the 200 foot myth
The University of Minnesota published a study in 2022 that shows wake boats in surf mode create wakes 3-12 times greater than ski boats. These wakes cause significant damage up to 600 feet from shore. The Water Sports Industry Association promotes the idea that 200 feet from shore is safe, but everyone else studying the impact of enhanced wakes on shorelines and lake bottoms disagrees.
Wake Boat Impact at 200 Feet
The University of Minnesota study indicates that wake boats need to operate at least 600 feet offshore to allow for wave energy to attenuate to levels similar to that of a typical ski boat operating 200 feet from shore.
Energy Dissipation and Bottom Scrubbing
Wake boat energy doesn’t dissipate in deep water but damages shorelines and habitats upon contact. Lake bottom friction increases damage, especially in steep-sloping lakes.
Destructive Prop Wash
Wake boats in surf mode create downward prop wash, disrupting sediments and uprooting vegetation up to 20 feet deep, harming fish habitats.
Misleading Comparisons
The wake boat industry compares Wisconsin to states like Georgia, which is misleading. Wisconsin's numerous, glacial lakes are more vulnerable to wake boat damage. Wisconsin has over 15,000 lakes, Georgia has 23. Our lakes are predominantly glacial lakes from very small to very large, many are spring fed and most have a natural shoreline. Georgia lakes are mostly large reservoirs with rocky shorelines that can absorb the pounding of these waves. Wisconsin lakes are more similar to Vermont where they recently enacted stringent wake sport regulations that limit wake sports to only 30 select lakes, based on size and depth.
Flawed Industry Study
Industry claims that 200 feet is safe are based on a flawed, non-peer-reviewed study, sponsored by Mercury Marine. The industry study was done via computer modeling, simulating a wake boat only using 125hp and 143hp of power. Real-world tests, like those from the University of Minnesota, show far greater impact. The wake boat manufacturers are constantly advertising bigger wakes to consumers, yet they refuse to partner with a major university to do true open water testing.
Tourism and Economic Impact
Restricting wake boats benefits tourism by protecting lakes for fishing, swimming, and kayaking, activities that generate significant economic benefits.
