Shit just got real...

[rivermobster]

Looks like this group is done talking and taking action. Good for them.

A new nonprofit aims to decrease the damage from wake boating on smaller Wisconsin lakes

A nonprofit organization called Lakes At Stake Wisconsin has formed in an effort to restrict wake-enhanced boating to lakes larger than 1,500 acres.

www.jsonline.com

 

[4Waters]

Looks like this group is done talking and taking action. Good for them.

A new nonprofit aims to decrease the damage from wake boating on smaller Wisconsin lakes

A nonprofit organization called Lakes At Stake Wisconsin has formed in an effort to restrict wake-enhanced boating to lakes larger than 1,500 acres.

www.jsonline.com

They're doing it to themselves

 

[Singleton]

My mom and stepdad live on a lake in northern WI that falls under the above proposed legislation.
The launch ramp which allows anyone to launch is maintained by the HOA (consists of all owners with lakefront and owners with lake access). HOA voted this week to 1) stop the public from using the ramp and installed locks on the gate and 2) in a 200 to 20 vote, ban all wake/surf boats from the lake. The 20 no votes were told buried in the HOA is a clause that states all owners boats must be registered with the HOA (so they can verify boat type), plus stops the 20 owners from filing any litigation. HOA offered to purchase the homes at market rates as a FU to those owners.

 

[Sleek-Jet]

Lots of Wisconsin lakes have funky rules. A friend of mine has a house on a lake up there and it is wakeless except for 2 or 3 hours a day.

 

[4Waters]

1500 acres is still too small, castiac is 2200 acres and it gets destroyed

 

[monkeyswrench]

Any group hiring a "lobbyist" is not a good thing. Private lakes can do what they wish, but pushing the state to start making laws that are already made to be modified won't work out well. Certain size for lakes will grow to larger lakes, wake boats will be gone, but now boats over a certain size will be the issue. Gas, speeds, etc. etc.

 

[MonkeyButt70]

Are they banning that type of boat from lake use or the operation of the ballasts ? Such a slippery slope of adding regulations to recreational boat use in my opinion.

 

[4Waters]

Any group hiring a "lobbyist" is not a good thing. Private lakes can do what they wish, but pushing the state to start making laws that are already made to be modified won't work out well. Certain size for lakes will grow to larger lakes, wake boats will be gone, but now boats over a certain size will be the issue. Gas, speeds, etc. etc.

Yup, the asshole wake boat owners that destroy property, shoreline and sink boats because they think it's cool to run with ballast regardless if they are towing someone are ruining it for the rest of us, it won't stop with wake boats.

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

Arrowhead was considering something similar which I thought was too extreme to just outright ban them.

I think the first step should be a launch inspection and lockout of the ballast tank valves so the ballast can’t be used. Also any other wake enhancing items like a wedge the fuse is removed and noted on the inspection.

Then if the lake patrol suspects the wakes are larger than they should be, they can do an immediate inspection of this items. If they were put back into service the boat should be banned for the remainder of the season.

Wakeboard boats by themselves aren’t super bad, it’s the enhancements and the way the boat is driven that makes big waves.

We had a Malibu 23 Wakesetter LSV with all the goodies. If the tanks were empty and nothing else was used and it was driven at waterskiing speed it made next to no wake at all.

Note Arrowhead is a private lake so they can do whatever the ALA board votes to do.

 

[4Waters]

Arrowhead was considering something similar which I thought was too extreme to just outright ban them.

I think the first step should be a launch inspection and lockout of the ballast tank valves so the ballast can’t be used. Also any other wake enhancing items like a wedge the fuse is removed and noted on the inspection.

Then if the lake patrol suspects the wakes are larger than they should be, they can do an immediate inspection of this items. If they were put back into service the boat should be banned for the remainder of the season.

Wakeboard boats by themselves aren’t super bad, it’s the enhancements and the way the boat is driven that makes big waves.

We had a Malibu 23 Wakesetter LSV with all the goodies. If the tanks were empty and nothing else was used and it was driven at waterskiing speed it made next to no wake at all.

Note Arrowhead is a private lake so they can do whatever the ALA board votes to do.

I could get behind that

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

I could get behind that

A private lake this is easy, there is always someone at the ramp (usually not any or many other launch spots) during open hours to run inspections, etc.

Much more difficult on a body of water more traditionally open and free rein like the Parker strip. It would cost a lot of money to post inspectors and ramp controls everywhere. Then throw in the two state enforcement and it’ll never happen.

 

[hallett21]

Banning anything doesn’t seem to be the answer imo.

 

[MonkeyButt70]

The same parallel argument is gun control, is it the user or the gun? the above mentioned restrictions sound like the gun committees adding items to guns making them unusable when it it the person behind the gun that is the problem.....

 

[Singleton]

Banning anything doesn’t seem to be the answer imo.

My mom has had to replace her aluminum dock three times in 20 years. All due to wakes causing issues when the lake is high. I reviewed the votes and the 20 folks who didn’t support the ban don’t own lake front or docks, all have lake access.

100% - the inability of a few to follow some simple rules ruined it for all.

 

[hallett21]

My mom has had to replace her aluminum dock three times in 20 years. All due to wakes causing issues when the lake is high. I reviewed the votes and the 20 folks who didn’t support the ban don’t own lake front or docks, all have lake access.

100% - the inability of a few to follow some simple rules ruined it for all.

I totally get a property owners stance on it. Just seems like once you get the regulation ball rolling it never stops.

Has anyone been successful in court suing a boat for wake damage?

 

[rmarion]

I'm a Wake Crusher owner..

2004 22i Tige "revised"
never installed ballast in our ride... we could Surf without the need..
water sport speeds..

Ski - 25-32 mph (depending on skill level)
Wake board- 18-22 mph (same as above)
Wakesurf - 11 mph (our boat, maintain ride able wave - 2' wave, 3-6' from stern)

damage occurs at low speed... wave roller last for long time...

as a driver, I can see what wave damage is possible...

I personally never ran in residential dock areas knowing the possibilities...

Newer boats, Big WAVES = Creates possible more Damage.

Most people don't even realize the carbon monoxide dangers of the wave rider and boat occupants.


IMO
Education is Required!

But, what type of requirements?

I've heard Nor Cal rivers, Barges run some rivers... what type of damage do they create??

where will it stop?

Greenies won't be happy until only Kayak are allowed??

Enjoy your Sunday..

 

[4Waters]

I'm a Wake Crusher owner..

2024 22i Tige
newer installed ballast in our ride... we could Surf without the need..
water sport speeds..

Ski - 25-32 mph (depending on skill level)
Wake board- 18-22 mph (same as above)
Wakesurf - 11 mph (our boat, maintain ride able wave - 2' wave, 3-6' from stern)

damage occurs at low speed... wave roller last for long time...

as a driver, I can see what wave damage is possible...

I personally never ran in residential dock areas knowing the possibilities...

Newer boats, Big WAVES = Creates possible more Damage.

Most people don't even realize the carbon monoxide dangers of the wave rider and boat occupants.


IMO
Education is Required!

But, what type of requirements?

I've heard Nor Cal rivers, Barges run some rivers... what type of damage do they create??

where will it stop?

Greenies won't be happy until only Kayak are allowed??

Enjoy your Sunday..

The greenies are a different issue and should be some of the first drafted

 

[rivermobster]

I'm a Wake Crusher owner..

2024 22i Tige
newer installed ballast in our ride... we could Surf without the need..
water sport speeds..

Ski - 25-32 mph (depending on skill level)
Wake board- 18-22 mph (same as above)
Wakesurf - 11 mph (our boat, maintain ride able wave - 2' wave, 3-6' from stern)

damage occurs at low speed... wave roller last for long time...

as a driver, I can see what wave damage is possible...

I personally never ran in residential dock areas knowing the possibilities...

Newer boats, Big WAVES = Creates possible more Damage.

Most people don't even realize the carbon monoxide dangers of the wave rider and boat occupants.


IMO
Education is Required!

But, what type of requirements?

I've heard Nor Cal rivers, Barges run some rivers... what type of damage do they create??

where will it stop?

Greenies won't be happy until only Kayak are allowed??

Enjoy your Sunday..

Are you trying to say you're a responsible owner/driver?

If so, good on you!

It's the other assholes out there, that I've personally had to deal with, that are the problem.

Maybe you could start an owners club and educate your compadres?

Pretty sure we both know how that would work out. It's the few that ruin it for Everyone else. It's Always been that way.

 

[Big B Hova]

Don't Wisconsin my California!

 

[Singleton]

I totally get a property owners stance on it. Just seems like once you get the regulation ball rolling it never stops.

Has anyone been successful in court suing a boat for wake damage?

We tried and lost.
Even with cameras and video footage, my mom lost. Judge ruled, even though video showed a wake from boat hit the dock and lifted it, there is no way to tell that wake did the damage alone. Total BS IMO

 

[hallett21]

We tried and lost.
Even with cameras and video footage, my mom lost. Judge ruled, even though video showed a wake from boat hit the dock and lifted it, there is no way to tell that wake did the damage alone. Total BS IMO

I figured that would be the case. The counter argument I’m sure was that 100,000s of waves have slowly broken the dock down. And it just so happen this one broke the dock.

Too bad people can’t just be decent and responsible.

 

[Singleton]

I figured that would be the case. The counter argument I’m sure was that 100,000s of waves have slowly broken the dock down. And it just so happen this one broke the dock.

Too bad people can’t just be decent and responsible.

The last fix was my stepdad sold his bass boat and the entire dock was pulled. As they both approach 80, it most likely the safest thing to do

 

[TonyFanelli]

The greenies are a different issue and should be some of the first drafted

The greenies ARE an issue! But I don't think they make electric vegetable ammo

 

[monkeyswrench]

I had a place in Needles, with a dock. 5 years ago the issue wasn't wake tractors, it was the London Jet. That thing threw some rollers!

 

[hallett21]

I had a place in Needles, with a dock. 5 years ago the issue wasn't wake tractors, it was the London Jet. That thing threw some rollers!

I’d like to know what they did to improve the wake. Because I remember the good old days of the 2-3 footers coming off of it.

 

[rrrr]

Any group hiring a "lobbyist" is not a good thing. Private lakes can do what they wish, but pushing the state to start making laws that are already made to be modified won't work out well. Certain size for lakes will grow to larger lakes, wake boats will be gone, but now boats over a certain size will be the issue. Gas, speeds, etc. etc.

All good points, but the facts are that wake/surf boats are causing huge dollar amounts of damage to private property and irretrievable loss of shoreline features and habitat. It's beyond dispute that these specific types of boats and the manner in which they are used are destroying the environment of small lakes.

I see this as no different than the horsepower and size limits on small bodies of water that have been enacted all over the country, and courts have ruled the authority under which these rules or laws have been promulgated are legitimate and serve the best interests of property owners and the public.

As for the "lobbyist" (quotation marks in your original) angle, how else could a body of citizens use the legal system to advocate for their position? Hiring expert council to assert their claims is a perfectly normal process, and villianization of the term doesn't mean the complainants' position is unreasonable or illegitimate.

Lastly, it's beyond dispute that the position of the non-profit organization is the voice of those that seek to stop the destruction of shoreline environments and properties. What they seek to change is something that must be addressed. Wake/surf boat owners that operate responsibly are unfortunately in the minority of the group. The actions of the majority, and, indisputably, the design and use of the boats, is inherently destructive. The group deserves to be heard.

 

[hallett21]

Replace wake surf boat with high performance boat and we have a big problem.

Its feeling very similar to wining the battle but losing the war.

 

[Roosky01]

The problem here on our lake is the asshats that bomb around with full bladders when not in the middle of the lake doing their thing. 75% of them are inconsiderate assholes that wreck it for everyone...

 

[monkeyswrench]

@rrrr , this is the quote that bothered me:
"Lakes At Stake Wisconsin has hired lobbyist Steve Lyons of SGL Government Affairs and Communications to push for much stronger restrictions."

Without laying those out, it is open ended. If it reaches the wrong forms of government, such as federal lawmakers, it can snowball very fast. Several years back legislation was past essentially giving control of most bodies of water to the fed, while still allowing state and local to oversee them. With the current "Green" push in power, it could open doors to make things easier to shut all of us down. My fears may be misguided, but leaf lickers suck.

 

[hallett21]

The problem here on our lake is the asshats that bomb around with full bladders when not in the middle of the lake doing their thing. 75% of them are inconsiderate assholes that wreck it for everyone...

I often wonder if they just don’t know any better?

Fast boats are no different. In the wrong hands they’re dangerous and can cause a bunch of damage.

 

[Roosky01]

I often wonder if they just don’t know any bette?

Fast boats are no different. In the wrong hands they’re dangerous can cause a bunch of damage.

I've tried to to have somewhat polite conversations with many of them about it and they look at me as if I'm Clint E. in my Torino. Again, there are plenty of peeps that are doing it right, but that will not matter one bit when the shit finally hits the fan and sticks.

 

[EarpRider]

The same parallel argument is gun control, is it the user or the gun? the above mentioned restrictions sound like the gun committees adding items to guns making them unusable when it it the person behind the gun that is the problem.....

Yeah, No!
The best boat driver in the world operating a modern-day wake surf boat on The Parker Strip is destroying docks, and ruining the water for everyone else.

 

[EarpRider]

Banning anything doesn’t seem to be the answer imo.

I'll roll the dice on banning boats on The Strip with ballast tanks and wake shaping devices, as it is now they've already ruined the waterway.

 

[Roosky01]

There are going to be a lot of expensive yard art pieces if these bans start to materialize. A friend just ordered the biggest and baddest Malibu for next season. I told him he was fuk'n stupid and he said I had no idea WTF I was talking about. It is coming...

 

[hallett21]

I'll roll the dice on banning boats on The Strip with ballast tanks and wake shaping devices, as it is now they've already ruined the waterway.

So what’s to stop someone from attempting to ban a performance boat?

Genuine question btw.

 

[MonkeyButt70]

Yeah, No!
The best boat driver in the world operating a modern-day wake surf boat on The Parker Strip is destroying docks, and ruining the water for everyone else.

That is the decision of the boat operator. Your statement makes it sound like the boat is forcing the driver to destroy the dock. Do your guns talk to you and make you shoot things you should not?

 

[rivermobster]

So what’s to stop someone from attempting to ban a performance boat?

Genuine question btw.

Not a damm thing...

Genuine answer.

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

So what’s to stop someone from attempting to ban a performance boat?

Genuine question btw.

Arrowhead has been discussing that option as well. Seriously, I’m not sure. But some folks think this should be a bayliner/fishing lake. One day it may happen, Schiadas, Hallets and other legends of the lake are going extinct.

 

[EarpRider]

So what’s to stop someone from attempting to ban a performance boat?

Genuine question btw.

That's a chance we take, I'm all in.
Any non-profit organizations on here who want help starting the ban of wake surf boats on The Strip?

 

[hallett21]

That's a chance we take, I'm all in.
Any non-profit organizations on here who want help starting the plan of wake surf boats on The Strip?

Meaning you’re ok with performance boats being limited on the CO river?

Edit: horsepower, noise, speed etc.

 

[rivermobster]

Meaning you’re ok with performance boats being limited on the CO river?

Edit: horsepower, noise, speed etc.

I don't think that's what he said?

 

[hallett21]

I don't think that's what he said?

I very well may have read that wrong. But I keep re reading and coming to the same conclusion?

 

[monkeyswrench]

I very well may have read that wrong. But I keep re reading and coming to the same conclusion?

He said "that's a chance we take. I'm all in"

My fear is wake, than size, then speed, followed ultimately by nothing powered unless a trolling motor.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

I don't think that's what he said?

Yes it is.

 

[hallett21]

He said "that's a chance we take. I'm all in"

My fear is wake, than size, then speed, followed ultimately by nothing powered unless a trolling motor.

Maybe I’m losing it. But a sentence followed by “I’m all in” would be confirming the first sentence?

So confirming “that’s a chance we take.”

 

[hallett21]

Yes it is.

I’ve reread it 20+ times. I don’t think I’m misinterpreting it?

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Maybe I’m losing it. But a sentence followed by “I’m all in” would be confirming the first sentence?

So confirming “that’s a chance we take.”

It’s not if, it’s when there will be another non profit that goes after fast boats, then loud boat, then all boats.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

I’ve reread it 20+ times. I don’t think I’m misinterpreting it?

Regardless if you misinterpreted it or not, (I don’t think you did) they will for sure come right around and go after other styles of boats, boat racing, etc.

People cheering for this are unsmart.

 

[angiebaby]

I'm not advocating this because I have zero stake in the Parker Strip, but I could easily see a size limit there. Up through the 90s, the biggest boats I saw there were something like 23', and that was not the norm. It's a really small body of water, with a lot of docks and a lot of boats. But like many have stated, once you start restricting certain groups, prepare for your group to be the next one in the cross-hairs.

 

[mjc]

Have you ever been above Willow Beach? They already have weird restrictions up there on horsepower.