What Does “No-Wake” Mean?

Occasionally we’ll offer a “quick tip” – a bite-sized boating tip to help you on the water!

Where: “No Wake” is a term often used on rivers and small bodies of water, but not typically seen on larger lakes, oceans, etc.

What: By definition, a “wake” is the track of waves left behind a boat as it moves through the water, typically occurring at higher speeds or with specific types of boats.  Ski & wakeboard boats are built specifically to throw a wake for watersports.

Within a “No Wake” Zone, a boat must move slowly enough that it does not throw waves behind it.  This is often accomplished by moving appx. 5-10MPH through the water, with only a minimal “tail” thrown behind the boat.  Some boats may also require changes in tab and trim settings.

Why: While a “No-Wake” Zone can be instituted to help control boat speed, they are often instituted to avoid damage to structures such as boat houses, docks, beach areas, and eroding banks alongside the water.  In some cases, they are used to assist slower-moving craft such as kayaks, canoes, or skiffs.

For more information: Boating Magazine has a great article with tips for navigating a No-Wake situation (including speeds and different gear levels).

Happy Boating!

How Do I…Dock My Boat?

Now that Spring is firmly here, many new boat owners will be taking to the water for the first time.   While it’s an exciting time, it can also be filled with anticipation about learning how to use the new boat.  In talking with many of our customers, they most dread learning how to dock the boat.

Boating should be a fun activity, and relieve stress instead of causing it.  BoatUS is here to help!  The following video shows 4 easy steps to have you docking like a pro in no time!

North Bay News for March 24

Spring is not coming as quickly as we had hoped this year…we have the aerators in to break up the basin, but a little help from the weather would be nice! At this point, our tentative plan is to start launching by the 2nd week of April. The dock guys are currently very busy finishing up some marine repair work before then. So, even without the weather cooperating it’s been a busy time for my department.

Every few days, Sarah has been updating Facebook with our progress in opening the marina.  Make sure to check it out to see where we’re at!

Please remember to give Eric some advanced notice as to when you may want to go in, or what work should be done on your boat before we put it in. Your advance notice helps us set our schedule to be as efficient as possible. Also a friendly reminder – if your account is past due, please settle it up before launch as we will not be able to put your boat in until that is taken care of.

Huck’s will be opening this Friday & Saturday (28th-29th) and next Friday & Saturday (4th-5th) with a limited dinner menu.  If you’re interested, they’re holding a Slipholder Appreciation Party with appetizers and cocktails on April 3rd (Thurs) from 5-8PM.  We hope to see everyone there!

Thank you for your understanding and keep your fingers crossed for warmer weather! -Steve