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!

Quick Tip: Radio Check

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

If you have a VHF marine radio on board, you know that a radio check is an important but occasionally annoying necessity.  Once the radio is on, you hail your local communication channel (typically ch. 16) and wait for a response for a radio check.  Depending on your local area, this check could take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes.

But what if you could do a radio check and have a response almost instantaneously?  Thanks to Sea Tow, a new FREE automated radio check service is now being offered in participating communities!

From the Sea Tow website:

It’s simple to use:

1. Automated Radio Check Service uses one of VHF channels 24, 26, 27, 28. Simply tune your radio to the proper channel for your community. [Editor’s Note: the nearest Sea Tow location to La Crosse is Lake City, MN]
2. Conduct a radio check as you normally would.
3. Upon releasing the mic, the system will replay your transmission, letting you hear how you sound.

The website also offers a zip code check so you can see if the service is offered in your area.  Not only will the service help your radio check go more smoothly, it will help reduce non-emergency traffic on channel 16.

Hope this makes your day on the water a little easier and more pleasant!

Note: This post is intended only to highlight an available service.  American Marine is not a subsidiary of Sea Tow or in any way compensated for this post.