Big, fast cruisers cause contention on Lake of the Ozarks http://www.ky3.com/content/news/428894593.html

[96 CHAMP]

Go Figure! 

SUNRISE BEACH, Mo. (AP) - Bigger boats driving at higher speeds are causing tension on and off the water at Lake of the Ozarks.

The Kansas City Star reports the issue isn't new on the lake but residents and others say the problems have grown along with the wakes left behind by the speeding, larger boats.

Some landowners and business owners complain the large wakes repeatedly cause expensive damage to docks and the shoreline, as well as reducing the peacefulness of the lake.

Because the damage comes from the waves, not the boat itself, state patrol troopers cannot issue tickets.

Rep. David Wood, whose district includes lake property, says it's difficult to reach a compromise between those who want to limit boat sizes and marina dealers and other who have invested in larger boats

[snagged in outlet 3]

They should allow, embrace and cater to them so they stay there. 

[fishinwrench]

Stupidest thing I've ever heard.  Certain bridges and  roads have limits, and nobody argues that by saying "Hey, No Fair.... it's not the vehicle, it's the WEIGHT".

Oversized boats are causing damage on a narrow waterway, so instead of upsetting the overly-privileged owners, let's just keep accepting the damage they are creating to property that has existed way before that boat was bought.....or even built.  

This is legislation with zero balls in a society that pretends to be against bullying at all levels. 

[96 CHAMP]

Ridiculous for sure, I figured you'd have something to say. Have a good weekend!

[nomolites]

I'm not a hater and grew up on this lake but it is out of hand; this year is exponentially worse due to a complete lack of etiquette - I think these same folks operate their cars/SUVs in the left lane only to and from LOZ.

Mike

[fishinwrench]

The one positive thing is that it has become too rough for wake boats and even too rough for PWC's to navigate it.  

After about 2 miles, a guy on a wave-runner is like "ok I've had enough of this".  

 

[moguy1973]

"as well as reducing the peacefulness of the lake."  

 

Outside of the cooler months is that lake ever peaceful? 

[Old plug]

When I first moved out to LOZ many years back some people took the resoluion of all this into their own hands and shot upbboats on occasion. It justvmigh come to that again. If someone was to destroy your property. they could go to jail and be sued. darn unfair. OF course you can not expect anything to happen to the upper class high and mighty. MAYBE 

[MOPanfisher]

There will be much gnashing of teeth on both sides, possible anot her no wake area added.  But in the end legislators will do what they normally do when two sides with money want different things. Nothing.  At least that is my prediction but maybe I am just a glass half empty guy.

[fishinwrench]

IMO the No Wake zones create more problems than they solve.  

It is because of the big cruiser rollers and the resultant No Wake areas that I have to idle for a mile or more in my fishing boat to get to the backend of a cove, which is a major pain when you are running a backend pattern.   Unless the WP actually sees you violating a no-wake bouy you're not going to get cited for it.  

Everybody that runs out with their phone or GoPro attempting to video a boat on plane or plowing through a No Wake doesn't realize that they will have to forfeit a day or two of their life and show up in court for anything to happen, and by the time the court date is upon them they have gotten over being upset about it.  Who wants to drive to a faraway courthouse and set in court for half a day just so some jackass with way more money than them can get fined 70.00?

A call to the WP is not going to cause an officer to waste 20.00 in fuel racing to a location 15-20 miles away just to chase down a no-wake violation when odds are that no damage was created.  And even if there is damage how can you prove when the damage occured, and by whom.