No Wake Zones and New Wake Boat Rule

One of the Moose Pond Association’s top priorities is to encourage courteous boating behavior, including compliance with the State’s “no wake” or “headway speed only” regulations. These regulations are important, as your wake can impact the enjoyment of other boaters out on the water with you. It can also beat up docks and moored watercraft, can harm loon nesting sites and can contribute to unhelpful shoreline erosion. It’s important to highlight that shoreline erosion is one of the leading causes of increased phosphorus in most lakes, including Moose Pond.

According to State regulation, a “no wake” zone is any area within 200 feet of the shore, be it mainland or island. If you find yourself in one of these sensitive locations, you’re required to operate your watercraft at no greater than headway speed. Headway speed is defined as the slowest speed at which it’s still possible to maintain steering and control of your watercraft.

One of our neighbors, John Moore, leveraged some Google mapping software to create this thorough picture of Moose Pond, so we can clearly see where these restrictions apply and why the “no wake” markers are positioned where they are.

Also, if you own a wake boat, there are new regulations that govern your behavior on the water. Beginning August 9, 2024 a new law took effect which prohibits wake surfing activities in less than 15 feet of water and/or less than 300 feet from the shoreline.

Being wake wise is a pretty straightforward process. Follow the no wake laws and make sure you depart from your dock traveling perpendicular to the shoreline (heading out towards the center of the lake). This allows  your wake to dissipate along the shore instead of crashing into it.