Nationwide, any vessel operating in a speed zone posted as "Idle Speed - No Wake" must operate at the minimum speed that allows you to maintain steering and make headway. (This means no wake whatsoever. Possibly 600-900 RPMs depending on your boat)
Any vessel operating in a speed zone posted as "Slow Speed - Minimum Wake" must operate fully off plane and completely settled in water. (This means no "white tops" showing on your wake and that your bow does not rise at all. Possibly 900-1200 RPMs depending on your boat.) Police observing Slow Speed zones determine violations by whether the bow settles into the water when the boat slows.
Your boat's wake must not be excessive nor create a hazard to other vessels.
Anyone who operates a vessel with a willful disregard for the safety of persons or property will be cited for reckless operation (a first-degree misdemeanor).
All operators are responsible for operating their vessel in a reasonable and prudent manner with regard for other vessel traffic, posted restrictions, in the presence of a diver-down flag, and other circumstances so as not to endanger other people or property. Failure to do so is considered careless operation.
Wake Damage: You are financially and legally liable for any damage or injury caused by your boat's wake.
Speed Zones: It�s easy to miss a speed zone. The Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) is a mess with short �boating safety� zones, �manatee� zones and ramp/marina slow speed zones.
Some zones only last a few hundred feet. Marking of these zones is inconsistent. To make matters worse, some property owners post unofficial slow speed signs.
Regardless of the posted limit, it�s always illegal to speed under a bridge, near divers or near a ramp.
Worst Zones: Intracoastal Waterway speed zone markings are poorest between the PGA Boulavard and Donald Ross Road bridges� and in the middle of Jupiter Island. Speed limits are not marked on charts. Speed signs are generally found attached to day marks or the sides of bridges. White, rectangular speed signs are sometimes posted well outside of the channel (and mostly out of common sense view.) These are the most confusing speed markings hidden on stand-alone signs out of channel.
Watch for manatee speed regulations that change with the season. Also look for areas where different speed limits apply in- or out- of channel� or speed zones that vary with boat size.
These speed zones are confusing and well enforced. Quite frankly, it�s not fair� but it�s reality.
To help determine whether you�re in a fast speed zone keep an eye on other boats (though the other captains may be confused as well.)
Boat Maintenance
Boat Operating Checklist
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