Controlling Your Wake

Wake is the wave a boat generates as it moves through the water. The wake disperses an amount of energy based on the boat’s speed and the amount of water the boat displaces.

• The wake created by a boat may endanger others.
  • A boat’s wake may rock, swamp, or capsize other boats.
  • Passengers also may be thrown off balance or overboard, leading to serious injury.
  • Unreasonable wakes also cause erosion of the shoreline, damaging important habitat.
• Each operator is responsible for the vessel’s wake. When a boat’s wake causes damage, you could face very serious consequences. Excessive boat wake may be enforced as Negligent Operation with a fine of $343. The operator also may be held responsible for the damage caused by a boat’s wake and face a civil lawsuit.
• To reduce the effects of your wake:
  • Slow down well in advance when you are passing within 300 feet of a small boat, the shoreline, or a marina.
  • Trim the drive or outboard to a vertical position when you are operating at “no wake speed.”
  • Shift in and out of gear as you proceed if your vessel produces a wake in idle gear.