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posted to rec.boats
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First recorded activity by BoatBanter: Jul 2006
Posts: 41
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Proper interpretation of no-wake rules
Charlie Morgan wrote in
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On Thu, 24 May 2007 20:22:21 -0400, wrote:
On Thu, 24 May 2007 19:23:08 -0000, thunder
wrote:
On Thu, 24 May 2007 17:46:01 +0000, JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
What the cops are doing makes perfect sense. The signs say "No Wake
Zone". That means your wake can't enter that zone. It doesn't say
your boat has to be in the zone while making a wake in order for
you to get in trouble.
That would depend on the law as written. I'm thinking the cops are
stretching the law here. Most "no wake zones" are written concerning
the boat. Some examples:
Any vessel operating in a speed zone posted as “Idle Speed - No
Wake� must operate at the minimum speed that will maintain
steerageway. (Florida)
No person shall operate a powercraft within or through a shore zone,
danger zone, or any area marked as a no wake zone at a speed that
produces a wake. (Ohio)
Operate within designated "no wake" area except at headway speed
without creating a swell or wake. (Texas)
When operating your boat in a no-wake zone you must proceed at a
speed at which the vessel does not produce a wake, not to exceed 5
miles per hour. (Alaska)
You'll notice all of the above state the boat be *in* a no wake zone.
I haven't been able to locate the applicable New York law, but I'd
want to see it before paying the ticket.
I agree with your analysis. This will probably fail in court if it
gets that far. They should just move the signs farther out.
I wouldn't count on it. Around here, if you get a ticket, you are
guilty. Much cheaper to suck it up and pay the ticket - or better yet
- be a responsible boater and don't get a ticket. How hard is that?
CWM
Apparently very hard, since according to you, boaters will have to guess
at what the law is, or more correctly, what the cop thinks the law is.
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