Wakes on the lake

How boat wakes affect other small boats and shoreline

A wake can flood a loon nest and cause the loon to abandon the nest. These nests are usually only 4-6 inches above the water and are vulnerable to water level changes. Loons are a protected species.

The wake can also swamp kayaks and canoes especially if the fast boat is making quick turns to pick up a fallen skier. The paddler can be caught by wakes from two different directions.

So please be aware that when the boat is on plane (level) the wake is the least—and when you slow down, such that the stern is lower than the bow, the wake is the greatest.

No wake means going at headway speed, which is the slowest speed at which you can maintain control of the boat, less than 6 MPH.

Pay attention to the 150 foot rule — stay 150 feet from any person, place or thing. If you are pulling a skier or person in a tube, they are considered an extension of the boat and must obey the same rule. They cannot swing in closer than 150 ft to any person, place or thing such as a dock, float, boat or swimmer.

When the lake water levels are high (1 foot above normal), docks may be only inches above the water and much of the normally exposed shoreline is awash, so it is important to not let your boat create a wake. Please stay at headway speed if you need to use a boat on the lake when the lake level is high to minimize damage to docks and erosion to the shoreline.

Click here to read the “Boater’s Guide of New Hampshire,” a handbook of boating laws and responsibilities, from the NH Department of Safety.

Thank you for your cooperation in practicing safe boating and respecting the ecology of the lake.