Name:	LMBoater -	Reply
Subject:	Wake Boarding "The Narrows" Legal Claims
Date:	6/11/2016 1:57:55 PM

The Narrows are located to the west of Smith Marina and basically northeast of Kowaliga. This area is as narrow as most sloughs around the lake but due to it opening on both ends, boats run full speed. 

We along this tiny narrow channel are aware that boats cause wakes. We are accepting of even very large boats going full speed through our narrow area with the risk to kids in the water and general loss of land due to erosion. It's just part of owning on a busy lake.

What I can't accept are those with Wake Boats allowing Surfing and Wake boarding 30 feet off my dock. I have spent hundreds on repairs this month just on my boat that has consistently been ripped from the dock. I've watched 1" thick mooring ropes snap due to a huge swell from these boats. My 5 year old was tossed off our floating dock yesterday. I approached boaters and was told they wouldn't do it again. They promptly did on their way out. Today my sailboat was demasted. My fixed dock is falling into the water due to the immense wakes of these boaters. 

As we are all responsible for our wakes, I will be holding anyone acting negligable accounatable. I have been told that photo evidence allows for damage claims to be made against those with damaging wakes. I will begin photographing offenders and identifying registration numbers. I plan to begin recouping my damages. 

All anyone on this lake that owns a home is that those with WAKE boats... which create WAKES... to stay a safe distance from our docks. Time and again I read about others being victims of the same. I'm sick of it and look forward to filing claims.

Name:	Osms -	Reply
Subject:	Wake Boarding "The Narrows" Legal Claims
Date:	6/11/2016 2:29:35 PM

Your idea of taking photos works, but you might consider videoing boats going by with the resulting wave action and take that evidence to the Marine Police and have them look at the video in your presence.  Only the MP's can authorize No Wake zones and your area may be worthy of their consideration.  This lake was successful in eliminating large and go fast boats; something needs to be done about inconsiderate wake boaters in some areas of the lake as well.  Go for it.  Good luck.

Name:	lakngulf -	Reply
Subject:	Wake Boarding "The Narrows" Legal Claims
Date:	6/11/2016 5:14:22 PM

Good luck with it.  Pulling for you.  I have been in the camp of "you bought on a lake, by golly, so expect there to be boats".  I am wondering this year (1) did I get older and less hip or (2) are those boats making waves twice the size of last year?  Not sure anything can be done in areas like where I live, as there is plenty of water out there for the boats to go at it.  But I am in full agreement with you on disallowing in the Narrows.  I would not want it to be an absolute NO Wake, but for boaters to have respect for your property.

Name:	Old Diver -	Reply
Subject:	Wake Boarding "The Narrows" Legal Claims
Date:	6/11/2016 7:25:01 PM

   I know it is almost impossible to stop some fool from roaring by your dock short of shooting him - tempting as it is - but I have used what I call a weighted mooring to keep ones cleats from being snatched out. Tie your mooring on the opposite side of the dock from your boat and run the line under the dock. Then put a small weight-5 to 10 lbs.- in the middle of the mooring lines. Do this on both sides and it will hold your boat off the dock. 

   A friend of mine was having the problem with his floating dock up at Smith Lake  snatching his anchor out of the clift. He hung a concret block in the middle of the mooring cable. As the dock would approach the end the tension increased stopping the dock. When the wind stopped plowing the dock would slowly center itself.

Remember the old physics problem about a weigh in the middle of a line and how tension incerases as the line flattens.  

Name:	LonghornBoater -	Reply
Subject:	Wake Boarding "The Narrows" Legal Claims
Date:	6/11/2016 7:26:10 PM

I feel your pain. That being said, what is the best way to travel in these restricted areas? Should the boat reduce speed and drop the bow or is it better to maintain a reasonably low cruise with the boat properly trimmed. Obviously

Name:	Jester -	Reply
Subject:	Wake Boarding "The Narrows" Legal Claims
Date:	6/11/2016 7:33:18 PM

Go after them and maybe we can get some assistance in other areas.  Are they larger than last year.  Last year they beat my boats to pieces so I had lifts installed.  This year they made waves that came over my seawall and even onto my floating dock.

I understand the rule is they are responsible for their wake.

Name:	krtracker -	Reply
Subject:	Wake Boarding "The Narrows" Legal Claims
Date:	6/11/2016 9:08:01 PM (updated 6/11/2016 9:28:16 PM)

the problem is the marine patrol. they know this is happening all over the lake. l have seen them watch a wake boarder cruise down a narrow slough in sandy creek full of homes and piers. they are more concerned about riding the lake and hanging around the rock. they need to get acclamented to the new horror of wake boarding and wake boats that are advertised to create monster wakes..... RIGHT SAWYER DAVIS? you do articles in lake martin living along with bue creek marina about wake boarding but never talk about the issues home owners have because of your hobby. never had this problem 15 years ago on this lake. expect it will get worse due to all the sob's that do not care about others. WAKE BOARDERS NEED TO REALIZE PEOPLE ARE STARTING TO HATE THEM!!! THEY HAVE A RIGHT TO ENJOY THEIR SPORT BUT NOT AT OTHERS EXSPENSE!!!!

Name:	LMBoater -	Reply
Subject:	Wake Boarding "The Narrows" Legal Claims
Date:	6/11/2016 9:08:49 PM

Longhorn, it's not the wake of even the wake boats roaring by. Honestly, I get boats make wakes and my spot on lake is a tight spot. But it's when they are generating massive wake and surfing. It's maybe a hundred yard wide area and about a quarter mile long. Both ends have epic large areas. 

All I'm asking is that folks use common sense and realize a huge swell is wrecking the 4 docks in that little area. 

I've watched wake boats come by in normal trim and it's on me to manage my property to handle wakes. It's when you generate them to surf or board and it blows over my dock.

If you own a wake boat and you are having fun, just go literally 1/4 mile down and do it in open water. I don't think I'm being a d*& about it. 

Name:	LMBoater -	Reply
Subject:	Wake Boarding "The Narrows" Legal Claims
Date:	6/11/2016 9:11:05 PM

That's my point guys. No one is doing anything. Lake group is doing "awareness" campaigns... but really who pays attention. I'm not trying to be all uppity about it, I just know that the best way to get some peoples attention unfortunately is to make them pay. 

I actually plan on pulling money out of pocket and posting legit signs at boat ramps as well. Someththing like "Wake it , break it, buy it" or something. My wife thinks they just dont' realize they are doing it. Maybe so... but still an issue. 

Name:	krtracker -	Reply
Subject:	Wake Boarding
Date:	6/11/2016 9:35:30 PM

WHEN WILL THE SINGLETON GROUP, WHO PUSHES WAKE BOARDING AND EVEN HAS A TV SHOW ON IT, DO SOME ADVERTISING ABOUT THE ILL FEELINGS  AND BAD RAP THIS SPORT IS GENERATING AMONG HOME OWNERS ON THIS LAKE. WON'T BE LONG BEFORE THE WAKE BOARDING SPORT WILL TAKE SOME HITS BECAUSE OF THE UNRESPECTFUL  _ _ _HOLES THAT JUST DO NOT CARE!!!!!

Name:	Excape -	Reply
Subject:	Wake Boarding "The Narrows" Legal Claims
Date:	6/11/2016 11:29:42 PM

 We live just through the narrows and share your fustration.  The problem is with weekenders who know nothing about boating courtesy or even the law.  They take an online test that is a joke to get a license and then just get a $60,000+boat with a mega sound system and enjoy.  The Marine Police are non existant, and the problem continues to get worse.  They come into our slough to start off and send waves like the Gulf of Mexico even waiving happily as they do so, completely unaware of the problem they create.  That is only one of the problems with uneducated boaters and non existent law enforcement. Just try going out at night when the same boaters use their docking lights as headlights blinding everyone in front of them. I've been boating on Lake Martin for over 40 years, and have never seen such a dangerous situation on the lake. Unfortunately, our Marine Police are so grossly understaffed and underunded that they are not even a factor in being able to enforce boating laws on Lake Martin. 

Name:	Otter -	Reply
Subject:	Wake Boarding "The Narrows" Legal Claims
Date:	6/11/2016 11:39:48 PM

I don't think the marine police should be let off quite so easy...go out any weekend evening on the lake and finding boats running with docking lights on is easily done within 5 minutes.  If they started issuing just a few violations every weekend for running with docking lights on at night, word would soon get around that you do so at the risk of being ticketed.

I think the same could be done for wakeboarders operating too close to docks...just issue a few sitations and the word would get around...

A suggestion to the marine police...start publishing weekly on the forum the number and types of citations issued on the lake...including running with docking lights on at night and wakeboarding too close to docks.  Again...word would get around pretty quickly.  I think this is more than an issue of educating boaters...enforcement is needed also.

Name:	Excape -	Reply
Subject:	Wake Boarding "The Narrows" Legal Claims
Date:	6/11/2016 11:44:39 PM

I could not agree more.  You are correct - even a minor increase in active law enforcement in our area instead of Chimney Rock would have a signifiant effect on wake boarders - and them working at night could easily impact the docking light issue.

Name:	Wakely -	Reply
Subject:	A proactive solution
Date:	6/12/2016 2:15:37 AM

I'm with you. (Ignore my username; that's just a coincidence.) And I have a possible solution, but it requires you and your neighbors acting together, and being able to react quickly when wakeboarders are in your area.

When you see them, all of you need to get in your boats, and slowly cruise into the narrow area. (Even going dlowly, it won't take long; that IS a very narrow part of the lake.) Effectively, you are creating a blockade. A ver y legal bloackade, since you have as much right to be there in your boat as the wakeboarders do. More right, some would say, since you would more or less be right in front of YOUR property.

Don't rope your boats together; that would be dangerous and probably illegal. But slowly cruising in the area? I se nothing wrong with that. But a boat pulling wakeboarders would defntely not like it; they would be forced to go somewhere else OR to act in a very irresponsible and dangerous manner... which you could easily record from the safety of your boat.

Name:	donnie1 -	Reply
Subject:	A proactive solution
Date:	6/12/2016 8:59:34 AM

Totally agree with the issue of Giant "Manufactured" wakes. It's dangerous and damaging to our docks and property. There is no "Right" to  add a wedge and 2000 lbs of ballistic to surf in a lake. The money the marine sales for these $160,000 boats is very difficult to overcome. It's going to take a concerted effort as a group to help the issue . We get waves 20 feet into our yard over top of the wall. Some will just say you bought on the lake so too bad, but there has to be some common sense to respect others. 

Name:	Carnac -	Reply
Subject:	Wake Boarding "The Narrows" Legal Claims
Date:	6/12/2016 9:06:44 AM

While there is no doubt that home owners on the shores of the Narrows are most at risk for damage to their docks and boats the issue of large wakes abounds all over Lake Martin.  We live on a large embayment.  My docks and boats have suffered a lot of damage during our twenty-one years living on Lake Martin.  Last week the large wake from a selfish deck boat operator tore chunks from our Trex decking.  The lines and cleats landed inside the boat that had been tethered to the cleats.

I had just stepped outside when I saw our boat pitching violently.  I saw the boat and operator that caused the damage and hailed him toward our dock so that i could invite hime to see the damage that he had caused.  He motored slowly over in my direction but came no closer than 200 feet and put his boat into neutral.  My invitation was summarily declined.  He didn't give a rat's behind about the problem he caused.  Perhaps if he had made his first pass that same 200 feet from our dock my decking may have survived. 

Now, about the Marine Police:  Several years ago there was an effort to change the law that said a boat operator had to stay a minimum of 50 feet from somebody else's dock or boat.  The petitioners wanted the distance extended to 75 feet.  The Bass Anglers organization made a huge uproar and the effort died almost immediately.  The funny thing is that bass boats almost never cause wake damage.  Around that same time Wake Board boats began appearing in abundance.  Like fire ants are the scourge of the land Wake Board boats sre the scourge of the lake.  In the final analysis it isn't so much the type of watercraft as it is the human element.  The boaters enjoyment takes first priority over the risk of damage to others and their property.  Contrary to what the Water Patrolmen tell us it is not an educational problem.  It is an enforcement problem.  Yes, I realize they are short handed and way under funded.  It remains an enforcement problem

Name:	donnie1 -	Reply
Subject:	Wake Boarding "The Narrows" Legal Claims
Date:	6/12/2016 9:16:06 AM

Agree any boat used improperly will create a large wake. But I have never add 2000 lbs of water in a onboard tank or have a wedge to suck the stern down on our deck boat. It's the added "feature" of the Wake Boat that creates the giant wave on purpose! 

Name:	Moomba_Man -	Reply
Subject:	Wake Boarding "The Narrows" Legal Claims
Date:	6/12/2016 9:33:37 AM

What is the general rule of thumb about skiing or pulling tubes in a slough?  We are in the Dennis Creek slough which seems pretty wide, but I'm always a little uneasy about how much I should be doing within this slough.  Any guidance is appreciated.

Name:	GoneFishin -	Reply
Subject:	Wake Boarding "The Narrows" Legal Claims
Date:	6/12/2016 12:10:26 PM

To me it's called COMMON SENSE. If you are throwing high waves check the shoreline and you can easily see if you are rocking the hell out of boats and floating docks. Sloughs are not the place for "surfing". Stay in the open water.

Name:	Aardvark -	Reply
Subject:	Wake Boarding "The Narrows" Legal Claims
Date:	6/12/2016 9:10:11 PM

It is not just weekenders on my part of the lake.  The wakeboarders are out on weekdays and the off season when there are very few other boats on the lake.   I have even seen them out in the winter on warmer days. 

Name:	MrHodja -	Reply
Subject:	Impractical solution
Date:	6/12/2016 9:38:01 PM

Being at the end of a slough we don't have a problem with wakeboard boats, but I have been through the Narrows many times and can feel your pain.

In a dream world you could suspend some of those marker buoys underneath the surface and when a rude wake boarder comes by release them by remote control either one at a time like waterborne whack a mole, or even in a multi-unit broadside.  I know it is impractical but surely would be fun to watch!

Name:	CranBob -	Reply
Subject:	Wake Boarding "The Narrows" Legal Claims
Date:	6/13/2016 10:06:20 AM

Most likely the people doing the damage will never see this. We are near the mouth of a small slough and the people at the end wait until they get by our house to open it up leaving and shut it down coming in. They have seen me standing on floating dock dropping to my knees to hold on when they go by but nothing changes. There are just a lot of inconsiderate a## ##les in this world. 

Name:	Aardvark -	Reply
Subject:	Impractical solution
Date:	6/13/2016 11:31:44 AM

It should not take long for word to get out if the Marine Police started stopping wakeboats in The Narrows and passing out tickets, especially if Ned finds other violations worth a few hundred bucks more during the stop.  

Name:	LMBoater -	Reply
Subject:	Wake Boarding "The Narrows" Legal Claims
Date:	6/13/2016 5:05:37 PM

Hey Folks!

Thank you so much for the support... I was really worried I'd get flamed for whining. It's an issue that resonated to many on here and also out on the lake. Even local marinas are upset about it. 

I posted a new thread with a video. Didn't know if it's better that way or to keep this one running... I can move it over to here if moderators think that's best.

Really getting excited about the concept of "Wake Shame" page on Facebook or Instagram. Let others on lake begin posting their frustrations. I think showing offenders may be a stronger demotivator than a simple marine ticket could ever be.

https://youtu.be/9JaVd1JgAzY

Name:	Lifer -	Reply
Subject:	Wake Boarding "The Narrows" Legal Claims
Date:	6/13/2016 6:06:55 PM

Since you're talking video a YouTube channell would be more appropriate. Also anyone can see it unlike a Facebook page that only other facebookers can see.

Name:	happy at the lake -	Reply
Subject:	Wake Boarding "The Narrows" Legal Claims
Date:	6/14/2016 5:45:34 PM

It seems everyone is upset about wakeboard boats.  Do guns kill people or do people kill people? Should we ban guns because some people misuse them? I for one believe that the time I spend on my wakeboard boat with my family is invaluable.  My young kids really enjoy the sport.  It's something they enjoy that allows us to spend time together when we live in a time when so many other distractions pull them away.  I believe they should be responsibly used. They should not interfere with other peoples property rights.  But I fear that the hatred towards these boats could result in many people who use them responsibly being punished. 

Name:	Talullahhound -	Reply
Subject:	Wake Boarding "The Narrows" Legal Claims
Date:	6/14/2016 6:22:46 PM

In my view, the problem is that there are so many of them.  On the weekends, you have people that just want to take a smooth ride on their pontoon, you have people wanting to pull kids on a tube, you have jet skier zipping in and out,people wantng to swim  and now you have wake boats.  No one is against anyone having a bit of fun, but when you hear your boat smashing against your dock or worse, have your boat and your dock damaged, it becomes hard to understand that people are just having a good time.   I don't have a dog in the fight, being neither a wake boat owner or having my slough used for this activity.  But I have been out on the lake and had to deal with the wake caused by a wake boat.  It's one of the major reasons we just don't boat on the weekends.  For every "responsible" boater, there are at least 5 who are oblivious. 

Name:	10toLife -	Reply
Subject:	Wake Boarding "The Narrows" Legal Claims
Date:	6/14/2016 9:32:58 PM

Unless pulling a wakeboarder with the bags full to create the wake-- wakeboard boats do not create any larger wake than any other boat. We have had a Mastercraft Maristar -- strictly SKI -- and its wake was no smaller than our X45 when the bags are not loaded. I remember the lake before the HUGE Cruisers /small yachts were banned. It was like the ocean in open water (by the dam and Kowlagia)  for years. Way worse than it is now. 

Apparenly there is a pecking order here ...  

Pontoon Owners hate any boat that does not have pontoons 

Bass Boat Owners hate any boat, jet ski, pontoon that comes around them when they are fishing 

Cruiser Owners hate Wakeboard Boats because they are showoffs and have loud music booming from their speakers

Wakeboard Boat owners hate Jet Skis because they travel over the wake and right behind the wakeboarder creating a dangerous situation for the rider 

Jet Ski owners love all boats because they can jump the wake -- they are by far the most affable bunch. 

After reading all the responses --  I think that this is pretty fair. 

So all hail the Jet Ski folk---  all you need is love. Peace

Bottom line --  be respectful to all -- and realize there is a place and time for everything. Soon I will be on a Pontoon -- we are getting one... but we will still have  our wakeboard boat because our kids really enjoy it -- and we enjoy seeing them enjoy it. People who don't respect others suck and make it miserable for all of us. We do not buzz docks or come anywhere near them when wakeboarding. We should all be aware of our wake when near docks and inhabited sloughs no matter what we are driving. 

Name:	Talullahhound -	Reply
Subject:	Wake Boarding "The Narrows" Legal Claims
Date:	6/15/2016 7:33:18 PM

We have both a pontoon and a bass boat and we don't hate anyone. it appears that wake boat owners are at once defensive and seem to have a sense of entitlement that because their kids enjoy it that the rest of us should just suck it up.  And speaking of big speakers, I'm not interested in listening to music being blasted by anyone's boat.  But having said that, we'll stay off the water on the weekends and the rest of you can fight for space.  It's all great until someone gets hurt or killed over someone else's' negligence or lack of courtesy or understanding of their boat's capacity to do damage.  

Name:	10toLife -	Reply
Subject:	Wake Boarding "The Narrows" Legal Claims
Date:	6/15/2016 10:28:40 PM

Just because we own Wake/Ski boats it does not mean we should be lumped into the disrespectful category. Everyone has their own idea of fun. Not sensitive since we have nothing to be sorry for. We are as respectful as you are -- I assure you. I'm sorry I posted my thoughts. They were meant to be amusing...not hurtful. 

Name:	Talullahhound -	Reply
Subject:	Wake Boarding "The Narrows" Legal Claims
Date:	6/16/2016 5:54:42 PM

I'm not offended. I'm sure you are curteous and a careful boater.  The biggest annoyance on our slough is jet skiers, but we have a boat house and keep our boats raised when we are not out on the water.  Ours is not a long slough and it is within sight of open water.  I don't mind staying off the water on weekends - we live here full time and it is much more pleasant to go out during the week.  It just seems like there has been an explosion of wake boats all of a sudden.