Stop, don't read further if you don't want to hear my rants. My current boat leaves a huge wake at times. I know because I can see it and I admit have had a few radio calls chastising me. I also know how to minimize or eliminate my wake entirely and so do all the other skippers out there.
So here's the rub, why are there so many witless morons creating monster wakes where they cause damage? I don't believe for a second that they aren't aware of their wake. I believe they are jerks and inconsiderate asses that don't deserve the privilege of driving a boat.
I'm not saying to drive slow or at no wake speed all the time, I'm saying to pay attention to the damage your wake is doing. Not only are you being an ass but you are liable for damage or injury caused by your negligent driving.
If your wake swamps or rolls a small boat, you are liable. If your wake smashes a moored boat into a float causing damage, you are liable. If your wake capsizes a kayak causing a drowning, you will be held liable and probably go to jail.
If you think this is only true in marked no-wake zones, think again, you are wrong. You are responsible for your wake damage anywhere and everywhere, marked or not. That 200 foot rule many signs and publications tout is not your free pass to be irresponsible, your are still liable for damage your wake causes.
There, I'm done.
