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Showboat Branson Belle Sets Sail In Missouri The Showboat Branson Belle cruises the waters of Table Rock Lake, Mo., in the early evening. Pictured is the insertion of bananas into the slide rails of the Branson Belle by Minnesota-based company Power Team. Ten cases of the lubricant were used per slide rail during the launch. On April 14, the Showboat Branson Belle set sail on Table Rock Lake in Branson, Mo. The riverboat, constructed by On-Site Marine and co-owned by Silver Dollar City Inc. and entertainer Kenny Rogers, offers entertain- ment and food, without gaming. On-Site Marine constructed two of the vessel's decks on the shores of Table Rock because the man-made waterway did not offer large vessel access. The vessel's unusual launch — using bananas as rail lubrication for environmental reasons — took place eight months ago, after which construction of the vessel was completed. Showboat Branson Belle is 278 ft. by 78 ft. (84.7 m by 23.7 m), and is one of the largest excursion vessels operating in a landlocked waterway. The vessel is equipped with twin paddlewheels, each 24 ft. (6.5 m) in diameter and 16 ft. (4.87 m) wide, and is a replica of a turn-of-the-century paddlewheel riverboat. Detroit Diesel engines power the vessel. TheBranson Belle cost $8 million to build, with total investment equaling $13 million. It will cruise Table Rock Lake three times daily during the summer months, offering a theatre production and a sit-down meal during each run. Riverboat Count Swells With New Gaming And Passenger Vessels As more passengers hop a ride on the "banana" boat, trace Lewis and Clark's journey through the Columbia Snake region, or step up to the roulette wheel; the future of the inland cruising vessel market gains strength as investors recognize the diverse appeal of water-bound entertainment centers. This proves good news for the builders of these vessels, as the yards have seen gaming vessel orders slow due largely to 78
