Speeds and Wakes

This season has brought a lot of questions and opinions on Speed limits in the two creeks that border Oyster Harbor.  

Some folks are tired of boats speeding by their homes or moorings, and having to worry about wakes and potential damage to their boats - not to mention spilling your drink while you relax at anchor.  Many with this view point want one or both creeks made into speed controlled zones that are meant to reduce wakes.

Other's enjoy the aspects of tubing, skiing, Personal Water Craft (PWCs) or the desire to get to the Bay or back to the slip quickly.  They enjoy the speed and feel that places to ski, etc are already too limited on the Bay. Many will argue that their boats make smaller wakes at high speeds than slow speeds.

The State of Maryland is concerned about erosion and environmental issues.

All sides can make a good point for their argument.  But both sides of the speed issue are probably missing a couple key points. I hope to clarify these here.

First, in Maryland, its against the law to pass within 100 feet of a moored boat, anchored boat, dock, or land at faster than 6 knots.  That said, if everyone followed that one rule then most problems such as; boats and people being knocked around, kayaks overturned, and annoyances to those anchored out could be avoided.  Most skiers and PWC owners would probably find less people would want to get them off the creeks.  This also means that by definition, the mooring field in Fishing Creek is a 6 knot restricted area - as any anchorage would be.

Second, common courtesy towards other people on the water is missed by many people driving fast.  Courtesy especially towards kayaks is a big problem in our creeks.  

Third, Maryland has regulations that specifically define certain localities as "Speed Restricted" and lists those on its web site.  This causes confusion to boats who assume that everywhere else is not "Speed Restricted".  The reality is that the distance from piers, boats, people in the water, and density of boats in the area are all factors that DNR could use to give you a ticket for one of many unsafe boating practices.

In Oyster Harbor, its important to respect that our creeks are lined with boats, that people use the water for everything from Kayaks to 30 foot power boats, and that boats on moorings can be tossed about by wakes from boats speeding nearby.

So enjoy the creeks for everything, including skiing, tubing and your PWC.  But be conscious of those around you and watch your wake near boats and docks.

Your comments are welcome on this and any Blog topic.

Please note that DNR will be reviewing erosion caused by wakes this summer in Oyster  Creek.  

Contact the office, or myself with any questions.

Safe Boating...