The weather this summer has been perfect for cruising around the lakes and rivers. Here on the Big Rideau Lake, we are seeing a significant increase in boating traffic - likely the highest in about 5 seasons. Visitors from the US, Ottawa, Kingston, and Quebec have increased their boat trips also into this area.
At times you will approach places that require slowing down (i.e. narrow cuts or when close to docks/swimmers). Many people slow down; yet the choice of speed may be having more of a negative impact than you realized.
Your boat creates the least amount of wake (in general) completely off plane, which is typically under 8mph. The second smallest wake is then created when a boat is well on plane; typically over 20mph. That leaves the middle ground (8-20), which is the biggest wake possible as the boat struggles to break up on top of the water and plane, and does not have enough hydraulic pressure to do so.
We see it all the time. Boats zip merrily along at 25, 30, 35 mph, and just as they approach a boat or dock they slow down.....just not enough (and not soon enough), creating an enormous wake. This can be very damaging to boats, docks, as well as disrupt wildlife. From a safety side it can be life threatening to kids in the water that could get thrown up against a rock, or worse, pinched between a dock and a boat slamming into one another. Also, your boat is working hard and burning a lot of fuel when in that middle ground speed zone. As you can see it the top image, even a small boat can make a huge wake if boating in this speed zone.
So, to be as clear as possible, whenever you are within 100' of shore and there are docks, boats, or swimmers please do ONE of these two things:
- Slow RIGHT down to well below planing speeds and do so BEFORE you get to the dock. See image below.
- Keep going at the speed you were initially traveling at if you can't take the time to slow down and idle by.
If you need to make time, just keep going fast and stay on plane. If you do so, just watch for swimmers and boats in narrow channels. Please, do not just partially back off the throttle. It makes it many times worse. Boating is about fun and community. Your fellow boaters and property owners will thank-you, and you will look like the class act that you are trying to be. Here is a link to another boater's perspective on the issue.
