Wake Boats
A COMPROMISE BETWEEN HAVING FUN AND PROTECTING OUR LAKE HABITAT
Here’s how WAKE BOATS work
Wake boats are specifically designed to greatly increase wave height and depth. They can produce waves with up to 17 times the energy of other comparable-sized power boats. The ballast tanks sink the boat deep into the water, and the powerful engine “plows”the vertical-oriented boat deep into the water with their propellers pointed down to the bottom of the lake. The wake surfer then lets go of the start rope and surf boards on the giant created waves. “Surf City, USA” This “giant wave action” looks like fun but creates massive environmental effects that are detrimental to the health of our fresh water lakes.
HERE ARE THE CONCERNS
Wake boats create large wakes and increase bottom scour that is a threat to natural resources in inland lakes. Their propellers can resuspend bottom sediments in water up to 33 feet deep. In addition, the use of large ballast tanks results in the dramatic increase of transporting microscopic aquatic invasive species and pathogens from one lake to another. The cumulative negative effects of wake boats on natural ecosystems can lead to loss of habitat, resulting in the decline of lake ecosystems and greatly affect angling opportunites and other recreatonal uses of a lake.
SHORELINE EROSION, SEDIMENTATION AND FISH POPULATIONS
- Shoreline erosion can lead to degradation of fish habitat and reduce water quality due to physical disrupton of rooted plants and resuspension of sediments and nutrients.
- Sedimentation decreases water clarity, reduces the ability of fish to find food and aquatic plants to grow and increases turbidity and phosphorous concentrations
- Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) will be spread by chopping wave action with increased fragmentation
- Filling and emptying ballast tanks from lake to lake will quickly spread microorganisms
- Transportation of fish pathogens is also possible
HAVING FUN WHILE PRESERVING OUR ECOSYSTEM
What can be done to minimize the effects of wake boats?
The amount of damage reported from wake boat use varies from place to place because of variables such as:
- size of lake
- depth of lake
- lake topography and structure
- local ordinances restricting use
- wave height restrictions
- distance from shore regulations.
Water regulations are controlled by your local government. Many local town boards are creating ordinances in an attempt to mitigate the effect of wake boats without restricting their use completely. An example “Wakes exceeding 2 feet prohibited unless more than 700 feet from shore”. This common standard is emerging and has become law in nearby states and towns.
Wake Boats represent a clear and present danger unless precautions are taken. This story is evolving almost daily. Look to our News Page for latest updates.
