Oral history
Voices of Oklahoma
John Erling's oral-history project sits down with the family for the full story: the childhood, the nickname, the lake. (Interview coming soon.)
On the lake · all six docks
News & Events
Demo days, boat shows, open houses, luaus, and live music all season long, plus the latest from the docks. Here's what's happening on the water.
This season on the water.
- Grand Lake · Thunder Bay
Spring Open House & Demo Day
Spring 2026Walk the docks, tour the new lineup, and take demo boats out on the water with our team.
Event info & RSVP → - Grand Lake · Thunder Bay
Summer Luau at Ugly's Grill & Bar
Summer 2026Live music, food off the grill, and the whole dock turned out. A Thunder Bay tradition.
Event info & RSVP → - Grand Lake · Thunder Bay
Saturday Nights on the Water
Memorial Day – Labor DayLive music and karaoke at the 43-foot bar all season long. Pull up by boat.
Event info & RSVP → - Beaver Lake · Rogers, AR
Beaver Lake Demo Days
Early summer 2026Test-drive wake boats and pontoons off the Rocky Branch and Prairie Creek docks.
Event info & RSVP → - Lake Eufaula
Eufaula Shrimp Boil
Mid-summer 2026A low-country boil on the dock with the Eufaula crew. Bring the family.
Event info & RSVP → - Carlton Landing Marina
Pontoon Rental Weekends
All seasonRent by the day at Carlton Landing, and put it toward a purchase with rent-to-buy.
Event info & RSVP → - Tulsa · Catoosa
Tulsa Spring Boat Show
Spring 2026See the new lineup at the Catoosa showroom before the season starts.
Event info & RSVP → - Grand Lake · Thunder Bay
Movie Night on the Dock
Summer weekendsOutdoor movies for the kids and the whole marina family after sunset.
Event info & RSVP →
Dates are seasonal until the live calendar is wired. The full schedule is maintained by the Ugly Johns team. Call your dock for exact dates.
As seen & heard.
As seen on TV
Gas Monkey Garage
Richard Rawlings and the Gas Monkey crew toured Ugly John's private classic-car collection: race heritage on dry land.
1974–1986
The racing years
Three national speed records, two national championships, and a world championship before he ever sold a boat.
Come see us on the water.
Whatever's on the calendar, the dock crew will be there. Schedule a visit at the location closest to you.