Four-forty-nine at the pump isn't the only inconvenience boaters will face at Table Rock Lake. Some parts of the lake's most popular places are underwater from this spring's floods. Missouri Water Patrol officers say it doesn't matter if you’re a Table Rock veteran or new to the holiday hot spot. They say you should do your research to make sure what you're spending on your vacation doesn't sink.

Some boaters say enjoying Memorial Day on Table Rock Lake will not only take dedication but lots of dough this year. Boater Chris Leslie says, "Before I even filled up my boat I spent 80 dollars on gas." Filling up a boat isn't cheap, either. Boater Shane Burns says, "It takes us between $500-$600 to fill up." Burns’s two story house boat is 61 feet long and 16 feet wide. He says even that can’t keep him away from the lake on a holiday. Burns says, "Not us, this is what we do." Leslie agrees. He says, "It's still one of the cheaper things we could do."

The water patrol says relaxation will take research this holiday because the dynamics of the lake have changed due to flooding. Leslie says, "We've boated here from 20 years and it doesn't look the same." Water Patrol Corporal Mike McClure showed KSPR Mill Creek camp site that is completely underwater. Many camp sites are hard to find. McClure says, "There's road signs and concrete submerged." He says the lake level is about 15 feet higher than normal. McClure says, "People who left the lake last summer should know the lake isn't the way they remember it. It's much different."

McClure says most of the shoreline has changed from flooding. He says the lake will be literally split in half for many big boaters because the Highway 13 Bridge at Kimberling City is impassable for big boats, especially house boats. The patrol recommend those with small boats try to pass underneath the south side of the bridge because it the bridge is higher there. They warn no one should try to pass under the bridge at any point for the first time at night.

Because many docks are unreachable and some even floated away, many who are enjoying the lake feel lucky. Leslie says, "We're one of the only docks you can get to."

The water patrol says if you are going to be skiing or tubing stay in the main channel or the center of the lake to avoid hidden obstacles.

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