Wake boats are boats with more power, larger ballast tanks, and the ability to create bigger waves. They are growing in popularity as they are better for sports such as wake surfing.
Concerns about the use of wake boats on Manitowoc County Lakes include the potential to disrupt aquatic like, the spread of invasive species from the ballasts, and the nuisance and damage their wakes create. Proponents of the boats say there is weak data proving this harm.
There is currently no statewide regulation of wake boats. The boating industry pushed Wisconsin legislators to set standards in 2023, but environmentalists found the proposal lacking and lawmakers left Madison in 2024 without taking up the issue.
That leaves the matter in the hands of local governments, which are beginning to pass ordinances that restrict or even ban boating activities that make bigger wakes.
MCLA Meeting to Address WAKE ENHANCEMENT REGULATION Topic
Thursday, 11/21/24 6:30 PM
Soil and Water Conservation building Room 300
4319 Expo Drive, Manitowoc
Jeff Meessmann: Jeff is a director in the LAST WILDERNESS ALLIANCE and a founding member of the WISCONSIN LAKES COALITION, which includes WI Lakes Association, WI Wildlife Federation, Greenfire, Lakes at Stake and the Last Wilderness Alliance. Last year Jeff was awarded the WI Lakes Stewardship award for excellence in public speaking. Over the past 3 years, the LWA Hazardous Wake Task Force has conducted over 80 programs and results have added 20 communities to the existing 12 communities that have wake control regulations protecting over 200 lakes.
Bill Jacobs: Bill is on the Town of Rhine Town Board and was the main crafter of the Crystal Lake, Town of Rhine ordinance concerning amplified wakes that states; “The ordinance forbids the use of mechanical or other means to amplify the wake.” He will explain how effective the ordinance has been the last four years of enactment.
Stephen Radtke: Stephen is a member of an informal group working to educate the public to look at the data in its entirety from studies involving wake boats and surfing. He was an Application Engineer for a Fortune 100 company and has over 15 years experience in the automotive and military shipbuilding industries. These industries are well known for their intensive testing requirements and specifications required for all applications. Stephen brings this knowledge when breaking down the studies used in this discussion.
Videos to Watch
Related Articles & Information
Dec 6, 2023 Second wakesports bill would protect Wisconsin’s lakes
April 6, 2024 Wake Bill Fails to Move in WI Legislature
May 2024 The Effects of Wake Boats on Lake Ecosystem Health (Wisconsin’s Greenfire)
July 3, 2024 MCLA Wake Size Resolution Draft
July 26, 2024 Boaters: Share The Water And Slow Down To Keep Waters Safe For All
Lakes Affected in Manitowoc County
- Cedar Lake (Town of Schleswig Sanitary District 1) More Cedar Lake wake surfing info/news
- English Lake
- Long Lake
- Pigeon Lake
- Wilke Lake
Wake Enhancement Discussions from MCLA General Membership Meetings
Feb 2024
Discussion took place regarding wake boat and wake surfing issues. The Town of Schleswig is in support of the Andre Jacques bill. Manitowoc County Fish and Game is in support of the Andre Jacque bill. Long Lake has had a town ordinance regarding wake boats and wake surfing for 10 years. Proposed bills could affect the ability of townships to have their own ordinances. Cedar Lake is having issues with wake boats and wake surfing. Cedar Lake would like MCLA to support the Andre Jacques bill. A motion was made by Phil Knauf and second by Dave Pozorski to put into the agenda and discuss wake boats and wake surfing in more detail at the next MCLA meeting. Motion carried.
July 2024
Draft Resolution: Be it resolved that the Manitowoc County Lakes Association (MCLA) supports at a minimum a wake enhancing boat restriction preventing the intentional generation of enhanced wakes within 500 feet from shoreline or island or from any boat, swimmer, or other water user on a lake and in waters less than 20 feet in depth. Be it also resolved that although this resolution is intended for Manitowoc County lakes, MCLA recommends that enhanced wake sizes only be allowed on State of Wisconsin lakes that are 500 acres in size or larger. For the purpose of this resolution a wake enhancing boat means a motorboat that has one or more ballast tanks, ballast bags or other devices or design features used to increase the size of the motorboat’s wake. These enhanced wakes are generally created at speeds of 15 miles per hour or less. Note that the intent of this resolution does not prohibit the use of wake enhancing boats on Manitowoc County lakes; it only prohibits the creation of the enhanced wake sizes by said boats via the methods stated above. Respectfully, Jerry Corfman, President – Manitowoc County Lakes Association.
- Discussion took place on what other lakes, townships and organization are doing on this issue.
- Boat ballasts cannot be completely emptied and invasive species can be transported.
- Final resolution forthcoming.
August 2024
Cindy Leitner, President of Cedar Lake Advancement has lived on Cedar Lake since 2007. Cindy suggests following the science. The 4 concerns are Safety, Erosion, Water Quality and Invasive Species. There is good information to listen to from Wisconsin Conservation Congress. If and ordinance is made it has to be able to be enforced. She encourages everyone to educate themselves the best they can on the subject. Wake Boarding Industry coming to the pontoon boat manufacturing. Lakes of 51 acres or more allow fast boating.
