the guest put down 50% at the time of the booking and then they paid the other 50% 30 days prior to their arrival.

The next year we had 4 cancellations instead of 40! Success!  Today we book over a thousand Lake of the Ozarks lodging reservations a year and have less than 10 cancellations a year.  We offer the insurance at the time the guest books and explain what the consequences are if they opt not to purchase the insurance. In addition to the guest getting a refund when they cancel for a covered reason, we get to keep the money already paid in! Our guests are happy and just as important our owners are happy as well.  If you have any questions about travel insurance, just give me a call.

Russell Burdette is the owner/broker of Your Lake Vacation, a professional vacation rental management company at the Lake of the Ozarks since 1986.  Russell has served as the vice-chairman of the Tri-County Lodging Association, is past president of the Lake of the Ozarks Vacation Rental Association, sits on the board of directors for the Lake of the Ozarks Golf Council and is currently president of the Lake Business Builders BNI chapter.  Call 573-365-3367 or email russell@yourlakevacation.com.  

For more information please call us toll free at 1-877-284-0267!!

YourLakeVacation.com
4571 Osage Beach Pkwy, Suite A
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Local - 573-365-3367
Fax - 573-365-5076  

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Boat Rentals through Your Lake Vacation!

Coming to the Lake, but don't have a boat? 

Your Lake Vacation can hook you up with the ultimate vacation package!  Not only do we find you the perfect place to stay, we can set you up with a boat rental, captain, groceries, dinner, golf and more!  Whether you want to go tubing or just cruise around, we've got a boat for you!  Check out our boat rentals at the Lake of the Ozarks below!

Call 877-284-0267 to reserve yours today! 

Premium Tritoon

Our Premium Tritoon, the Bentley '24 Elite, is loaded up with features and has all the performance you want. You get an unmatched ride and the ability to put up to 115 horsepower if you want to rock and roll. Other features included are power steering, high backed/ reclining captain's chair, and social rear swim platform.

Deck Boat

Our 26 foot Deck boats have a wide and open deck capable of seating 10 people comfortably. Our Deckboats have a fast 350 Cubic Inch I/O inboard/outboard engine with a super maneuverable catamaran bottom hull that skims over the roughest water. These boats are great for watersports activities. Ideal for skiing & tubing.

Deluxe Speedboat

Our deluxe speedboats are great for cranking offshore or simply relaxing in a cove. And with budget friendly pricing, you're guaranteed lots of smiles per hour. Our deluxe speedboats seat 5-10 persons comfortably and are perfect for watersports activities like tubing & waterskiing.


Our sales staff is standing by to get your boat reservations taken care of!  You can add the boat rental right on to your home or condo rental at the Lake of the Ozarks so you can pay for everything all together.  No more dealing with multiple companies to get everything together for your vacation. Your Lake Vacation will take care of the details so you can relax and enjoy your time away!

For more information please call us toll free at 1-877-284-0267!!

YourLakeVacation.com
4571 Osage Beach Pkwy, Suite A
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Local - 573-365-3367
Fax - 573-365-5076  

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Don't Miss these Great Lake of the Ozarks Events this Weekend...Stay with Us!

Lake of the Ozarks is the place to be this Summer and this weekend just happens to be filled with all sorts of family-fun events!  One of the largest boat races in the Midwest is back for another year along with the annual Canine Cannonball and BROStock! With all these awesome events going on, how could you not want to spend the weekend in a beautiful waterfront condo at the Lake of the Ozarks!

Lake Race 2014 

Speed, power and excitement returns to the Lake of the Ozarks this week, June 3-9!  With a great inaugural race in 2013, we are excited to host the premier powerboat race event in the Midwest here at the Lake of the Ozarks again!  The races will begin Saturday at Noon and again on Sunday at Noon. You can listen to the broadcast live on 93.5 Rocks on the radio or watch it on Fox-TV live!  For more details and the full events schedule, visit LakeRace.com.

Photo From: BROStock Facebook Page

BROStock 

The world's best wakeboard contest is coming to the Lake of the Ozarks again!  Liquid Force's world famous BROStock will be here this weekend, June 4-7.  The event will feature 26 of the world's best riders including Harley Clifford, Shane Bonifay and Bob Soven competing in a double-up contest for over $30,000!  For more details visit BroStock.com.

Canine Cannonball

The World's Premier Canine Aquatics Competition, where you can have the most fun with your dogs, is back at the Lake of the Ozarks for 2014!  How far can your dog jump?  Find out at the annual Dock Dogs jumping contest held at Dog Days Bar & Grill this weekend, June 7-9.  Canine athletes compete in Big Air, Extreme Vertical and Speed Retrieve events. Families love watching these dogs do their thing at this free event!  Visit DockDogs.com  for more details on the event.

Give Your Lake Vacation a call at 877-284-0267 to set up your reservations today!  Whether you are bringing just the family or a large group of people, we have waterfront homes or condos at the Lake of the Ozarks to accommodate any size group.  Since 1986 we have helped thousands of guests with their vacation planning and now we would like to help you!

For more information please call us toll free at 1-877-284-0267!!

YourLakeVacation.com
4571 Osage Beach Pkwy, Suite A
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Local - 573-365-3367
Fax - 573-365-5076  

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Key Largo Waterfront Home at the Lake of the Ozarks

We Still Have a Few Dates Available for this Summer!  

Call 877-284-0267 to Book Your Reservations Today! 

We have special pricing on early and late summer available dates. Give us a call to see what deals are available for our most popular rental home!

Available Dates: 5/29-6/1, 6/5-6/8, 6/14-6/21, 8/9-8/16, 8/21-8/24 and 8/28-8/31.

This home is perfect for a corporate retreat, family reunion, church retreat and more!

Two Full Master Suites 

Key Largo is located just past State Road KK in Osage Beach and by water at the 28 mile marker. This executive style home has everything you could want and more! You will enjoy two full Master Suites featuring King beds, each with a private bath, large showers and walk-in closets. Two guest rooms one with a Queen bed and one with 2 Twin beds. The fifth bedroom is on the top floor and features 2 Twin beds and three twin bunk beds. This bunk room also has an entertainment center w/t.v. and game console.

Lower Level Game Room 

Features include a lower level game room with a pool table, card/bumper pool table, large wet bar w/granite counter tops and access to the lower covered deck. The main living level features an incredible view of the water from anywhere in the living room, large kitchen w/granite counter tops, wood and tile floors, entertainment center with surround sound, dual tuner switching for the lower level and the decks plus cable with movie packages. You will also have a fax machine and high speed internet (wifi) available to keep you connected. Zoned heating and cooling throughout the house.

Gorgeous Lake View 

A two car oversized garage, two covered decks, private dock, large swim platform and 2 covered boat slips complete this beautiful home.  Also in the dock locker you will find chairs, a refrigerator and other items for your use.  Located close to golf (The Oaks & Sycamore Creek), restaurants (Mexicali Blues & Michael's Steak Chalet), attractions (Big Surf) and shopping, including the 110 store outlet mall.

For more information please call us toll free at 1-877-284-0267!!

YourLakeVacation.com
4571 Osage Beach Pkwy, Suite A
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Local - 573-365-3367
Fax - 573-365-5076  

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