My boat actually makes a smaller wake at 50 MPH than it does at 5 MPH. And my best MPG is between 45 and 50 MPH so that's where I run. Now I do have to adjust my speed to conditions, wakes, but I can handle most of what I encounter in the ICW and the St. Johns without much problem. But wakes around ramps or marinas is getting close to justifiable homicide. And buzzing me when I'm fishing may get you a Rattle Trap in your back as you go by. Your choice, stay in the channel or try to buzz the fisherman. If you're in the channel running like you know what your doing I'm fine with a bit of rough water. Be an air hole and I won't be happy.
Wakes
- Thread starter seeside
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Here's Maryland's take on it:
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/safety/courtesy.asp
Courtesy on the Water
Boats on the bay... The Chesapeake Bay is home to an array of boats and boaters. There are approximately 212,000 registered boats in the State which means everyone needs to be aware of their actions out on the water. With this in mind, the Natural Resources Police, would like to remind all boaters the importance of...WATCHING YOUR WAKE!
The definition of a boat wake is the wave of water resulting from the passage of the boat's hull through the water. This wave of water, depending on the size and speed of the vessel, can be very large, and may cause problems in a variety of situations.
Vessels in a marina may be susceptible to damage caused by excessive wakes. Sailboats in adjacent slips may be rocked by a wake causing their masts to collide or become entangled in the shrouds.
People on board their vessels may be knocked down or possibly knocked overboard as a result of an unexpected wake. Schooner under the sail...
Shoreline erosion may be caused by excessive wake from boats traveling too close to shore. This could be a concern for the environment as well as for property owners.
Operate in the channel as much as possible. A little less speed may make a world of difference to other boaters and local residents.
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WAKE and we urge you to exercise courtesy and common sense.
Be especially cautious of smaller vessels such as kayaks which may be less stable and have a tendency to tip due to large wakes.
RESPONSIBLE BOATING
When overtaking a slower vessel in open water, do so with as much room as depth conditions allow and slow your speed.
Be especially cautious of smaller vessels such as canoes or kayaks which may be less stable.
You are responsible for the safety of your passengers, your boat and any damage to other boats and personal property. Be especially cautious of smaller vessels such as canoes which may be less stable and have a tendency to tip due to large wakes.
Avoid creating an excessive wake in narrow confined areas.
Operate slowly at all times when in the vicinity of marinas and launch ramps.
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/safety/courtesy.asp
Courtesy on the Water
Boats on the bay... The Chesapeake Bay is home to an array of boats and boaters. There are approximately 212,000 registered boats in the State which means everyone needs to be aware of their actions out on the water. With this in mind, the Natural Resources Police, would like to remind all boaters the importance of...WATCHING YOUR WAKE!
The definition of a boat wake is the wave of water resulting from the passage of the boat's hull through the water. This wave of water, depending on the size and speed of the vessel, can be very large, and may cause problems in a variety of situations.
Vessels in a marina may be susceptible to damage caused by excessive wakes. Sailboats in adjacent slips may be rocked by a wake causing their masts to collide or become entangled in the shrouds.
People on board their vessels may be knocked down or possibly knocked overboard as a result of an unexpected wake. Schooner under the sail...
Shoreline erosion may be caused by excessive wake from boats traveling too close to shore. This could be a concern for the environment as well as for property owners.
Operate in the channel as much as possible. A little less speed may make a world of difference to other boaters and local residents.
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WAKE and we urge you to exercise courtesy and common sense.
Be especially cautious of smaller vessels such as kayaks which may be less stable and have a tendency to tip due to large wakes.
RESPONSIBLE BOATING
When overtaking a slower vessel in open water, do so with as much room as depth conditions allow and slow your speed.
Be especially cautious of smaller vessels such as canoes or kayaks which may be less stable.
You are responsible for the safety of your passengers, your boat and any damage to other boats and personal property. Be especially cautious of smaller vessels such as canoes which may be less stable and have a tendency to tip due to large wakes.
Avoid creating an excessive wake in narrow confined areas.
Operate slowly at all times when in the vicinity of marinas and launch ramps.
Here's Coast Guard Rules
http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=navRulesFAQ
10. What are the regulations concerning wake effects, wake damage, and responsibility? Regarding one's wake, vessels over 1600 Gross Tons are specifically required by Title 33 CFR 164.11 to set the vessel's speed with consideration for...the damage that might be caused by the vessel's wake. Further, there may be State or local laws which specifically address "wake" for the waters in question.
While vessels under 1600 GT are not specifically required to manage their speed in regards to wake, they are still required to operate in a prudent matter which does not endanger life, limb, or property (46 USC 2302). Nor do the Navigation Rules exonerate any vessel from the consequences of neglect (Rule 2), which, among other things, could be unsafe speeds (Rule 6), improper lookout (Rule 5), or completely ignoring your responsibilities as prescribed by the Navigation Rules.
As to whether or not a particular vessel is responsible for the damage it creates is a question of law and fact that is best left to the Courts. For more information, contact your local Marine Patrol or State Boating Law Administrator.
http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=navRulesFAQ
10. What are the regulations concerning wake effects, wake damage, and responsibility? Regarding one's wake, vessels over 1600 Gross Tons are specifically required by Title 33 CFR 164.11 to set the vessel's speed with consideration for...the damage that might be caused by the vessel's wake. Further, there may be State or local laws which specifically address "wake" for the waters in question.
While vessels under 1600 GT are not specifically required to manage their speed in regards to wake, they are still required to operate in a prudent matter which does not endanger life, limb, or property (46 USC 2302). Nor do the Navigation Rules exonerate any vessel from the consequences of neglect (Rule 2), which, among other things, could be unsafe speeds (Rule 6), improper lookout (Rule 5), or completely ignoring your responsibilities as prescribed by the Navigation Rules.
As to whether or not a particular vessel is responsible for the damage it creates is a question of law and fact that is best left to the Courts. For more information, contact your local Marine Patrol or State Boating Law Administrator.
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Not all wake liabilities, i.e. "You are always responsible for your wake" has been directly reduced to statute. But there are a whole host of other statutes dealing with "carelessness" "wrecklessnes" and "negligence" that the courts can and will apply.
I can tell you from first hand experience that, at least in this part of Florida; If a wake directly causes damage; i.e. knocks a fishing boat against the shoreline rocks, or directly causes injury; i.e. hits a anchored pontoon boat and causes a 12 y/o boy to fall and hit his head resulting in stitches, and it is demonstrated by witness testimony and/or physical evidence you are the operator of the vessel that created that wake, in a court you will lose both legally and civilly.
Bob
I can tell you from first hand experience that, at least in this part of Florida; If a wake directly causes damage; i.e. knocks a fishing boat against the shoreline rocks, or directly causes injury; i.e. hits a anchored pontoon boat and causes a 12 y/o boy to fall and hit his head resulting in stitches, and it is demonstrated by witness testimony and/or physical evidence you are the operator of the vessel that created that wake, in a court you will lose both legally and civilly.
Bob
The way I see it is if you are anchored in a channel or along a common route in a bay, you should definitely expect wakes. But as I pass by such anchored boats, I ALWAYS slow down to lessen my wake. I think it's just a matter of courtesy - that thing that is so lacking today. Before you jump all over me saying how your bay is dotted with boats and it would add such a huge amount of time to your trip, you can't go that fast anyway if it's that crowded. It makes the day better if I see people wave to me or tip their hats instead of sticking the single finger solute high in the air.
CA boating law does not state anything about wakes. It does state you are responsible for operating safely such that damage to other people and property will not occur.
Let me ask you this. If you are cruising in a waterway under safe speed, but putting up a wake and a bass boat is approaching from the other direction at 60 mph. The bass boat chooses not to slow down and launches himself across your wake and gets ejected from the boat.
Your fault?
Bill Taylor
Member
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I try to avoid discussions such as this, but the need to understand that we share our waterways is absolute. Courtesy and due diligence are the fundimental aspects of sharing the waterway. As well the rules state simply, Rule #2 outlines our overal responsibility, Rule #6 outlines our need to manouver at a safe speed especially when in a situation related to traffic density, and Rule #16 dictates that the Give-way-vessel must, regardless of whether overtaking, crossing or approaching must ensure that these actions are undertaken in a manner that does not cause any concern to the "Stand-on vessel". As well the "Stand-on vessel", as outlined in Rule #17, shall keep out of the way and maintain course and speed. Given the issue of "Wake" which is the "The surface disturbance crated by and left astern of a craft, and that being the turbulance we see astern, which differs from the "wash". That is defined as the waves created by a craft's pargress , which travel outward from her track, all vessels, sail or power must account for the creation of "wash" and given the rules are fully and wholy responsible for any damage cuased by them, be they on another vessel or on shore. Rule #5 dictates that we maintain a proper look-out to avoid collisions, but the rule in common law also applies to causing damage when exercising overtaking, crossing, or passing, where the vessel in question has not exercised prudence or due diligence considering the vessel that is considered the "stand-on vessel".
We share the water but regardless of the rules, passing sail at habour speed, contacting the vessels we are passing on radio to state our intention is a must. On the other hand the vessels which are affected by "wash" must take appropriate action to minimize any issue with what ever the "wash' created. Manage the situation with good seamanship, it may take some practice, but it can be done and the result is passage of the "wash" without harm. Regarda Bill .
We share the water but regardless of the rules, passing sail at habour speed, contacting the vessels we are passing on radio to state our intention is a must. On the other hand the vessels which are affected by "wash" must take appropriate action to minimize any issue with what ever the "wash' created. Manage the situation with good seamanship, it may take some practice, but it can be done and the result is passage of the "wash" without harm. Regarda Bill .
"IMHO: The size of a wake is directly proportional to how poor of a design a boat is."
In my opinion, that is the dumbest thing Ive read on this site in a long time. A hulls design is only part of what causes the size of a wake. So according to your statement, every trawler is a bad design? Trawlers tend to throw a decent size wake when at cruising speed.
Think about it, when the stern is "digging" down it will not only throw a larger wake, but it will cause decent size rollers as well.
If I am cruising in the channel and not in a 5mph zone, why should I slow down for boats that are either 1. anchored in the channel, 2. drifting in the channel and not under distress, 3 smaller boats than what I am running. Ill go around a sail boat that is under sail so I do not take the wind out of the sail.
If I had to slow down every time I was going to pass someone, I might as well never leave the dock. I am operating my boat in a responsible manner. Yes, I am responsible for my wake, which is why I tend to trim both boats out so I do not cause any more of a wake then what is needed.
Plus, if my wake is too big and it hurts someone, I can use Kurts logic and blame the manufactures poor hull design...
In my opinion, that is the dumbest thing Ive read on this site in a long time. A hulls design is only part of what causes the size of a wake. So according to your statement, every trawler is a bad design? Trawlers tend to throw a decent size wake when at cruising speed.
Think about it, when the stern is "digging" down it will not only throw a larger wake, but it will cause decent size rollers as well.
If I am cruising in the channel and not in a 5mph zone, why should I slow down for boats that are either 1. anchored in the channel, 2. drifting in the channel and not under distress, 3 smaller boats than what I am running. Ill go around a sail boat that is under sail so I do not take the wind out of the sail.
If I had to slow down every time I was going to pass someone, I might as well never leave the dock. I am operating my boat in a responsible manner. Yes, I am responsible for my wake, which is why I tend to trim both boats out so I do not cause any more of a wake then what is needed.
Plus, if my wake is too big and it hurts someone, I can use Kurts logic and blame the manufactures poor hull design...
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A "trawler" throwing off a "decent size wake". In what world is that? Displacement hulls have small "waves" they "push" forward and aft, but it ain't much of a "wake". WTF are you talking about? If you're passing someone, you ain't got a "trawler". They run at hull speed and have very little wake. "Bow up" is an idiot move except for the short period of time it should take to get a planing hull on plane. IF that's how you run a boat, please don't boat near me.
I must be living on a different planet. Buddy of mine has a 34ft Mainship I which is a trawler. Cruising speed is 14knots, it throws a nice size roller and a wake. So according to you, a trawler doesnt throw any wake outward.
First of all Kurt, I never said I had a trawler when I was passing someone.
Really bow up is an idiot move? Have you have ran a boat in rough seas? Not saying the bow should be facing the sky.
Lose the attitude Kurt. Your last post really pissed me off. I dont know you from a hole in the wall, but tone it done!
First of all Kurt, I never said I had a trawler when I was passing someone.
Really bow up is an idiot move? Have you have ran a boat in rough seas? Not saying the bow should be facing the sky.
Lose the attitude Kurt. Your last post really pissed me off. I dont know you from a hole in the wall, but tone it done!
Perfectly stated.
Whether through arrogance or ignorance , far too many boaters appear to have amazingly little regard for safety & enjoyment of other boaters subjected to their wakes, and many will give themselves any selfish excuse to justify their actions when they know better.
Wakes most always look smaller and less potentially troublesome to those making them .
Most boaters really do appreciate the
considerate boater who not only slows down for others, but also makes an obvious effort to minimize his or her wake. There is a difference, and it's as not subtle as it sounds.
Thank you all for providing a little extra courtesy to your fellow boaters sharing that wonderful water that is part of all of us, & owned by none. Pay it forward.
Kurt, watch this video and tell me this trawler isnt throwing a decent wake and roller
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiJ_G3rP1Jg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiJ_G3rP1Jg
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Uh, yeah, I've been through some rough seas. The last time we crossed back to FL from the Bahamas was 4 hours of 6-8 foot seas. Thankfully, they were following (or I wouldn't have done it). Regardless, my boat doesn't throw off a wake over 6 inches (that's inches, not feet). And by "bow up", I mean a planing hull not on plane for an extended period of time.
If your buddy runs a displacement hull of 34' at 14 knots, he's is certainly tossing off a hell of a wake as he's going way, WAY over hull speed (hence a large wake). Your avitar suggest you have a go-fast. I have never, ever seen a wake over a few inches from a go-fast. They might be loud, but like Capt Ron said: "they're on you fast, and they leave you fast". No issue as far as I'm concerned.
I do not intend to put forth any "attitude". This is a forum filled with "opinions". I am sorry if mine offends you.
If your buddy runs a displacement hull of 34' at 14 knots, he's is certainly tossing off a hell of a wake as he's going way, WAY over hull speed (hence a large wake). Your avitar suggest you have a go-fast. I have never, ever seen a wake over a few inches from a go-fast. They might be loud, but like Capt Ron said: "they're on you fast, and they leave you fast". No issue as far as I'm concerned.
I do not intend to put forth any "attitude". This is a forum filled with "opinions". I am sorry if mine offends you.