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no wake bouys and speed limits

6K views 15 replies 12 participants last post by  dockrocker 
#1 ·
Does anyone know what happened to the 'no wake' bouys that had been located outside JBM and Miller Marine? Seems like they had been there for quite a few years and I haven't seen them yet this year. Doesn't really affect me because I'm pretty generous with the 'no wake' distance, but I'm just curious to know what changed.

Also, while poking around about this, I ran across a Detroit River rule that states "It shall be unlawful, at any time, to operate a vessel at a speed in excess of forty (40) miles per hours (64 kilometers per hours)." Sounds like it was enacted in 1998. This doesn't affect me directly either (my boat tops out around 28), but I'm curious if this is widely known to others it would affect? I know the state limit is 55, but did not know of any other restriction on speed.

Has anyone received a citation for exceeding the 55 limit on the lakes?
 
#5 ·
I was running faster than 40 out there on my waverunner the weekend of the air races.

The problem with the river is there are at least 5 different no-wake laws to deal with down there. And I never even heard of that speed law.

I dont' think there is a wholesale speed limit on the lakes in MI, but there is a 50 or 55 mph limit within x miles of shore. I just slow down to 50ish if I see a cop, even though I doubt any of them have speed radar.
 
#6 ·
LBAS - I was thinking the same thing. Those and the offshores that will be in LSC will definitely be above the "limit", and I wonder how they get by. IANAL, but I didn't see any language in the ordinance that excludes "organized events that are sanctioned by USCG/DPD,MCSMD, etc. I'm kind of curious how they (legally) get around that. "Looking the other way" obviously works!

Sleeper - There definitely IS a 55MPH limit within the State of Michigan...although not sure if there is an "x miles from shore" qualification.

from the DNR bi-weekly field reports.....

"CO Dan Lee was using radar on the Saginaw River when he clocked a vessel at almost 70 miles per hour. The speed limit on inland waters is 55 miles per hour. CO Lee found that the vessel operator was also short on personal flotation devices (PFDs) and did not have a fire extinguisher on board. Enforcement action was taken."
 
#8 ·
"I dont think LSC or the Det river are inland waters."

Depends on what we're talking about.... in COLREGs and Inland Rules: "These rules apply to all vessels upon the inland waters of the United States, and to vessels of the United States on the Canadian waters of the Great Lakes to the extent that there is no conflict with Canadian law. "

However, we were talking about a Michigan Law.....

Michigan Law states:
"(2) On waters of this state for which a motorboat speed limit is not established under subsection (1), on any waters for which the department has not established an unlimited motorboat speed limit, or on any waters for which stricter speed restrictions are not established pursuant to an act, a maximum speed limit of 55 miles per hour is established, except in an emergency and except for authorized peace and conservation officers when engaged in official duties. The maximum speed limit of 55 miles per hour does not apply to the Great Lakes and Lake St. Clair, except for an area within 1 mile of the shoreline measured at a right angle from the shoreline. Upon receipt of a resolution by the governing body of a local unit of government having jurisdiction over waters of this state requesting a reduction in the maximum speed limit on those waters, the department, pursuant to sections 80108 to 80113, may establish a maximum speed limit not to exceed 40 miles per hour on those waters."

So, I would think the 55 applies in the rivers and within 1 mile (therefore "xx" = 1) of shore in the lakes, and 40 in the Detroit River (at least within the City of Detroit).

So.... anyone know anything about the bouys??
 
#9 ·
Yes, there is a 55 mph limit on the Michigan waters of the great lakes and lake st. clair, but only within 1 mile of shore. Beyond that, the allowable speed is based on conditions.

Below is a snip regarding illegal speed from the MI laws:
  • In excess of 55 mph unless you are at least one mile offshore on the Great Lakes or Lake St. Clair
  • At greater than "slow, no wake speed" when a person is in the bow of a vessel without proper seating
  • Faster than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions (weather, vessel traffic, etc.)
The catch is the last phrase. Interpret it as you need.

Regarding the bouys along the nautical mile, their presence has always been somewhat erratic, not sure if we'll even see them this year.
 
#11 · (Edited by Moderator)
QUOTE(Pornodave @ Jul 9 2009, 09:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>I dont think LSC or the Det river are inland waters.

I deleated my earlier responce after reading it over again.. You are probabley right since they share the border with Canada.

Canals, lakes, rivers, water courses, inlets, and bays that are nearest to the shores of a nation and subject to its complete sovereignty.

Inland waters, also known as internal waters, are subject to the total sovereignty of the country as much as if they were an actual part of its land territory. A coastal nation has the right to exclude foreign vessels, subject to the right of entry in times of distress.

Whether or not particular waters are to be regarded as inland waters has traditionally been dependent upon historical and geographical factors. Certain types of shoreline configurations have been regarded as confining bodies of water, such as bays. In addition, there has been a recognition that other areas of water that are closely connected to the shore may be regarded as inland waters based upon the manner in which they have been treated by the coastal nation, although they do not meet any exact geographical test. Historic title to inland waters can be claimed only in situations when the coastal nation has asserted and maintained dominion and control over those waters.
 
#12 ·
Yeah, saw the bouys in yesterday - NOT BAD - In by JULY 30 ....No one seems to claim ownership of these bouys, Coast Guard didn't know anything about who set them when called in the spring, none of the marinas know who set them, I was told that the CITY of SCS sets them but I'm not even sure that's true. They have been long overdue as many idiots just would cruise right up to the breakwalls before coming off plane.
 
#13 ·
QUOTE(petep @ Jul 30 2009, 10:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Yeah, saw the bouys in yesterday - NOT BAD - In by JULY 30 ....No one seems to claim ownership of these bouys, Coast Guard didn't know anything about who set them when called in the spring, none of the marinas know who set them, I was told that the CITY of SCS sets them but I'm not even sure that's true. They have been long overdue as many idiots just would cruise right up to the breakwalls before coming off plane.

Well it wouldn't suprise me if it's the city~how do you say slllllloooooooowwww

but they probably won't come out until first freeze
 
#14 · (Edited by Moderator)
QUOTE(KMC @ Jul 7 2009, 02:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Does anyone know what happened to the 'no wake' bouys that had been located outside JBM and Miller Marine? Seems like they had been there for quite a few years and I haven't seen them yet this year. Doesn't really affect me because I'm pretty generous with the 'no wake' distance, but I'm just curious to know what changed.

Also, while poking around about this, I ran across a Detroit River rule that states "It shall be unlawful, at any time, to operate a vessel at a speed in excess of forty (40) miles per hours (64 kilometers per hours)." Sounds like it was enacted in 1998. This doesn't affect me directly either (my boat tops out around 28), but I'm curious if this is widely known to others it would affect? I know the state limit is 55, but did not know of any other restriction on speed.

Has anyone received a citation for exceeding the 55 limit on the lakes?
 
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