Tom Sawyer Paddlewheeler: Iconic Boat On Lake Of The Ozarks Floats To Its New Home

It's one of the most nostalgic and recognizable boats on Lake of the Ozarks. For two years, rumors have been floating about the revival of the Tom Sawyer paddlewheeler excursion boat. If you knew, you knew it was hiding somewhere on the Gravois Arm. But few had actually laid eyes on the vessel for years, up until this week. Now one of the Lake area’s most beloved vessels is docked in Gravois Mills—after a hiatus in the welding shop—and awaiting its future.

How did it get there?

Iguana Marine Group had possession of the excursion boat at Bagnell Dam when it suddenly sank in May 2017. The boat was relocated to shore, and then two years ago Iguana put it up for auction. That is when 808-Docks owner Azzbusta LLC of Gravois Mills nabbed the historical treasure by bid, and relocated it to the 808-Docks welding shop on the Westside.

A completely new bottom had to be welded on to the Tom Sawyer. Fresh coats of paint and many labor hours of love were poured into the paddlewheeler by family and staff. And now the renewed Tom Sawyer once again sits majestically in the water, harbored just north of the Gravois Mills Bridge, at the very upper-end of the Gravois Arm.

As for business plans for the boat, the owners have a lot of ideas, but nothing concrete that they are sharing yet. Azzbusta LLC verified that it will not be a mobile food service or restaurant as has been rumored on social media. "There are so many possibilities. Everyone has a story about this boat," they responded.

Back in the day, the late-80s in particular, a band—usually from Kansas City—played every weekend on a dance cruise. The Huckleberry Restaurant was located on the mid-deck serving concession-stand-style food. Daytime excursions were a leisurely float with a buffet lunch for a reasonable price.

Among the ideas being floated: using the revitalized Tom Sawyer as an event venue or dances with live music. It likely won't go the Marty Byrde route; legislative hurdles to having a gambling boat on Lake of the Ozarks are legion.

Whatever happens, the boat will likely be staying in a singular spot: the motors were sold quickly after purchasing the Tom Sawyer.