Lake of the Ozarks Harbor Hop Boat Rentals
Harbor Hop is a Lake of the Ozarks spring and fall boating tradition. If you don't have your own boat, rent a tritoon or pontoon from Captain Bob's in Osage Beach and get your group out on the Lake for the day.
Start at a participating Harbor Hop checkpoint, build your poker hand as you hop between stops, and enjoy the day on the water with your crew. We'll make the boat rental part easy so you can focus on planning your route and enjoying Harbor Hop.
How Does Harbor Hop Work at Lake of the Ozarks?
Harbor Hop is held twice each year, once in the spring and again in the fall. Instead of taking place at one location, the event sends boaters to participating waterfront checkpoints around Lake of the Ozarks.
You can start at any participating checkpoint, register for a hand, and draw your first card. From there, hop to six more participating locations and draw another card at each stop. Once you've collected seven cards from seven checkpoints, you've completed your standard Harbor Hop hand.
You don't have to visit every Harbor Hop location. Choose the checkpoints that make sense for your route and leave yourself time to enjoy the stops and the ride between them.
Rent a Boat for Lake of the Ozarks Harbor Hop
You don't need to own a boat to participate in Harbor Hop.
We offer tritoon and pontoon rentals from our Osage Beach location for groups ready to get out on Lake of the Ozarks and make their way between participating Harbor Hop checkpoints.
Before the event, take a look at the current Harbor Hop map and decide which stops make sense for your group. Since a standard hand only requires seven participating checkpoints, you can build a route around the part of the Lake you want to enjoy rather than trying to cover every stop.
When you arrive at Captain Bob's, we'll walk you through your rental and provide the required safety equipment before you leave the dock. If you have questions about navigating Lake of the Ozarks, we're happy to help you get oriented before you head out.
Check Harbor Hop Boat AvailabilityPlan Your Harbor Hop Day Before You Leave the Dock
A little planning can make Harbor Hop a lot more enjoyable.
Start with your group and decide who will operate the boat. Then check the official Harbor Hop map, participating checkpoint hours, and the weather before deciding how much you want to fit into the day.
Before You Head Out
- Check the current Harbor Hop map and participating checkpoints.
- Review the event rules and checkpoint hours.
- Choose a realistic route for your group.
- Check the weather and lake conditions.
- Decide who will operate the boat.
- Make sure the operator meets applicable Missouri boating requirements.
- Keep your scheduled boat return time in mind.
Plan for a Safe Day on the Water
If alcohol is part of your Harbor Hop plans, the person operating the boat needs to remain sober.
You don't need to race from checkpoint to checkpoint. Give yourself enough time to enjoy the Lake, your group, and the places you choose to visit along the way.
Make Harbor Hop a Group Lake Day
Harbor Hop is more fun when you can enjoy the day with your favorite people. Our tritoon and pontoon rentals give families, friends, couples traveling together, and other groups a way to experience the event on the water.
Your day can be as much about enjoying Lake of the Ozarks as it is about completing your poker hand. Once you've planned your Harbor Hop route, leave some room to relax and enjoy being out on the Lake.
Harbor Hop doesn't have to be your only boating day, either. We also rent boats for cruising, relaxing, tubing, skiing, and other days on the water. Water toys are available if you want to add more to your boating plans.
From our Osage Beach location, we serve visitors staying throughout the Lake area, including Bagnell, Linn Creek, Sunrise Beach, Rocky Mount, Eldon, and the Village of Four Seasons.
Bringing a Group to Harbor Hop?
Tell us what you have planned when you request your reservation. We'll answer your rental questions and help you know what to expect before you arrive.
Turn Harbor Hop Into a Lake of the Ozarks Weekend
Harbor Hop happens in both spring and fall, making it a good reason to spend a little more time at Lake of the Ozarks outside the busy summer season.
Come into Osage Beach before the event, stay another night afterward, or leave yourself an extra day for boating and exploring the area. Spend more time on the water, visit your favorite Lake spots, or simply slow down and enjoy the getaway.
Coming for Fall Harbor Hop? Explore our Fall Weekends at Lake of the Ozarks guide for more ideas for your trip.
Lake of the Ozarks Harbor Hop FAQs
Is Harbor Hop held every year at Lake of the Ozarks?
Yes. Harbor Hop is held twice each year at Lake of the Ozarks. Spring Harbor Hop takes place on the first Saturday in May, and Fall Harbor Hop takes place on the second Saturday in October.
How does Harbor Hop work?
Start at a participating checkpoint, register for a hand, and draw your first card. Then travel to six additional participating Harbor Hop checkpoints and draw one card at each stop. Seven cards from seven participating locations complete a standard Harbor Hop hand.
Check the official Harbor Hop information before each event for current locations, rules, hours, and other event details.
Where does Harbor Hop take place?
Harbor Hop takes place at participating waterfront locations around Lake of the Ozarks rather than at one central venue. The participating checkpoints can change, so use the current official Harbor Hop map when planning your route.
Do I need my own boat for Harbor Hop?
No. If you don't have your own boat, you can rent a tritoon or pontoon from Captain Bob's in Osage Beach and use your rental for your Harbor Hop day.
Do I have to visit every Harbor Hop checkpoint?
No. You don't have to visit every participating location. A standard Harbor Hop hand is completed by collecting seven cards from seven participating checkpoints.
Should I reserve my Harbor Hop boat ahead of time?
Planning ahead is a good idea when you already know you'll be visiting Lake of the Ozarks for Harbor Hop. Reserving your boat before your trip also gives you one less thing to figure out when you arrive in Osage Beach.
What comes with a Captain Bob's boat rental?
Our boat rentals include life jackets, required safety equipment, and a walkthrough of the boat before you leave the dock. Water toys are also available if you want to add more activities to your Lake day.
Can we stay at Captain Bob's for Harbor Hop weekend?
Yes. Captain Bob's Boathouse is on the same property as our boat rental operation in Osage Beach. It has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and accommodations for up to six guests.
Get Your Boat Ready for Harbor Hop
You have your crew. You've got a Harbor Hop weekend in mind. Now you just need the boat.
Rent a tritoon or pontoon from Captain Bob's in Osage Beach and spend Harbor Hop making your way around Lake of the Ozarks, building your poker hand, and enjoying the day with your group.
We're here to make getting on the water simple.
