No Wake Zone Rules
A ‘no wake zone’ is a section of waterway with a strict speed limit. When navigating through a no wake zone, state and federal regulations generally require that the captain observe the slowest-possible vessel speed to maintain steerage, but no greater than 5 MPH. The goal is to minimize the wake created by boats passing through the zone.
No wake zones may be in place for a number of reasons. The intention may be to minimize the impact of large wakes when they reach shore, so as not to disturb wildlife habitat or cause unnecessary erosion to the shoreline, for example, or to protect a swimming beach.
- A no wake zone may be in place to protect a marina, where large wakes could cause boats to strain at moorings or make it difficult for other boat owners to navigate in a confined space.
- A no wake zone is sometimes in place because the waterway is congested. In this situation, the function of a no wake zone is similar to that of a speed limit on a city street. If the waterway is narrow, and perhaps especially congested, having every boat slow down simply makes for safer navigation. This is why some no wake zones are only enforced on weekends, when boat traffic is heavy.
- A no wake zone may also be in place where sightlines are limited, such as a channel that passes under a bridge that blocks the view of approaching boats, or on a sharp bend in a channel or river where boats are likely to meet oncoming traffic.