Wake

[Captmike]

Got pulled over by the local police for my wake doing 5 knots in our R-27. Looked like a ripple to me but I don't argue with the authorities. Shut it down to 4 knots and they seemed happy. Only problem is I kept getting passed by larger boats with bigger wakes?

 

[JamesTXSD]

A lot of it is perspective... especially since you don't often find the authorities measuring the wake. Depending on the hull shape, a bigger boat with a longer waterline can often go the same speed as your 27 and kick less wake. In "No Wake" zones, I'm less concerned about speed and try to look back to make sure the wake is as small as possible. In our C-Dory, 1200 RPM tosses little wake, it becomes more apparent at 1400, and is really growing by 2000 RPM.

Of course, it may be the fact that your boat is SO good looking that it attracts attention... much like a red sports car. 😉

Best wishes,
Jim B.

 

[Levitation]

Wake is subjective... I see the same thing here in the Great Lakes... I tend to putz along at 6... That leaves some wake but not much... Big yachts go cruising by rolling me from scupper to scupper... The CG and police water patrol seem to not see them, but they always slow down and look at me... Jim must be right, my little tug is so blindingly handsome they cannot see those half million dollar boats with a tsunami rolling off the stern...

 

[abcandjrc]

The other thing is that many planing boats will throw much less wake when on top but they slow to their "maximum wake" speed as they prepare to pass. We quite often traveled waters where many used the VHF to communicate when approaching and even if I asked them to stay on top as they passed, most would throttle down to lay one on us.

We anchored overnight in a quiet cove once and were eating breakfast. A large sportfish actually came half-a-mile out of the channel to pass us close aboard. He literally knocked our breakfast on the floor (and we were in a 44' "trawler"!) with his maximum wake and then went back to the channel. I am 99.9% certain that it as intentional. I suspect he was a local and was offended that someone anchored in "his yard" and wanted that to stop. Sometimes one wonders.....

We have entered several ports where there was a posted speed limit and the law was sitting there using speed guns. We happened to have speed data available, but not everyone does. Another example of technology outrunning logic.

 

[RProffer]

You probably got pulled over because they wanted to check out your cute boat. Last season I was inspected by the Coast Guard, and they said I was selected because they wanted a closer look at my cute boat.

The price we pay for looking good!! :? 😉 :lol:

 

[JerryE]

If I had a nickel for every time someone said my R25 was cute, I might be less offended. "Blindingly handsome" is much better. I have an array of replies, like "Hey, there's a 150 hp diesel in there!!!" to the cute comment. But this rarely impresses anyone, especially the females who tend to use the "cute" comment the most. Arrgh, maybe flying a pirate flag would help!

 

[wefings]

We hear the "C" word at least 100 times a day when we do boat shows . It usually indicates that they view the Tug as a novelty . Probably not going to give up their gas hog Carver or Sea Ray .Sometimes we have a life changing epiphany though.
Marc

 

[Levitation]

Ahhh yes, my son on law, with his Searay twin engines sucking fuel like B52 on takeoff, happened to ask me what my average fuel burn is... When I said one gallon an hour, he became very quiet - then changed the subject...