Wake Boat Best Practices

Wakesurfing is an exciting water sport that blends the joy of surfing with the dynamic experience of boating. To ensure that this activity remains sustainable, it’s important to be mindful of the potential impact wake boats may have on the lake’s ecosystem. By adopting thoughtful and responsible practices, we can work together to preserve the natural beauty of Hutchins Lake for future generations.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) conducted an in-depth study that concluded that operating wake boats in a manner that creates large waves can lead to loss of habitat, resulting in the decline of aquatic ecosystems and angling opportunity.

The MDNR concluded that these concerns can be mitigated by following these voluntary wake boat best practices:

1. Operate at least 500 feet from docks or the shoreline, regardless of water depth when operating in wake-surfing or wake-boarding modes during which boat speed, wave shapers, and/or ballast are used to increase wave height

2. Operate in water at least 15 feet deep when operating in wake-surfing or wake-boarding modes

3. Completely drain ballast tanks prior to transporting the watercraft over land

The pictured map shows the recommended wake boat operational area for Hutchins Lake from the Hutchins Lake Wake Boat Impact Report.  The area in white indicates the area for full wake operation, while the area in blue should be avoided if in full wake mode.

To learn more about the effects of wake boats on aquatic habitat and what you can do to protect Hutchins Lake, visit the Hutchins Lake Wake Boat Best Practices page.

The Handbook of Michigan Boating Laws and Responsibilities

The Handbook of Michigan Boating Laws and Responsibilities is the official boating handbook developed for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The handbook introduces you to Michigan laws governing boating and provides general information about safe vessel operation.