Boating around Kansas CIty MO
 

Curious what the boating is like around Kansas City MO. I know the Ozarks are only a couple of hours away, but is there anything closer to KC. Looking at Google Earth, it doesn't appear that there is much along that river as far as marinas, places to go...

Any input would be greatly appreciated. I am thinking about relocating to that area.

Perry lake, north west of Lawrence, KS

Edit: there are several smaller lakes, what size body of water ?

I would pick up a 38 Top Gun if it makes sense. I would definitely hit the Ozarks, and travel to the great lakes annually, but would like to use it without having to drive 2-3 hours each way.

I boat on Table Rock but its 4 hrs from KC.........LOTO is 2.5-3 depending on what part of the lake your headed to...............There are some Hot rods on Perry lake but its on the KS side about an hour from down town KC,MO.......it all depends where you live.

Thanks for the help. I am looking around on the Map for towns that are about 45 minutes from KC. Have to find some property for the horses also. I will try to align the search around work and boating.

Where would work be ?? make sure you check out the county taxes, it can make a big difference where you land, Im about 4 miles west of the Kansas Speedway

Take a look around Smithville Lake if you want land and boating. The lake is small for a 38 but has a couple of marina's and some what of a pull up beach ......the plus side is...... there is land that would be suitable for horses around.
The down side is a over zealous WP presence on that lake , I had a slip there 10 years ago but relocated to Loto .

LOTO Period. Unless you want to ride SeaDoos

In order of the ones I preferred. Perry is the largest of the four. Water Patrol is a pain at Smithville.
1. Perry
2. Smithville
3. Clinton
4. Hillsdale
There are a few other however they are real small. Hillsdale is the smallest of the list.

Just curious from those familiar with the area, is Truman a decent place to boat if you lived SE of KC?

Truman is more of a fishing lake. It does have more shoreline than LOTO but lots of trees and shallow water in some parts.

If you are into fishing, it's great. Maybe water skiing, but I would look at Stocton or Pomme DevTerre in that area. As for performance stuff, Ozarks!

Work is a little south east of KC proper, where the 435, 470 and 49 meet.

Grandview..... we refer to that area as the South Kansa City Cluster F*** or the Bermuda triangle ...lol

Well that sounds encouraging. So I am guessing traffic is a mess at the giant merge...
Well I don't have to live near there. I am willing (used to) traveling +1 hour each way to work in So Cal (can't wait to get out of here)

All depends where you live Lee, Summit would be a pretty easy in and out......I 435 east bound from about Metcalf toward 49 is supper heavy @ rush hour. Getting through that area at rush hour will be pain. West bound I435 traffic in the morning is heavy, 49 north bound toward I 70 will be heavy.

Edit: KC traffic should be a breeze from what you're use to.

Truman is a Corps flood control reservoir and thus has lots of areas with brush at or just below the surface and there's very little in the ways services (i.e. bars, restaurants, marinas, etc.).

For the OP, as mentioned above, LOTO is the only way to go with a Top Gun. Endless activities and plenty of room to stretch the legs out. If you're out SE of KC area, it's an easy drive to LOTO. Could find a place in between and be under 2 hours to the lake and under 30 minute commute.

Agree. Since you're running a Top Gun, AND you will already be on the SE corner of KC area, The Ozarks, (loto) is the best way to go.

I consider this same thing often. I live in South KC (South Overland Park) on 69 and wish there was something closer. I've put my Gun in at both Hillsdale & Smithville and it was comical both times. Going to end up leaving the boat at the Ozarks and keep a ski boat around to play with during the week.