Smithville Lake, need local help, or others close by? (Excelsior Springs: new house, live)

[labpackmom]

Hi All,

We are starting to get settled into our new house in Excelsior Springs pretty well by now. The "Boat Bug" has bitten DH, LOL. We used to have a little ski boat when we lived in Omaha, but didn't use it much, "no wake" rule at dam site near by, next good size lake about 2 hours one way into Iowa.

We are looking at a couple 17' bowriders, (no skiers or sports happening), just want to putt around shore lines in calm water for an hour or so some week end mornings. Wondering if anyone has experience on Smithville Lake? Is the water calm enough for that type of thing? Never had an open bow, or boat that small, but understand they aren't great if the water gets too choppy or there are lots of large boats making lots of large wakes. Have been out on some of the larger busy lakes up north, (in a larger closed bow craft), and did get a little annoying to handle it in 2 or 3 foot swells. Then there's always the guys in huge boats that think it's fun to make huge wake near little boats. :-) Makes DH invent new words, so not so relaxing.

Think Smithville would be suited for peaceful little putts in 17' bowrider, or are there other options near by that would be better suited? Only other water I've seen nearby has a 10 HP motor max. I am I not looking in the right places?

Thanks!