Maine law will restrict wakesurf boats

[rrrr]

It's a start.

Legislature passes bill that regulates wakesurfing

As wakesurfing gains popularity in Maine, there are concerns on its potential impact on shorelines and wildlife.

www.bangordailynews.com

EDIT 5/25: See new post. Vermont joins the list of states restricting wakesurfing.

 

[n2otoofast4u]

What humorous here is that they dictate this by water depth of a minimum of 15' deep.

As a guy who participates in these activities I can tell you that the wave disappears in water depths less than about 12-13 feet deep. You can literally be riding along and if you go over a shallow spot the wave all but disappears. Any KNOWLEDGABLE boater who is doing wake sports knows this!

 

[rivergames]

What humorous here is that they dictate this by water depth of a minimum of 15' deep.

As a guy who participates in these activities I can tell you that the wave disappears in water depths less than about 12-13 feet deep. You can literally be riding along and if you go over a shallow spot the wave all but disappears. Any KNOWLEDGABLE boater who is doing wake sports knows this!

Just wondering, If a wave disappears in less than 12-13 feet, why are the wakesurf waves swamping my boat tied up to my dock in 7-8' of water?

 

[n2otoofast4u]

Just wondering, If a wave disappears in less than 12-13 feet, why are the wakesurf waves swamping my boat tied up to my dock in 7-8' of water?

Because they are clueless assholes! If they had a brain, and 3 clues, they would go surf where the water is deeper.

 

[RadMan]

I’m ready

 

[rmarion]

Just wondering, If a wave disappears in less than 12-13 feet, why are the wakesurf waves swamping my boat tied up to my dock in 7-8' of water?

too many uneducated LAM boaters

 

[rivermobster]

Please bring this law to the river. It would effectively ban those boats in Parker.

 

[n2otoofast4u]

Please bring this law to the river. It would effectively ban those boats in Parker.

Having spent little time in Parker it’s hard for me to understand fully, but from what I’ve seen, there is ZERO reason to surf at Parker. MAYBE down towards casino, but that’s a MAYBE.

 

[rivrrts429]

I was sitting at RoadRunner 2 years ago and some nerd in his wakeboat is about 20 yards off the dock, full bags, just plowing water and nobody being towed.

The bar went ape shit, rightfully so. Dude was an idiot all to get a LAM moment.

 

[GETBOATS]

So then, we can look forward to the extinction of "wake boats" in Parker. You have to look pretty hard to find water deeper than 15 feet.

 

[Ballyhoo]

Because they are clueless assholes! If they had a brain, and 3 clues, they would go surf where the water is deeper.

Hence the need for some sort of control. Unfortunately there are too many clueless aholes.

 

[76sanger]

Said it before, and will say it again. You ban one kind because of this or that, and then the noise hurts someones feelings and that kind of boat is legislated to death, on and on and on it will go. It wont stop people! But hey, you complain how you see fit! By the way, I can't stand the wakeboard boats, my Sanger has been sunk twice! But I'm sure not asking for a ban.

 

[Bpracing1127]

You guys are insane. Where does this stop?

We shouldn’t be banning anything. I can’t believe that some of you are for this.

Again you are either an idiot or you are stupid. So which is it

 

[GETBOATS]

Actually, lets encourage Wake Boats in Parker and set up a course. Stay north of Roadrunner and start where the homes end going up river, stay way to the right side of the river. If ya make it, turn around and do it again, this time stay further right.

 

[ka0tyk]

As much as I dont like them... the last thing the boating community needs is more laws put in place by people who dont boat. It starts with wakesurfing and only a matter of time before sound, speed, size, motor sizes, classes, registration, fees, etc for ALL boaters.

Imagine having inspections for wakesurf equipment at the ramps… like quagga inspection stations. even if you’re in a flat bottom you’d have to have some schmuck crawling around your boat looking for ballasts, ropes, etc. there would be a dept created with costs tax dollars and such. No thank you!

 

[rivermobster]

Having spent little time in Parker it’s hard for me to understand fully, but from what I’ve seen, there is ZERO reason to surf at Parker. MAYBE down towards casino, but that’s a MAYBE.

Yet, people do it all the time.

You clearly have a brain. Others, not so much.

 

[92562]

I am generally against regulation but in this case a boat is designed to create something that is damaging to docks, shoreline and other boats. There are laws on the books regarding the responsibility of a boat owner regarding the damage his wake creates. In this sense, I think it is nuts to create a boat that would increase your probability of causing so much damage. It's similar to certain roads or bridges restricting vehicle weight to minimize the probability of damage. I am not one for bans but regulating where the sport can be done may be the only logical answer.

 

[rivermobster]

I am generally against regulation but in this case a boat is designed to create something that is damaging to docks, shoreline and other boats. There are laws on the books regarding the responsibility of a boat owner regarding the damage his wake creates. In this sense, I think it is nuts to create a boat that would increase your probability of causing so much damage. It's similar to certain roads or bridges restricting vehicle weight to minimize the probability of damage. I am not one for bans but regulating where the sport can be done may be the only logical answer.

Very well said.

 

[HST4ME]

I have less than zero sympathy for the owners of these boats and what they are bringing on themselves. Reap what you sew bitches.

 

[D19]

It's not just the wave itself but the rollers those boats throw off across the entire river. If you have 1 or 2 of those wake/surf boats ahead of you, it sucks trying to get around them on the river. Its unpleasant for everyone other than the people in the wake boat.

 

[lbhsbz]

What humorous here is that they dictate this by water depth of a minimum of 15' deep.

As a guy who participates in these activities I can tell you that the wave disappears in water depths less than about 12-13 feet deep. You can literally be riding along and if you go over a shallow spot the wave all but disappears. Any KNOWLEDGABLE boater who is doing wake sports knows this!

bullshit....from the lower river.

 

[OCMerrill]

They can surf all day long and I have even see them surf at night with transom lights and floods.
So if your crew still likes to ski you have to be in the boot no later than 6:30 am and wear your self out as there is no skiing later on.

Wake Tractors...as said above they are creating their own demise. Parker is a terrible place for them and most the time they are below the keys all the way down to the Casino. They also follow each other as that's the only way these guys can avoid another Wake Tractor's 4' wave.

I wonder how big that manufactured wave will get in the future? 5'?

 

[rmarion]

They can surf all day long and I have even see them surf at night with transom lights and floods.
So if your crew still likes to ski you have to be in the boot no later than 6:30 am and wear your self out as there is no skiing later on.

Wake Tractors...as said above they are creating their own demise. Parker is a terrible place for them and most the time they are below the keys all the way down to the Casino. They also follow each other as that's the only way these guys can avoid another Wake Tractor's 4' wave.

I wonder how big that manufactured wave will get in the future? 5'?

OC

that's how it was before Wakeboard boats...

I wanted the flat water to ski.. we were on the water when the sun came up..

 

[Jmp]

Having had both types of boats, I see both sides. I had a 120mph 28 Daytona and currently have a g25 nautique. All I can say is you ban one, you ban them all.

 

[n2otoofast4u]

Having had both types of boats, I see both sides. I had a 120mph 28 Daytona and currently have a g25 nautique. All I can say is you ban one, you ban them all.

I’m a twin of you! Add a 120-130mph 19’ boat to the mix and you realize that you’re hated by all!

Reality is that y’all voting for restrictions need your head examined! This never ends well!

 

[HST4ME]

Ok then, how about a mile offshore.

 

[n2otoofast4u]

Ok then, how about a mile offshore.

Change, death, taxes……. Get used to it! I’m assuming you aren’t running around in horse/carriage!? Y’all have skewed vision!

 

[OCMerrill]

OC

that's how it was before Wakeboard boats...

I wanted the flat water to ski.. we were on the water when the sun came up..

I've had a lifetime on the Strip since the mid 60's. Skiing was never a problem except for holiday weekends where the entire river becomes pretty unmanageable.

My issue is you cant pull a skier easily through a surf wake however I prefer 21' boats. Perhaps a 30' deep V boat can so I just do my best to avoid. My Essex is far less challenging than my Mod V boat.

I also have a 20.8 Mod V Lavey. Its also an Open Bow and when on anchor in front of our Motorhome camp space @ Riverland, It sits fairly low in the water.
Standard boat wakes when its on the hook no issues ever and I've been on the river with this boat since 2004 when I bought it.
One Saturday morning in October pounding on my door At 8 am or so was a retired guy saying "that wake boat swamped you." I run out to see the boat is looking about to go stern down. Knowing if it gets to the vents were really in trouble.

I dumped our cooler on the ground, jumped in, and pulled the cooler to the bow, got in and started bailing. Bilge pump ran for a solid hr. So apparently someone else saw this and ran their golf cart to Riverland's launch and yelled at the guy waving him over. He pulled his surf buddy in and split down river. This was all third mouth stuff. Later on I went down to look and he must of pulled out or whatever. I didn't really know what I was looking for anyway.

So I have been directly affected by a surf boat however I'm a 2A guy and cant fucking stand the constant bashing and restrictive attitude of our government.
Banning Wake tractors? Banning shit is just not a part of this so called freedom we enjoy. Getting less and less free all the time.

 

[rivermobster]

Having had both types of boats, I see both sides. I had a 120mph 28 Daytona and currently have a g25 nautique. All I can say is you ban one, you ban them all.

This is the silliest argument ever...

There are certain types of boats banned from certain types of waterways Everywhere.

Are all boats banned everywhere because of this? No. They are not.

And those bans have been in place Forever.

These folks have brought this on themselves. It's past time for these boats to be banned from the river, since the owners have no common sense.

 

[rrrr]

This is the silliest argument ever...

There are certain types of boats banned from certain types of waterways Everywhere.

Are all boats banned everywhere because of this? No. They are not.

And those bans have been in place Forever.

These folks have brought this on themselves. It's past time for these boats to be banned from the river, since the owners have no common sense.

Some common sense limits on an activity that is causing real and identifiable damage to public and private shorelines and bodies of water doesn't mean all boating will be destroyed. But that possibility exists, and the sooner restrictions are put in place, it becomes less likely attacks on recreational boating will be pursued.

Up until now, boaters and regulatory agencies have generally agreed on limitations for operation of fast and loud boats. Sure, everyone that owned one bitched about fitting mufflers or speed limits and expanded no wake zones. But most boaters and property owners nationwide, and particularly on the river below Lake Havasu, live together pretty much in harmony. There aren't any limits on running hot there just after daybreak, which is surely a sign of mutual respect and cooperation between the parties.

But this is different. Owners of shoreline properties are being subjected to significant and expensive property damage. The absence of on the water enforcement, a function of budgetary limits, and the ability of boats causing damage to leave the area when confronted, give property owners few avenues of redress when their dock and boat lifts are torn apart by a boat throwing 4' surf just twenty five feet from the shoreline.

Boaters performing normal recreational activities are subjected to rollers that can swamp and sink smaller boats.

It's indisputable that wakesurf boats can cause massive property damage and complete disruption to certain bodies of water. The shoreline damage also interferes with incubation and early life of several different species of fish and amphibians.

The aspect of that which totally pisses me off and makes me a proponent of restricting their operation to certain areas and types of water is the almost universal disdain for others that many of these boaters display. It's more than obvious to the captain and passengers the rollers are pounding moored boats against docks and eroding shorelines as they pass by just a few feet from shore. They just turn up the tunes and circle back for another go.

I always put consideration of other boaters and property owners near the top of the list when I made decisions when and where to ski and wakeboard. There have been many times where I came off plane to pass a couple of guys fishing from a small aluminum boat. I didn't have to, but why would I be a dick and ruin their day?

Those that argue about slippery slopes and claim one ban can result in restrictions on all types of boating are correct, but they don't see the larger picture. That means those bans should be put in place now. Wakesurfing is drawing extremely negative attention to recreational boating. That attention didn't exist before their appearance. Now that the sport has awakened non-boaters, they have placed a target on all boaters.

You would have to be dead to ignore the obvious. Perception far outweighs reality today, and this is going to be the perception. Boating is a prime target for the cancel culture and climate change fucktards. Most recreational boat owners are white males. They are more affluent than the average population. Their boats burn gasoline, which contribute to climate change. They tow their boats to lakes and rivers with giant SUVs and trucks.

Those that wakesurf are even more dangerous. They're really white, they're young, they have money to burn, and are buying montrous Pavati destruction machines with an average price of $385,000. They drink irresponsibly, make TikTok and Instagram reels, and are undoubtedly racist. They probably support Israel and Donald Trump.

What should happen? I think that common sense restrictions on where these boats operate must be put in place now. The longer the issue is in the media, the more overblown it will become, and the damage to all boating will intensify. The sooner the limits are put in place before a coalition of interests against boating can be assembled, the better off boating will be.

It's not controversial to stop destruction of shoreline properties. It's not unreasonable to limit wakesurfing to deeper water and farther from shore.

But if the issue is allowed to morph into a climate change crusade, then all recreational boating will be dragged into a controversy that will begin a damage to the sport whose effects cannot be quantified.

It's better to place common sense limits on wakesurfing now, instead of allowing the enemies of just about everything we do to gain another win. When they go after boating as a whole, then all power sports will be next. When videos of several hundred OHVs covering the dunes at Glamis appear on MSNBC, what follows will be as easy to predict as tomorrow's sunrise.

Winning the long game takes more thought and planning than knee jerk reactions do.

 

[River Dirt 2]

Lake Arrowhead prohibits any wake enhancing device, factory or owner installed.

https://www.ala-ca.org/docs/2__Boating__Swimming_Rules_Flyer_for_Eblast.png

 

[rivermobster]

Some common sense limits on an activity that is causing real and identifiable damage to public and private shorelines and bodies of water doesn't mean all boating will be destroyed. But that possibility exists, and the sooner restrictions are put in place, it becomes less likely attacks on recreational boating will be pursued.

Up until now, boaters and regulatory agencies have generally agreed on limitations for operation of fast and loud boats. Sure, everyone that owned one bitched about fitting mufflers or speed limits and expanded no wake zones. But most boaters and property owners nationwide, and particularly on the river below Lake Havasu, live together pretty much in harmony. There aren't any limits on running hot there just after daybreak, which is surely a sign of mutual respect and cooperation between the parties.

But this is different. Owners of shoreline properties are being subjected to significant and expensive property damage. The absence of on the water enforcement, a function of budgetary limits, and the ability of boats causing damage to leave the area when confronted, give property owners few avenues of redress when their dock and boat lifts are torn apart by a boat throwing 4' surf just twenty five feet from the shoreline.

Boaters performing normal recreational activities are subjected to rollers that can swamp and sink smaller boats.

It's indisputable that wakesurf boats can cause massive property damage and complete disruption to certain bodies of water. The shoreline damage also interferes with incubation and early life of several different species of fish and amphibians.

The aspect of that which totally pisses me off and makes me a proponent of restricting their operation to certain areas and types of water is the almost universal disdain for others that many of these boaters display. It's more than obvious to the captain and passengers the rollers are pounding moored boats against docks and eroding shorelines as they pass by just a few feet from shore. They just turn up the tunes and circle back for another go.

I always put consideration of other boaters and property owners near the top of the list when I made decisions when and where to ski and wakeboard. There have been many times where I came off plane to pass a couple of guys fishing from a small aluminum boat. I didn't have to, but why would I be a dick and ruin their day?

Those that argue about slippery slopes and claim one ban can result in restrictions on all types of boating are correct, but they don't see the larger picture. That means those bans should be put in place now. Wakesurfing is drawing extremely negative attention to recreational boating. That attention didn't exist before their appearance. Now that the sport has awakened non-boaters, they have placed a target on all boaters.

You would have to be dead to ignore the obvious. Perception far outweighs reality today, and this is going to be the perception. Boating is a prime target for the cancel culture and climate change fucktards. Most recreational boat owners are white males. They are more affluent than the average population. Their boats burn gasoline, which contribute to climate change. They tow their boats to lakes and rivers with giant SUVs and trucks.

Those that wakesurf are even more dangerous. They're really white, they're young, they have money to burn, and are buying montrous Pavati destruction machines with an average price of $385,000. They drink irresponsibly, make TikTok and Instagram reels, and are undoubtedly racist. They probably support Israel and Donald Trump.

What should happen? I think that common sense restrictions on where these boats operate must be put in place now. The longer the issue is in the media, the more overblown it will become, and the damage to all boating will intensify. The sooner the limits are put in place before a coalition of interests against boating can be assembled, the better off boating will be.

It's not controversial to stop destruction of shoreline properties. It's not unreasonable to limit wakesurfing to deeper water and farther from shore.

But if the issue is allowed to morph into a climate change crusade, then all recreational boating will be dragged into a controversy that will begin a damage to the sport whose effects cannot be quantified.

It's better to place common sense limits on wakesurfing now, instead of allowing the enemies of just about everything we do to gain another win. When they go after boating as a whole, then all power sports will be next. When videos of several hundred OHVs covering the dunes at Glamis appear on MSNBC, what follows will be as easy to predict as tomorrow's sunrise.

Winning the long game takes more thought and planning than knee jerk reactions do.

Cliff notes please?

 

[HST4ME]

I love the deflections from the real issues from the bro dozer crowd. You want to surf, go to the fucking ocean and quit fucking it up for the rest of us.

 

[rrrr]

Cliff notes please?

Cliff notes are it's a serious issue and if someone can't read my thoughts for six minutes they don't have room to bitch about the eventual outcome.

 

[EarpRider]

They can surf all day long and I have even see them surf at night with transom lights and floods.
So if your crew still likes to ski you have to be in the boot no later than 6:30 am and wear your self out as there is no skiing later on.

Wake Tractors...as said above they are creating their own demise. Parker is a terrible place for them and most the time they are below the keys all the way down to the Casino. They also follow each other as that's the only way these guys can avoid another Wake Tractor's 4' wave.

I wonder how big that manufactured wave will get in the future? 5'?

Nope, they are everywhere, and they don't care.

I sat on the beach yesterday morning watching a boat try to get what looked like a semi new water skier up, and the driver could see a Wake Surf boat coming up behind him, he yells at the skier - "Hurry up, we gotta go." Ugh, soooo sad.

 

[rivermobster]

Cliff notes are it's a serious issue and if someone can't read my thoughts for six minutes they don't have room to bitch about the eventual outcome.

So serious!

Think about it...

The people who truly are to blame are the manufacturers that are building these things.

The same people that have the most to loose, IF boating was actually shut down completely?

Some people just can't see the forest for the trees.

 

[rrrr]

So serious!

Think about it...

The people who truly are to blame are the manufacturers that are building these things.

The same people that have the most to loose, IF boating was actually shut down completely?

Some people just can't see the forest for the trees.

That's a good observation.

 

[530RL]

Cliff notes please?

For every action there is always a reaction.

 

[DWC]

Having had both types of boats, I see both sides. I had a 120mph 28 Daytona and currently have a g25 nautique. All I can say is you ban one, you ban them all.

Agreed.

 

[Boatymcboatface]

So serious!

Think about it...

The people who truly are to blame are the manufacturers that are building these things.

The same people that have the most to loose, IF boating was actually shut down completely?

Some people just can't see the forest for the trees.

Agree! I was at the nautique dealer in OC yesterday to look at a used boat they had listed on their web page. Went in and it was sold so started to talk with one of the sales guys and asked for a tour of the showroom if he had time. Well the only thing they had was MASSIVE surf boats! I asked if they had any nautique ski boats. He said they had one but it was a special order! it was the only one he’s seen since working their.

This was the OC dealer less than 20 minutes from an actual surf spot!!!!

 

[Jmp]

This is the silliest argument ever...

There are certain types of boats banned from certain types of waterways Everywhere.

Are all boats banned everywhere because of this? No. They are not.

And those bans have been in place Forever.

These folks have brought this on themselves. It's past time for these boats to be banned from the river, since the owners have no common sense.

Out of curiosity , what boat types are banned where? I have heard of length restrictions on certain lakes but haven’t heard of bans by type. I am assuming we are talking about engine driven vessels and not canoes and kayaks.

 

[530RL]

Out of curiosity , what boat types are banned where? I have heard of length restrictions on certain lakes but haven’t heard of bans by type. I am assuming we are talking about engine driven vessels and not canoes and kayaks.

My concern isn’t bans, it’s regulation in the name of “safety”.

Big wave makers create an “unsafe” condition is the argument for restrictions or bans on them.

The natural unfortunate next step is speed limits in the name of safety which we have all seen.

Once the camels nose is under the tent, it typically generates more restrictions in the name of “safety”.

 

[EarpRider]

My concern isn’t bans, it’s regulation in the name of “safety”.

Big wave makers create an “unsafe” condition is the argument for restrictions or bans on them.

The natural unfortunate next step is speed limits in the name of safety which we have all seen.

Once the camels nose is under the tent, it typically generates more restrictions in the name of “safety”.

Except, every, EVERY current boat related site has pages and pages about Wake Surf boats, and zero, ZERO pages about, speed, noise etc...
Wake surfing has to stop on the Parker Strip, stop making everyone scared that one law leads to another law.

 

[n2otoofast4u]

I love the deflections from the real issues from the bro dozer crowd. You want to surf, go to the fucking ocean and quit fucking it up for the rest of us.

Define “rest of us”. Are you and YOUR people the majority or minority in today’s world?

“Back in the day” you all ran around on 17’ boats, had big hair, life was grand….. right?

So today it’s flat bills, wake boats, pasties and shaved beavers……

It’s the EXACT same scenario, just decades apart. Look, I’m not saying some of these wake boat owners/drivers aren’t complete dipshits. What I am saying is that the interests have changed with the next (or maybe 2) generations from you. Don’t hate the game, hate the player!

I have an extremely nice wake boat (still cannot believe I paid that kinda $ for a fkn 30mph boat) a 19’ river missile and a 35’ cruiser. I recently sold my 32’ twin OB cat that most on this website relate to. What I’m getting at is this hobby is what you make of it! Rather than push out the MAJORITY (toons might be bigger) of the crowd, figure out how to make it work for all. Adapt to the changes rather than bitch that things are different than 30 fkn years ago. Guess what, I run all of my junk on different water ways at different times and/or different seasons….. guess what….. I have fun EVERY FKN TIME!

 

[EarpRider]

Wake surf boat refuses to be launched! Even the boat is tired of ruining the water for everyone else.

 

[stonehenge]

bro dozer

wake tractor

Your killing me smalls! hahahahahaha

I guess you do learn something new everyday.

So, so,....SO much goodness in those accurate terms.

Launching the boat this morning with a smile on my face, thank you for sharing those wonderful names!

 

[EarpRider]

Wisconsin!

Wisconsin residents support wake boating restrictions in poll

Participants in the annual poll by the Wisconsin Conservation Congress overwhelming endorsed statewide restrictions on wake boating.

fox11online.com

 

[4Waters]

Wisconsin!

Wisconsin residents support wake boating restrictions in poll

Participants in the annual poll by the Wisconsin Conservation Congress overwhelming endorsed statewide restrictions on wake boating.

fox11online.com

Here we go, fuckin wave tractor captains have fucked us all. There is no way they will stop at the wake boats.

 

[hallett21]

Here we go, fuckin wave tractor captains have fucked us all. There is no way they will stop at the wake boats.

Sadly no one can see this. Might not be this decade but you watch they’ll come for us.

 

[HST4ME]

They did it to themselves.