Wake Warning

[Crewdog]

Got some info and guidebooks from NY Canals and included was this wake warning:



They seem to be pretty serious about coming to a complete stop.

We've tried for the most part to slow down when passing fishing boats, docks, obey posted no wake zones, but haven't heard of this before.

For any Canal cruisers, do the public safety folks up there really enforce this, or is it something new?

 

[stwendl]

Picture totally unreadable

 

[RSC]

Just click your mouse on the picture and it should open up large so it can be read.
That 5mph speed limit is almost top speed of my EC21.

 

[Glen]

If you position the cursor on the image and click on it it will become readable.

Glen Wagner

 

[SnugTug]

We pass through the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal (C&D) frequently. I think it was 2012 when they imposed a 35 knot speed limit during the day and 20 knots at night. The State Department of Natural Resources monitors for offenders. The C&D is pretty well marked as you approach docks and tucked away marinas along the way. The no wake zones are enforced by not only the authorities, but the many commercial and recreational captains along the route.

I have heard many instances of captains calling out vessels on the no wake or 6 knot markers on channel 16. Most correct speed - others get stopped and cited.

As a rule - throttling back from WOT at the no wake markers could cause significant following wake-related peril. Common sense should dictate - get your eyes off the Garmin and look ahead. When approaching vessels I always put myself on their boat and think how I would like to be overtaken or run by. Slowing for a small skiff or bay boats of with the kids for the day will generally elicit an appreciative wave.

 

[JamesTXSD]

During our time on the Erie Canal and Fingerlakes (2009), the no wake situation and 10 mph speed limit in much of the canal was enforced. We did not see much in the way of enforcement boats, but the people onshore seemed to keep a close eye out...

We were surprised by how much of the canal had a 10 mph speed limit. We wound up going slower that that with our boat, because that speed is inefficient for fuel burn and ugly for wake. In the case of the NY Canal System, slower is just fine in the areas where it is marked... slow down and enjoy the journey. Conserve fuel. The Canal is a National Treasure that doesn't need to be rushed.

Jim B.

 

[knotflying]

Having gone through a few of the canals they are serious. Some places the same lockmaster will travel from one lock to the other. He won't open the lock until the appropriate time it was supposed to take you to get there. So either you take your time or you will just be sit'n thar till it be time ta open.

 

[wincrasher]

I don't know why this is an issue for us. Our boats aren't really happy above 8 knots.

 

[harry ames]

Poopsy definitely would not be a problem on the Erie.

 

[Crewdog]

My real concern isn't the speed, it's having to drop to zero before proceeding at no wake, just like at the stop sign near our house where a deputy usually lies in wait for the "rolling stoppers".....

just wondering if the law enforcement up Nawth will be strict about this request on the red card.

I mean, it makes sense to throttle back enough before a no wake marker so that there IS no wake when u hit the zone.

 

[knotflying]

I never had that problem Bill.