The story is getting out that the “Captain Larry Don” partially sank this week, presumably a victim of the harsh winter, and although her condition is stable her fate is far from
decided. The rumor is that she will be
scrapped rather than repaired and reconditioned as part of Beaver’s at the Dam. Since foundering, there has been some local support
from business owners such as Johnny Alles, and the Lake News Sun Leader, attempting to rally grass roots interest and, more importantly, money to repair her. The effort isn't so much to save a specific
boat as much as a piece of the Lake of the Ozarks history, but there seems to be little support
for the idea at this time, and it is probably for the best.
The vessel was always something of a work in progress, hobbled together from pieces since its beginnings and modified throughout its life. So exactly which “Captain Larry Don” are we
trying to save here?
Her design was always function over form, an excursion boat
designed to maximize viewing of the Lake by as many paying customers as
possible. With a current capacity for 240 souls, at only 65 feet iconic or not, she was purpose
built to make money, not to be a landmark.
Although I agree the “Captain Larry Don” is a part of the Lake’s
history, I believe saving her is a waste of resources.
What is it that we think this vessel represents exactly? An editorial comment
made by the Lake Sun Leader staff in support of saving the "Captain Larry Don" touches on the answer, and the identity problem happening in the region.
“Too much of the lake’s
heritage has slowly been dismantled over the years as history has given way to
commerce and gigantic condo projects in the name of progress. The Casino Pier,
the Larry Don and the Commander are truly icons and represent a simpler time
when families came to the lake and The Strip to be families.”
