Wake/Surf Boats

 

Wake/surf boats are getting more popular.  They use technology to make huge wave for wakeboarding.  Unfortunately, the waves can damage our lakes if the boats are operated near shores and in shallow water. 

 

The Michigan DNR recently released a report Michigan DNR Wake Boat Study looking at how wake boats can harm lakes if they are not operated carefully.

The wakes made by wake boats can be much larger than those made by other power boats. The report shows these big waves can damage the environment. They erode shorelines and stir up lake bottoms, reducing water clarity. This hurts plants, adds nutrients that decrease water quality, and feeds algal blooms.

Wake boats also blast water downwards from the propeller, which stirs up more sediment from the bottom, further reducing water clarity and destroying fish habitat.

Wake boats can spread invasive species in their ballast tanks.

Wake boaters want clean, healthy lakes like everyone. But we now know these boats can badly impact the environment. New guidelines can help wake boaters protect our lakes while still having fun. By being careful many negative effects can be avoided.

To protect the health of Michigan’s waters, and the fish and plant life that rely on them DNR Fisheries recommends that when in wake boat mode operators should:

1. Operate at least 500 feet from docks or the shoreline, regardless of water depth.
2. Never operate in water less than 15 feet deep (if the water gets cloudier after the boat passes, move to deeper water)
3. Completely drain ballast tanks before transporting them to other bodies of water.

On the Huron Chain of Lakes you can enjoy your wake boat while not damaging the lakes in the areas shown in blue on the maps below. If your boat is clouding the water, move to deeper water.

 

Huron River Chain lakes that can accommodate wake boats operating in wake mode are:

    • Portage Lake
    • Base Line Lake
    • Strawberry Lake (small area)
    • Zukey Lake (small area)

Lakes on the Huron River Chain that CANNOT accommodate wake boats operating in the wake mode are:

    • Little Portage Lake
    • Whitewood Lake
    • Gallagher Lake
    • Tamarack Lake

The Huron River can also not accommodate wake boat operation in wake mode.