LOTO Wake Legislation

[nmriordan]

As a brief update on the wake legislation topic, my wife was in Jeff City for a meeting with some state legislators on an unrelated topic and she stopped in and had a 45 min chat with Rep David Wood to express concerns about the bill. Similar to my phone conversation with him he was very receptive to the points made and how - as presently drafted - the legislation unnecessarily penalizes the wake sport/boat community.

He said that he believed that as the bill is adjusted along its path that the components pertaining to the wake boaters would likely be axed (with the focus being boats 30 feet +). We will see what really happens but it would be a victory for tow boats if we are left out of the bill. Hope that happens.


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[007]

I just don't see why he put that part in to start with. Does the wake sport industry have lobbyist in Missouri?

[nmriordan]

He put it in there because the cruiser guys with the target on their backs keep saying, "we're not the problem, it's those a-holes with those expensive wake boats loaded with water ballast intentionally making large wakes that are the problem"


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[JLG]

This link here is why the 30ft + cruiser guys at loto are being targeted. Their pockets are too deep to care about others property.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yews4cbDmzA

This boat is badazz but the guy is a total jacka##!

[JLG]

another example of rich a##holes that own boats and don't care about others

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73dIn3f-sqE

[dakota4ce]

That is straight RIDIC!!!!

[JohnZ3]

All boats make wakes. The owner is responsible for that wake.

I hope the law makers don't target any one group and due more to educate people and enforce the no wake laws in effect.

[ericinmich]

I do my boating/surfing on a large lake in Michigan and I'm struggling a bit here about the videos. We get storms and days where the waves can be crashing over the dock.

It looks like that lake is also large, wouldn't there be times where a storm could kick up and you would have a day or two of 2-3 foot waves beating at the docks and shoreline? IMO, wouldn't the half dozen waves from a boat wake hitting the shore cause much less damage than a storm? Even if you have dozens of those boats go by...

There are many no wake zones around the chain of lakes and rivers that I've boated, but none of them are in areas that can get large waves from storms.

[Bryan]

I'll tell you what... I don't see too much in those videos that concerns me... I'd love to be able to mow my grass to the water.. Boat wakes come with the territory. I bet if the owner of that property wanted out, he'd have a line down the street of people that would buy that place, waves or not..

Just my 2 cents..

[JLG]

Bump- Anything new on this?? Haven't read the LOTO Paper lately so am out of the loop on talks..

[007]

Joe told me it was effectively dead when I talked to him at the boat show. At this time, the MO House of Representatives website show "Hearing Not scheduled" and "Not on calendar"

http://www.house.mo.gov/billsummary....ar=2016&code=R

[JLG]

Good to know. Basically that senator got his name out there good or bad on this topic and cost taxpayers money.

[JLG]

Pulled this from the MWboatparty forum:

Missouri water patrol reaches out to MWBP members!
Class act, it's long and a good read.

Midwest Boat Party Members:
We are always looking for ways to reach Missouri boaters through various media and social media resources. Reaching out to Midwest Boat Party.com seems like a reasonable way to accomplish that goal.
There will be a change to enforcement, particularly on Lake of the Ozarks, as we go into the 2016 boating season. We would prefer to educate the boating public on our state boating laws as we approach the primary boating season to avoid inconveniencing you on the water. Keeping boaters aware of key enforcement issues will hopefully allow us to avoid those interruptions.
Many of you may have heard the discussions going on regarding large boat wake problems over the past year, most notably on Lake of the Ozarks. Further regulation has been and continues to be discussed. As a method to address this problem and hopefully avoid further regulation, a campaign to promote boat wake courtesy and stricter enforcement of existing state statutes will be implemented this year.
Our cove locations need to be addressed first and foremost regarding the wake issue. The primary concern is continuously plowing, that speed in which most vessels transition from a fast idle speed to operating on plane. As we all know, plowing speed is when vessels typically create the largest wake. Unnecessarily plowing within a cove location in a vessel which is capable of creating an excessive wake should be avoided. Missouri law requires a vessel to stay at least one hundred feet from docks while operating above idle speed, but creating an excessive wake while traveling more than one hundred feet from a dock may still violate state law. Traveling at a speed (plowing) which creates an excessive wake in the vicinity of docks may endanger property or other persons and could be considered a violation. There are options other than plowing when traveling into cove locations. Idle speed, a fast idle speed with minimal wake, or when you are able to safely do so (and capable of doing so), traveling on plane, are all options.
We are asking for a change in behavior from boaters, particularly in cove locations. Likewise, if a vessel must travel at a speed which creates an excessive wake in the main channel, the vessel should operate as close to the middle of the channel as possible, far away from docks, giving boat wakes time to lose energy.
The creation of an excessive wake, which endangers other boaters, should be considered as well. Lake of the Ozarks has a diverse group of boaters. The key is to be aware of your surroundings on the lake when you are boating and to be courteous to those smaller boats attempting to navigate larger boat wakes. Depending on your role, capsizing or swamping a boat with an excessive boat wake from your vessel may have legal ramifications.
The stricter enforcement of these wake violations will be introduced by marine troopers as warnings. The intention is not to go out and write citations to boaters; however, repeat offenders or blatant violations may necessitate citations be issued.
In recent years, all types of law enforcement agencies have realized the importance of partnering with our communities in order to be more effective. Marine law enforcement is no different and we want to partner with, not only our local communities, but also our boating community. Our boating community has made significant changes for the better in recent years, such as the tremendous increase in the number of “designated boat captains.” This has been a noticeable change in boating safety and it is an appreciated change. Relatively speaking, Lake of the Ozarks is a very safe lake. We want to continue to improve on that by communicating with our boaters. Boat wakes were the most significant contributing factor in boating injuries on Lake of the Ozarks last year. It is an area of boating safety where we could improve, and we ask for your help in accomplishing that goal.
Smaller vessels and their captains have a role in limiting injuries due to boat wakes as well. Staying alert as to changing environmental conditions present on the lake is the responsibility of the boat captain, along with navigating wakes at a safe speed and angle. The proper seating of passengers and appropriate warning to passengers regarding significant boat wakes approaching should also be considered duties of a good boat captain.
Reaching out to our boating community is meant to minimize any divide between our marine law enforcement and the boating public. Avoiding the “us versus them” attitude on either side is the best way to communicate important safety information. Law enforcement will always be more effective with the support of the community it serves.
Lastly, I would encourage you to contact the Water Patrol Division about general concerns with the marine law enforcement duties within Missouri. Our email address is boatinfo@mshp.dps.mo.gov, or you are welcome to call 573-751-5071. We take pride in providing the best service possible to our citizens and our visitors. Please contact us if you need clarification on any information or misinformation that may be out there. Specific situations or emergencies on the water may be reported to the troop where you are boating by calling *55 on a cell phone, or by calling 1-800-525-5555.

Sincerely,
Captain Matt Walz
Assistant Director, Water Patrol Division
Missouri State Highway Patrol

[nmriordan]

I saw that too. I do not particularly see that as a good thing for us wake boats. I believe water patrol is primarily referencing cruisers in that statement, but we could easily be thrown in considering we are "plowing "when surfing. And although we do it responsibly and respectfully we do typically surf in coves avoid the traffic on the main channels. Will be interesting.


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[BlackoutATX]

I do my boating/surfing on a large lake in Michigan and I'm struggling a bit here about the videos. We get storms and days where the waves can be crashing over the dock.

It looks like that lake is also large, wouldn't there be times where a storm could kick up and you would have a day or two of 2-3 foot waves beating at the docks and shoreline? IMO, wouldn't the half dozen waves from a boat wake hitting the shore cause much less damage than a storm? Even if you have dozens of those boats go by...

There are many no wake zones around the chain of lakes and rivers that I've boated, but none of them are in areas that can get large waves from storms.

I'll tell you what... I don't see too much in those videos that concerns me... I'd love to be able to mow my grass to the water.. Boat wakes come with the territory. I bet if the owner of that property wanted out, he'd have a line down the street of people that would buy that place, waves or not..

Just my 2 cents..

I'm gonna have to agree. Not seeing a huge problem here.