When you are in a speed zone posted as "slow speed, minimum wake," your vessel must be fully off plane and completely settled in the water. The speed you maintain should produce very little or no wake. If your boat is traveling with its bow even slightly elevated, it is not proceeding at the required slow speed. This means you need to move at the slowest speed that allows safe control of the vessel without creating more than a minimal wake, which is often much slower than regular cruising speeds. Such zones are typically designated to reduce wake damage to shorelines, protect wildlife habitats, and enhance safety in congested or narrow waterways. The slow speed minimum wake requirement means you're moving just fast enough to maintain steerage and headway, but not fast enough to create a significant wake. If you create a noticeable wake, you are likely violating the regulation. To summarize:
- Vessel must be fully off plane and settled in the water.
- Maintain the slowest speed that produces minimal wake.
- The bow of the boat should not be elevated.
- Speed should allow safe control but minimize wake impact.
These rules ensure minimal disturbance to the environment and other water users in the zone while maintaining safe navigation control.
