A concern regarding the impact of wake boats was briefly discussed at the November association meeting and comments previously expressed by property owners. This page is to provide everyone with insight into wake boats, as Lake Shannon was developed as a water-skiers paradise consisting of 262 acres, with an estimated maximum depth of 15 feet. (see figure 7 below). Lake Shannon is narrow and shallow resulting in large wave generation and propeller turbulence that can damage aquatic environments and erode the shoreline.
Per MI Boating Regulations watercraft in tow are required to stay 100 feet from the shoreline. In 2023 EGLE highly recommended that wake boats should not operate their wake ballast within 200 feet of the shoreline and never operate in water less than 15 feet deep. Please observe the 100 feet requirement to avoid impact on our shorelines, or 200 feet per ELGE recommendation when possible.
Additional recommendations from various sources suggest the following for all watercraft:
Keep in mind Section 8018 of Marine Safely Act holds wake boaters personally responsible for any damage to life of property resulting from a wake.
Please take a moment to read the articles and provide feedback to the LSA Board. Please refer to the Summer Newsletter 2025.
Per MI Boating Regulations watercraft in tow are required to stay 100 feet from the shoreline. In 2023 EGLE highly recommended that wake boats should not operate their wake ballast within 200 feet of the shoreline and never operate in water less than 15 feet deep. Please observe the 100 feet requirement to avoid impact on our shorelines, or 200 feet per ELGE recommendation when possible.
Additional recommendations from various sources suggest the following for all watercraft:
- Stay the required feet per your state boating regulations from obstacles or shore, ride the core, avoid the shore. If possible, exceed the state requirement 100 feet.
- Avoid turning wake boats in tight circles and repeat passes. This increases the wave height and can create a vortex, which could cause damage to other boats and property.
- Avoid close passes to other boats, and do not follow another boat too closely.
- Do not impede traffic. Wake surfers usually travel from 10 to 12 mph, or less. Avoid wake surfing in busy areas.
Keep in mind Section 8018 of Marine Safely Act holds wake boaters personally responsible for any damage to life of property resulting from a wake.
Please take a moment to read the articles and provide feedback to the LSA Board. Please refer to the Summer Newsletter 2025.
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| state_of_mi_department_of_natural_resoures_9.2022_wake_boat_concerns_and_recommendations_related_to_natural_resource_management_in_mi_waters.pdf |
| sea_grant_law_center_2.27.2020_minnesota.pdf |
| 2022-fall-pine-lake-wakes.pdf |