WEST PALM BEACH, FL -- I'm sure most of us have had an unpleasant experience caused by boat wake at one time or another. Here's one of mine: I recall heading south on the Intracoastal Waterway one Sunday Morning, aft deck stocked nicely for Brunch, when my father-in-law was tossed right out of his chair onto his you-know-what (along with his Bloody Mary) after a vessel failed to slow in enough time before entering the no-wake zone. There wasn't even enough time to pass on the "Hold-On!" warning. He was ok, although covered in his "Bloody", thank goodness. However, tempers flared, a few choice words were expressed...well, you get the idea. Common sense and courtesy are paramount when it comes to proper etiquette in no-wake zones. Please take a few minutes to brush up on these great tips provided to us by BoatU.S.
Slow early: Boat wakes travel distances, so slow down before you reach a slow-speed zone, not as you pass the marker.
Just a little slowing down isn't good enough: Upon entering a no wake zone, some boaters react by only slowing the vessel slightly, and then plow through with the bow way up and stern dug down, actually increasing the wake. Come completely off plane.
Make her level: Without using trim tabs, a slowed vessel should be level in the water. With some smaller boats, shifting passengers around can help, as too much weight aft increases wake size.
Watch the shallows: Shallow water increases wake size.
Small boats aren't innocent: Wakes are not just a big boat issue -- small vessels in the stern-down position can throw surprisingly large wakes.
When approaching a wake, slow down but don't stop: Motorboats are more stable when underway, so stopping could make things worse. Avoid taking a wake on the beam or head on. The best approach is at a slight angle. This will keep your passengers in your boat.
Take care of older crew: The BoatU.S. insurance claims files show that persons over the age of 50 have the most personal injuries, mostly as a result of being seated near the bow when the boat slams into a wake. It's best to seat passengers -- especially older passengers -- amidships.
Warn the crew: A simple "Hold-on. Boat wake" should do the trick, just as long as you shout the warning well before the wake arrives.
Thank you BoatU.S.
Let's go boating!
The Old Port Cove Holdings, Inc. Team.
www.opch.com
