Name:	wcards -	Reply
Subject:	No-Wake Zones
Date:	6/15/2014 8:09:04 AM

Like some of the other folks posting to this forum, we run into problems with boats coming to close our dock and rocking the heck out of it often at a very high speed. Our home is very close to a public boat launch on Crooked Creek and am amazed that there is not a no-wake zone in this area. Other lakes that I have been on have mandatory no-wake zones around boat launches, swimming areas, and bridges which does not appear to be the case on Smith Lake. Who can I call to see if this area can be turned into a no-wake zone?

Name:	Bethsadia18 -	Reply
Subject:	No-Wake Zones
Date:	6/16/2014 12:03:18 PM

You will need to contact the Alabama Marine Police. There are 2 that work the Smith Lake area. Big Bridge is the only no wake zone under a bridge and it is also because of the Marina there. They petitioned the Marine Police and it was approved for them to put up the no wake buoys. They buoys however are private buoys and the marina has to maintain them.

Name:	wcards -	Reply
Subject:	No-Wake Zones
Date:	6/16/2014 4:37:01 PM

Thanks. Getting tired of boats buzzing by boat dock at 15-20 feet and 40+ mph.

Name:	Bethsadia18 -	Reply
Subject:	No-Wake Zones
Date:	6/24/2014 10:25:05 AM

Might be time to take up fishing a little more. A hefty crank bait with trebel hooks will back them off a little. Also remember, the boater is resoponsible for their wake. If they do damage because of running too close, they are responsible. Might be time to put the old BBQ grill out on the edge of the dock.

Name:	wcards -	Reply
Subject:	No-Wake Zones
Date:	6/25/2014 8:09:11 PM

Or take up Skeet shooting!

Name:	Jetmech -	Reply
Subject:	No-Wake Zones
Date:	6/15/2015 10:34:44 PM

So, I hear that no wake zone was implemented at Arrow Head swim area. That's a good thing. Now hearing that no wake/idle speed only at Silver Rock area is under consideration. Does this mean it's ok for some of these boaters to scream past the individual homeowner docks ( or worse, come by with a wake boat throwing 4-6ft waves), but everyone else has to idle by Silver Rock? How about some common sense and operator courtesy? My boat wake varies very little at idle or on plane. While we are considering changes, how about implementing a designated wake surf/ wake boarding zone downriver from Silver Rock? There is an area near the mouth of Crooked Creek where there is no development or docks that seems appropriate. Wake boarding and wake surfing boats continue to wreak havoc on docks and retaining walls. Had to spend $7k last year on a new lift after 2 repairs from damage caused by huge waves wouldn't hold. Growing weary of inconsiderate operators and spending money unnecessarily. And, to the "canned" response that operators are responsible for wakes, I would like to hear from anyone who has had success in getting a response from reporting this type of behavior to Marine Police or Coast Guard Auxillary. 

Name:	bluefish -	Reply
Subject:	No-Wake Zones
Date:	7/13/2015 1:40:03 PM

We have owned property on White Oak creek for 15 years and are here almost every weekend and occasionally weekdays.  Over the years boat traffic has of course increased due to more homes being built.  Since the development of Silver Rock Cove on Crooked Creek our boat traffic on White Oak has quadrupled.  We are on the upper end of White Oak where the channel narrows considerably and should be a no wake zone.  The boats from Silver Rock Cove just keep getting larger and larger and they are pulling wake boarders and even worst wake surfers which require the boat be configured to produce monster wakes. 

Sitting on our dock is next to impossible on a weekend or holiday like the 4th of July,  the boat are not only producing maximum wakes they come very close to our dock even with swimmers in the water, the occupants of the boats merrily wave to us oblivious to the mayhem they are causing.   I have spoken to several of the boat captains as they were picking up down wake boards and politely mentioned to them that their wakes were tearing up our boat docks and shoreline.  To their credit most have agreed to move to a wider part of the lake.  This leads me to believe that many boat captains just don't stop to think about their wake.  No wake zones may be the answer but perhaps a little education would help too.  Question is how do we get the word out? 

Name:	Rock Creek Rebels -	Reply
Subject:	No-Wake Zones
Date:	8/22/2016 8:41:58 AM

Although this is an old post, it's same story different day. Marine police told me that only marinas and gas places could legally get no wake bouy. He'd also have to see the damage to write a ticket. At his suggestion, I left a message for Tim Wadsworth, our representative, I think. He didn't return my call. However, what worked for us was anchoring my dock with a drum full of concrete on a wrench. Big difference!