Brief as it is in many parts of the country, autumn also happens to be among the finest times to be on the water. Crowds evaporate, temperatures dip and the general pace slows. The atmosphere, especially at go-fast boating hotbeds such as Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks, goes mellow.

Burton Kirsten will pilot Jet, his 46-foot Outerlimits catamaran, in the upcoming Performance Boat Center Fall Fun Run. Photo by Pete Boden copyright Shoot 2 Thrill Pix.

The folks at Performance Boat Center, who produce a slew of events each year, know this well, which is why their annual Fall Fun Run—set this year for Saturday, October 16—is among their favorites. Starting from the multi-brand dealership in Osage Beach, Mo., the event gives Lake of the Ozarks locals and even a few out-of-towners one more chance to hit the water in a relaxed group setting before winter descends.

“I love the fall fun run because of its relaxed vibe,” said Brett Manire, who co-owns Performance Boat Center with Mark Waddington. “The leaves on the trees are starting to turn and the lake is calm.

“It’s a much slower pace than that of the usual intensity that fuels our business,” he added.

Among the returning participants this year is Michigan’s Burton Kirsten, who has a second home in the Lake of the Ozarks area. Kirsten will run Jet, his 46-foot Outerlimits Offshore Powerboats catamaran during the event.

“I’ll be there with Jet—it lives here in the Ozarks on a hoist and covered at our condo at Mile Marker 17,” he said. “Jetster, our MTI 390X, is our Michigan boat.”

The day begins with breakfast, registration and a drivers meeting from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the Performance Boat Center showroom. Though the event’s destinations have not been announced, the fleet will return to Performance Boat Center for a crab boil and party—starting at 6 p.m.—at the Redhead Lakeside Grill tiki bar and pool area.

Last year’s event attracted 55 boats.

Vessel of all kinds are welcome. Though there is no entry fee, would-be participants should RSVP to Performance Boat Center’s Brett Manire, 573-873-2300, [email protected].

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