Name:	Blue Creek -	Reply
Subject:	Boats longer than 30'-6" banned on Lake Martin?
Date:	7/19/2016 5:22:14 AM

Could someone explain the reason for this law?  I have a 21' deckboat and in no way am I in violation of the "banned boats law" but I was curious as to why large cruisers have been banned.  I've been told it's due to the large wakes they have and shore erosion.  That doesn't make any sense at all.  If you want to control shore erosion ban the boats that are more likely causing the problem.  Wakeboard boats are designed to throw large wakes.  There are hundreds of them out there everyday in the summer months.  With fuel prices as they are most of the big boats are not on plane anyway.  Understand, I'm not trying to start an argument.  I'm just curious as to why big cruisers and houseboats are now banned.

Name:	JTenn -	Reply
Subject:	Boats longer than 30'-6" banned on Lake Martin?
Date:	7/19/2016 8:20:24 AM

I think all this came about before the wake boat craze hit hard. Those boats do a lot more damage than others.

Name:	OleBamaGuy -	Reply
Subject:	Boats longer than 30'-6" banned on Lake Martin?
Date:	7/19/2016 10:58:03 AM

Ironic that someone with a deckboat would ask, Each time a deckboat goes by slow or fast it puts off a larger wake than most.

My 2 cents, I think that people should watch behind as they go thru a slough or pass a floating dock and see how much force their wake imposes on them. Then here is the key, Empathy! Imagine that dock is yours.

I see many Wakeboats and deck boats tucked away in no wake zones or small coves and perhaps they don't realize what they do?

Name:	Aardvark -	Reply
Subject:	Boats longer than 30'-6" banned on Lake Martin?
Date:	7/19/2016 11:51:41 AM

There were some discussions many years ago on this forum about this issue when the law was passed.  The short answer as to why is follow the money.  Parties with an interest in keeping big boats off of the lake wanted it done, so they lobbied for the ban and got it passed.  I would imagine the same property owners are trying to came up with a law to ban wakeboats for the same reason.

Name:	GoneFishin -	Reply
Subject:	Boats longer than 30'-6" banned on Lake Martin?
Date:	7/19/2016 12:23:35 PM (updated 7/19/2016 12:24:55 PM)

Only an idiot doen't realize when their waves are damaging other peoples property and only an idiot doesn't care.

Name:	Summer Lover -	Reply
Subject:	Boats longer than 30'-6" banned on Lake Martin?
Date:	7/19/2016 12:56:45 PM

Only an idiot doesn't realize when their waves are damaging other peoples property and only an anal orifice doesn't care.

Name:	realfast64 -	Reply
Subject:	Boats longer than 30'-6" banned on Lake Martin?
Date:	7/19/2016 1:11:13 PM

I was told this law was brought about by one mans furry.  I was told Reggie Fountain would not floor plan Fountain boats so this man stated i will show you and start a nation wide ban of big go fast boats. The group got three other lakes tofollow along withthis ban.

I dont know of any other lakes in the south east that followed suit when this went on. 

We will never know if this is fact or fiction since Reggie Fountain has since past.

What amazes me is how many big new boats (cruisers)have been sold in recent years since the ban,because they were grand fathered.  Not talking about the ones already on the lake but the ones that have hull dates after the law was past.

help me CATBOAT

Name:	Blue Creek -	Reply
Subject:	Boats longer than 30'-6" banned on Lake Martin?
Date:	7/19/2016 3:32:19 PM

OleBamaGuy I've never noticed a deckboat putting out a wake larger than a wakeboard boat.  Have you seen one do that?  The ironic thing would be if that's true, why would anybody spend the money on a wakeboard boat when a deckboat is much cheaper and more comfortable if they throw a bigger wake than the one designed for big wakes?  Mine doesn't throw much of a wake at all except when getting up on plane as does any other boat of any kind or size.  My question was why are boats longer than 30'-6" banned?  Like I said, I haven't seen one of the big cruisers on plane in years.  (no wake at all)  As far as people not looking behind them at their wake and/or not caring, you are absolutely correct.  I think the problem is they don't care about the damage they do.  Many people also don't seem to be very courteous about passing or yielding to other boats.  I'm surprised there are not more accidents than there are.

Name:	OleBamaGuy -	Reply
Subject:	Boats longer than 30'-6" banned on Lake Martin?
Date:	7/19/2016 5:15:49 PM

Bluecreek, If you have never noticed it than it must me true.

I suspect the law was passed due to ignorance on the large boatowners not noticing either.

As far as why people buy wake boats, because they are alot more stylish than a deckboat.

Deckboats were designed for those who needed a  deep V hull to traverse Rougher bodies of water than a pontoon while maintai ning the large "Deck"

Perhaps you should seek rougher water !

Name:	Blue Creek -	Reply
Subject:	Boats longer than 30'-6" banned on Lake Martin?
Date:	7/19/2016 5:27:26 PM

Deep vee hull on deck boat?  Not on mine.  Mine is almost flat on the bottom.  Are we talking about the same thing?  

Name:	wix -	Reply
Subject:	Boats longer than 30'-6" banned on Lake Martin?
Date:	7/19/2016 6:44:00 PM

To get a better understanding of the "why" the law limiting the size and speed of boats on Lake Martin was passed by the State Legislature, suggest you go over to Lake Lanier and ride around in your boat on a weekend day.  As a matter of fact, please read the article at the link below and you'll get a good feel for what I'm talking about:

Link:  http://www.ajc.com/news/news/local/speed-believed-major-factor-deadly-lake-lanier-boa/nrzsw/

This accident killed 4 adults in a 38' go fast.  No other boat involved, during the day, boat flipped due to speed...killed 4, this past weekend.  And it was a "charity" Poker Run!!

Back to the law:  The law was passed because of the fear that our lakes would begin to resemble Lake Lanier and other lakes within driving distance of Atlanta.  By restricting the boat size the state also prevented the proliferation of houseboats as more Atlanta boaters tried to get away from congested GA lakes.  The law applies to Lake Harris and Martin and has been a godsend to our wonderful lake.  Much credit is owed to the Marine Police for strong, polite enforcement, and the go fast crowd for finding another place to play.

I have noticed more young people slalom sking this year which is a good sign.  People who buy $100,000 wake boats are finding that kids tire of wake boarding once they learn the tricks, wake surfing is a fad, and sking is making a comeback.  Wake boats are not ski boats since the natural wake is too big.  Drive by the used boat yard on Hwy 49 and you'll see lots of those  used $100K boats for sale.  There's hope.

Name:	Blue Creek -	Reply
Subject:	Boats longer than 30'-6" banned on Lake Martin?
Date:	7/19/2016 8:06:37 PM

Wix that was the answer I was looking for.  The Georgia crowd does seem to be fairly prominent and actually I was curious about that too but you also answered that question.  As far as me needing to go to lake Lanier, no thanks.  Never been there and don't care to.  I don't know who gave the impression deck boats are good in rough water as mine is not.  I have been trying to teach my kids to water ski and kneeboard.  We spend most of our in the Kowliga area where it's open enough to dodge other boats.  Why are people so testy on this forum?  

Name:	rga82 -	Reply
Subject:	Boats longer than 30'-6" banned on Lake Martin?
Date:	7/19/2016 8:34:33 PM

I noticed several "big" boats parked at Anchor Bay marina's slips during a recent gas fill-up in my 20' boat. From my viewpoint it seems that someone could buy a reasonably priced 35-45' boat that sleeps a few people, pay a slip fee at a marina and have a nice alternative to purchasing a $400-K-plus lake home.  However, they seemed to look at me with envy as I rode by since a quick ride to anywhere is simply too much trouble for a "big" boat.  As big as they were, I was not impressed.

Name:	wix -	Reply
Subject:	Boats longer than 30'-6" banned on Lake Martin?
Date:	7/19/2016 8:52:35 PM

I certainly understand your problems if you are trying to do anything in Kowliga.  To ski, wake, or simply try not to get sea sick, I would recommend you boat anywhere, But Kowliga, it's simply too rough.  The east side of the lake has much less traffic and there are some good protected areas.  Deck boats generally have a flatter bottom which will be much better once you get off the Kowliga Ocean....so will your kids and kidneys!

Name:	Blue Creek -	Reply
Subject:	Boats longer than 30'-6" banned on Lake Martin?
Date:	7/20/2016 3:25:55 AM

rga82, we kept our boat at Anchor Bay 3 years ago for the summer in a wet slip.  We were between a 33' and a 31' SeaRay.   I talked with one of them every time we went up there and they said it was their weekend retreat.  They loved it up there staying on the boat but the big problem they had was severe storms.  They had no place to hide.  Slip fees up there for the long slips were $ 320/month including water and power.  They have a pretty nice setup there and we really enjoyed having the boat there.  It's not nearly as nice as having your own place but I would break even back then if we went up three times a month just in fuel savings from not having to pull my boat back forth every time.  It's also nice to be able to get on the boat and be under a shelter if it's raining when you get there.  The folks in the big boats say they don't get above idle on the engines but maybe once or twice a season.  With twin 454 cid engines they don't like feeding them gas from marinas on the lake.  Three years ago it was around $4.75 a gallon on the water and that's a bunch when you have a 200 gallon tank.  

Wix, I've been going to Lake Martin since the 60's to ski and fish.  Where we used to ski when I was growing up is all developed and there are boats everywhere now.  I used to ski (and fish) mainly in the Little Kowliga and Parker Creek areas but they are busy too now.  We hang out in the Kowliga area because it seems to be the safest area to avoid a collision with less courteous boaters.  You are correct about it being rough on the kidneys.  My boat is rough as a cobb on rough water.  Back to your statement about the Georgia crowd coming to Lake Martin, I just realized my neighbor on Blue Creek is from Atlanta.  I guess they do come there to avoid Lake Lanier.  Never thought about that.  I'll have to quiz him about that when I see him.

Name:	OleBamaGuy -	Reply
Subject:	Boats longer than 30'-6" banned on Lake Martin?
Date:	7/20/2016 7:07:02 AM

Perhaps deck boat is not what you have?

http://www.discoverboating.com/buying/boat/deck-boats

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	Boats longer than 30'-6" banned on Lake Martin?
Date:	7/20/2016 8:44:01 AM

I own a 23' wakeboard boat and a 26' deck boat.  I can assure you my deck boat can create as large a wake as my wakeboard boat, albeit with a different form.  The reason people don't wake surf behind a deck boat is that most of them (mine inculded) have a lower unit that extends behind the boat and would be very dangerous to wake surf even with a swim platform.  Wakeboard boats have a direct drive screw that is under the boat and it is safe to surf behind the boat.

I really don't have a dog in the large boat hunt but Lake Lanier is a great example of the issues the larger boats can create.  However, like all boats if the operator is diligent and concerned about other's property and enjoyment of the lake they can be used without creating the huge wake.  When we wake surf we always do it in an area where there are no docks or homes.  I am very cognizent of the wake I am creating so I avoid damaging other's property.

Name:	Spot Remover -	Reply
Subject:	Boats longer than 30'-6" banned on Lake Martin?
Date:	7/20/2016 8:50:04 AM

Watch and learn. When boats are going half speed or a fair speed below full speed, they produce a larger wake. i.e. large boats.

Large boats would normally create a smaller wake going full speed.

Name:	DSCR -	Reply
Subject:	Boats longer than 30'-6" banned on Lake Martin?
Date:	7/20/2016 9:57:26 AM

There have ben "deck boats" for a long time. With many different hull types. Tri-hull, flat bottom, shallow-v, and like the ones in your link, traditional deep-V hulls. Which are no different than traditional deep-V bow riders. A planing hull with a deep-V up front to cut through waves and direct the splash to the side. The deck boats in the picture create no more or less wake than a traditional bow rider. They ride like a bow rider. They handle like a bow rider. The top deck is different than a traditional bow rider, but below the gunwale they are almost identical.

A real ski boat is a displacement hull. Tweak a few things, add some stern weight and you have a wakeboard boat.

Our current boat is a Sea Ray 240 sundeck. It handles rides and from the side, looks like a traditional bow rider. It creates no more wake than a traditional bow rider. And, just like a traditional bow rider, when we come off plane, it makes more wake than when on plane. Same with my 20" Sea Ray Bow rider before this, and my 18' Chapparral bow rider before that.

So, you dont like "deck boats", so you must not like "bow riders" either. I would assume you dont like ski boats or wake boats. Is there a style of boat other than pontoon that you do approve of?

Actually, I have been trying to convince the spousal unit that we should act our age and sell the fine SunDeck to someone on Lake lanier and join the minions of poontoon owners. That way I could run with my head lights on, not be concerned with rules of the road like who should give way, cut corners, be generally unconcerned about how my driving affects others, and then complain when someone has to work to get around me while I dominate the middle of the road. Yes, I know not ALL pontoon drivers are like this, but if you are honest, a large precentage are. Kinda like the slow drivers that occupy the left lane on 4 lane highways and interstates while the right lane is clear. 

So, I await your reply. Other than a toon, what boats are acceptable to you?

Name:	wix -	Reply
Subject:	Boats longer than 30'-6" banned on Lake Martin?
Date:	7/20/2016 10:35:54 AM

You haven't said, but seems you have a place on Blue Creek now.  If so, you might try the two bays off main channel that are the water front for Windemere, across from the old Pleasure Park marina.  Don't know how busy they'll be on weekends, but they have to be better than Kowliga.  Blue Creek is getting almost as busy as Kowliga.

Name:	Mack -	Reply
Subject:	Boats longer than 30'-6" banned on Lake Martin?
Date:	7/20/2016 4:01:56 PM

Read some posts from 5 years ago and you will get a very different flavor for the Forum and participants. Especially this Topics forum and the Cooking/Grilling sections. Folks just seem to be combative any more...

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	Boats longer than 30'-6" banned on Lake Martin?
Date:	7/21/2016 4:20:50 PM

I agree with a lot of what you are saying except with regard to wake boats and surfing.  I think they are here to stay as long as people with homes at the lake have kids.  And I also disagree about wake surfing being a fad.  It too is here to stay.  Having said that, my kids love to slalom ski but will usually only do one run a day.  However, they will wake board and surf more than once.  As for me, I have tried to wake board and while I can get up it is too much work and not comfortable like skiing.

Name:	DSCR -	Reply
Subject:	I saw that you posted, then deleted your post
Date:	7/21/2016 6:05:32 PM

Just for the record.

Still waiting for a list of boats that meet your approval.

Trying to have a conversation here.

Name:	wix -	Reply
Subject:	Boats longer than 30'-6" banned on Lake Martin?
Date:	7/22/2016 6:33:15 PM

Just wait, kids get older and the lake loses it's luster...  I said for many, many years that I would NEVER own a pontoon boat....guess what!

Name:	10toLife -	Reply
Subject:	Boats longer than 30'-6" banned on Lake Martin?
Date:	7/23/2016 7:45:49 AM

I think the reason they banned large boats and houseboats might have more to do with cleanliness of the lake than wake. 

Boats that large have bathrooms .... Which have to be pumped out or dumped ( It's illegal but it's free to dump the sewage ) do marinas here have sewage systems or means to handle the waste or are there sewage pump services that go to the boat ? 

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	Boats longer than 30'-6" banned on Lake Martin?
Date:	7/25/2016 9:26:33 AM

Oh I'm not opposed to owning a pontoon boat.  Once my deck boat gets too old I will definitely get a nice pontoon boat.  But so far my adult children still want to ski, wakeboard and surf so I will keep the wakeboard boat.