Here is a story from Saturday 9/16/2017: I was just outside the Antelope eastern entrance in a puddle of 'go fast' boats all sitting around in a group waiting for everyone to notice that they:
a.) have a 'go fast' boat &
b.) look pretty cool &
c.) they are really beautiful boats
(On a side note: While, at times, sounding great, they are ALL in violation of every loudness law in existence at Lake Powell anytime the engine is running and maybe even when it isn't.)
I was a few hundred feet away lashing a 27' Sea Ray to a houseboat because I usually drive them both together into the marina and gas up or even put them into a slip together that way. Usually just me and my wife so it works out easier that way. Quick tip....just remember which side you put the littler boat on.
Anyway just as I was untying the tow line another boat decided to show us all how they could zoom away. This was not one of the 'go fasters' but rather a group of young folks in what looked like a wake boat. I pushed the Sea Ray away and as the wake hit it was just an inconvenience as we all bounced up and down. About that time an NPS boat goes by me code 3 with lights and siren screaming. As I finished my lashing and meandered toward the marina entrance the two boats were still sitting there discussing the intricacies of maritime regulations.
I'm not sure if the Lake Powell Challenge contributed but here are a few observations from the last few days:
- A very small number of people either know or even care what wakeless rules are.
- The very small number that try to follow wakeless rules have no idea what being wakeless even means.
On a fun note, the
'go fast' boats put out surprisingly little wake when doing about 80 mph. While driving a houseboat towing a smaller boat, I had two, flying formation, overtake me and pass in the Narrows. The flight lead passed about 30-40 feet off of my starboard and the wingman passed off the port at about 30-40 feet. Since it was almost simultaneous the wakes hit at the same time and cancelled each other out. Didn't even spill my coffee but the engine sound has me still trying to pry the seat cushion out of my rear end.
Goblin