wake... by definition

[rrhodes]

Re: wake... by definition

Idle speed provided your idle is not set at 2500 rpm .

I have seen DNR pulling people for approaching the nowake too fast and powering down when they get to the buoy. If they create a wake in the nowake zone they can still get a ticket. That being said if you were at idle speed then the lady should have left you alone.

 

[DustyJoe]

Re: wake... by definition

That's the problem, there's so much "subjectivity" involved. People on the hard are constantly "nagging" boats, that are following the letter and intent of the law, but because of size, hull design, etc. they still create a "wake" in their minds. From what you've described, you've done exactly what any of us would've done: throttle down, into neutral, bumped into gear, "idle" through the area. The only thing that could be "iffy" is how close to the sign where you when you got her off plane?

Now, I'll also agree with the other side of the coin a little too. I've been on my boat, tied up in my slip, doing some work and someone comes by "going slow" and the next thing you know, I've been slung across the cabin or something similar. Technically, I think you're supposed to be able to pass a stationary boat without causing it to roll?

I know what you mean while I was loading my boat at the slip and getting sunscreen on my kids some guy came buzzing thru and it was aggervating. I probably hadnt even got my boat on plane at that point in the day. but Yea I try to slow down well in advance of the bouy. I think she was just being a bitty.

 

[45Auto]

Re: wake... by definition

"No Wake" is defined in most states as the minimum speed at which your boat will maintain steerageway. As rrhodes says, this is idle speed in most cases.

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: wake... by definition

My neighbor and his buddy on borrowed jet skis, went blasting thru the ...no wake....zone on the St Croix river. Mr Law didnt buy thier argument that thier jet skies at 30 mph made less wake then the 30 ft cruiser going by at idle speed. Which was actually true. I think the 2 tix cost em in the neighborhood of $440.00

 

[79Merc80]

Re: wake... by definition

I was always told by my parents that, if another boat can cross behind yours and you don't feel it, that is no wake.

I had a guy challange me to a race from one end of the small lake to the other and back. I had an 1988 Chris Craft Cavalier with an ond Merc 1250, he had an 88 Bayliner Bass boat with a 125 Force. We started off and I was at 30mph before he got on plane. He was faster at top speed, but I had enough of a head start that it took him all of the lake to catch me. When I was coming into the launch area, I cut the throttle and adled into the no wake area were he cut it AS he crossed it in order to win. What he won was a ticket. I just pointed and laughed.

Technically, there is NO WAY (Unless you are at an idle for 1/2 mile before reaching the no wake zone) to NOT have a roller come in with and ahead of you.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: wake... by definition

usually 5 mph is good for no wake.
Sometimes when it's windy your "no wake" is less than the natural waves. In that case I see no harm in bumping it up a little. But when it's glassy, there's no such thing as "no" wake unless you drift. But there will always be someone to yell at you.

PS to rrhodes: under the facts as you described them, you were in the right. And teenagers shouldn't be driving a 26' boat, much less pulling tubes behind it

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: wake... by definition

"Drivers Licenses" keep idiots off the road? I don't think so.

With that said, the boating community is a heck of a lot smaller and much easier managed. One caviet is that we simply do NOT need another government behemoth to support.

I would gladly take a course and test and become, for lack of a better term; "sponsor".

The boating community is quickly alienating themselves from the rest of society. With economic issues at hand, boating is deemed as; "luxury". While that is NOT true, "perception is REALITY". There are many boaters out there that need the ability to boat to secure their livelihood.

This has to be a "grass roots" movement, In other words, boaters policing themselves, with some authority.

How that is done, I have no clue. Ideas?

Whats the first thing almost everybody says to anybody checking into Iboats for the first time with greetings like "Hi, I just got my first boat" or "I'm buying my first boat, and never driven a boat before". It's usually "Welcome to Iboats, you should take a boaters safety course" Whats the difference between that and this instance? Is driving a boat any less dangerous then driving a car?

Licensing shouldn't have to be government behemoth like an RMV, DMV, or a huge painfull hurdle. If a state chooses to "license boaters", it should be as simple as classroom time, then taking an approved written closed book exam at a location other than your computer with your Pj's on.

After that, you keep your wallet sized safety course card (license) on you while driving the boat.

Will it rid the waters of all idiots, and stop all boating accidents? Certainly not...

What it would do is educate people who my not know otherwise the rules of the water, and the safe operation of a boat.
As I stated before, it will also hold people more accountable, and take away any suspicion on the part of a LEO that the boater they stopped simply didn't know any better.

Self policing would be one or a combination of 3 ways;
- Drop a dime
- Confrontation which could lead to either a friendly or hostile situation
- Vigilantism

Most states are only going to go along with the top line on that list.

All that being said, I must admit I'm playing the part of devils advocate, and I'm not trying to ruffle any feathers (just stimulate conversation). I don't have a license or certificate. I've got 16+ years of operating a power boat of some kind. If Maine mandated a course in order to boat on their lakes, I would take the course with out a grumble.

 

[V153]

Re: wake... by definition

"Self policing" is a quaint antiquated notion but'll probly just wind both parties involved up in jail. The govt already has associates to help you with any problem. And they don't like it much when you have the audacity to take on their job.

 

[captainzac]

Re: wake... by definition

A few years ago there was a court case involving the coast Guard?
It was determined that if you are pushing water and creating white water at the bow of the boat
that would be the definition of a wake

I can see where new boaters have trouble with this because you would think that the wake is determined at the stearn

I guess some terms can be confusing in the nautical world
Like

Its called a rope if it is laying on the dock but if it is laying on the deck and attached to something it is called a line
But if it is attached to an anchor it is called rode

Patience is the answer

 

[cryingbass]

Re: wake... by definition

For sure that is a pain. It is like driving and someone blasting the music in the car next to you at a red light stop. The problem is that people don't put attention around them on what they do, and how it affects others. It is sad but all you could do is go straight up to talk to them and see what the result will be.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: wake... by definition

So I'm not 100% on your side. Just because you choose to anchor somewhere doesn't mean everyone has to stay away (same discussion comes up with fishermen). However, if all things being equal they can stay out of your hair, they should-it's just good manners.

So are you saying that if I'm anchored and you pass by close enough that I can read what kind of sunglasses you have on or what brand waterskis you're using is OK? No mater what speed you are going!

 

['78 Crusader]

Re: wake... by definition

While on a plane, you're required to stay at least 100' away from a boat that is achored or not underway.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: wake... by definition

While on a plane, you're required to stay at least 100' away from a boat that is achored or not underway.

Is that plane on floats?

Sorry, couldn't resist.

 

[45Auto]

Re: wake... by definition

So are you saying that if I'm anchored and you pass by close enough that I can read what kind of sunglasses you have on or what brand waterskis you're using is OK? No mater what speed you are going!

Yep, as long as I stay more than the legally required distance away. If you're not happy with that, don't anchor there.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: wake... by definition

Yep, as long as I stay more than the legally required distance away. If you're not happy with that, don't anchor there.

Then I would guess that you're OK with it when I'm out in the middle of the lake leagally trolling planer boards set out 150' from the boat with 50# test monofiliment line.