"No Boating Within 100 Feet - It's the Law" signs on docks

[bferg]

LMAO, first I would like to see them enforce the NO WAKE ZONE between the Buoys in Prairie Creek.

I honestly do not understand and anyone with more knowledge than me correct me here. But how are "wake boats" even allowed on the water?

By there design and definition they are designed to put out a massive wake that can and has swamped other boaters, disturbed other people by the wake and loud music and creates erosion by the wake. Each of those are directly against either AGFC, ACE or Federal boating laws. So in simple thought as soon as they take on the Ballast and crank up the radio they have violated some law or code at least if they are in one of the narrow coves.

If they are going to allow these boats which I wouldn't have a problem with then have a designated zone for them where the wakes do no damage to dock owners other boaters or shoreline's

So- I will out myself here- grew up wake boarding and water skiing and have owned "wake boats". Blaming the boat is like blaming a gun for murder.

Wake boats do give out a larger wake - relative to the size of the boat- but not necessarily larger than a large boat. I don't see how you could outlaw the size of the wake a boat produces- even a Ranger bass boat going 10mph but not on plane produces a sizable wake capable of swamping a small boat. A Cobalt A25 throws a pretty huge wake at 20 mph as well...

The issue isn't the boats- it is the unqualified people who operate them and get too close to other people. That being said: I won't try to defend the loud music...drives me crazy when I am fishing. But at the end of the day they have just as much right to be on the water as we do. I think one reason they often get close to people is they are only going about 20 mph when pulling someone vs going 35-45 when pulling a skier. But I have seen more than one accident from non-"wake boats" where the driver was turned around looking at the person behind the boat and not watching where they were going. Scary stuff.. The point is: It doesn't matter what kind of boat you have- if you are irresponsible it puts yourself and others at risk. And if you are not courteous it ruins other people's fun.

For all of you who complain about Beaver- take your life in your hands and go up to Lake of the Ozarks for a weekend. I know there are plenty of idiots and not enough law enforcement here- but believe it or not I think Beaver is much better than average.

[Sore Thumbs]

Agreed. I think he was referring to the name "Wake Boat". Music doesn't bother me but some music that is played may be offensive to some.

[Ham]

Every cove on Tenkiller is no wake at least partially.

None of this running wide open in the back of the coves.

The mainlake is a mad house as a result, but it makes for a pleasant fishing experience in the coves.

It kept me out of the backs of those creeks as a result. I could not justify a 15-20 minute idle in and then another 20 minutes coming out from the back of a creek. I stuck to the mainlake as a result.

I get it from a safety stand point. I wish they make those NO WAKE areas effective May 1 st every year and kept them in place until Sept 30 th. That way the would meet their safety needs and NOT get in the way of fisherman like me.

[Feathers and Fins]

I will qualify it. Any Boat that "intentionally takes on ballast to allow for the boat to ride lower and create a larger than average wake, OR any boat intentionally generating a large wake for the purpose of Wake Surfing, Wake Boarding or Ski Wake Jumping" Again I have no issue with them doing it in open waters of the Lake but in small coves or small creek arms it damages docks and erodes shoreline. Keep it to the main lake

I wish I saved the picture I took last week the boat was a 30ft or longer "Wake Boat" Generating a 5 foot wake because it was ballast down and couldn't make it under hwy12 bridge.

As to the loud music I have been on the lake at midnight and can hear a boat well over a mile away, there is a noise ordinance on Beaver Lake and again this is another enforcement issue. But also I sure do not want to hear some of the music that is played regardless of time of day.

And this is Beaver Lake not Grand or LOZ or Tenkiller and I would hate to see it go the way they have.

[M_Taylor]

I just wish the enforcement was there on the laws at hand already. I don't believe the creation of more regulation stops problems as a whole.

Putting in at PC the other day as a wake boat came up to the dock to pick up a buddy. They were cussing and being loud and carrying on, but as soon as they saw a black Sheriffs SUV that was parked there, they all quieted down and stood up straight. I could care less that law was parked there because I had nothing to hide or be afraid of.

Now you take that presence out on the lake and people would get the idea that they can't be doing blatant stupid stuff. I'm not naive enough to think people still won't be stupid, but some would take note I'm sure.

[Guest]

maybe we've exceeded the lake's carrying capacity for boating. Too many boats not enough lake.

I will not fish anywhere around marinas or coves with marinas after lunch. there is too much traffic

I still dont know why those guys sit in front of the 12 bridge trying to fish with all the waves crisscrossing under them. Screw that

[Feathers and Fins]

Taylor I couldn't agree more, a little enforcement would go a very long way as it wouldn't take long for the word to get out even better if the media reported it.

Troph, that area is so good at times you just put up with it.