Healthy Waters Initiative Update
Researchers affiliated with the University of Minnesota have been analyzing two elements of interest to lakeshore owners. The St. Anthony Falls Laboratory (SAFL) completed research on the impact of boat-generated waves in 2020 and have published their findings here: www.sites.google.com/umn.edu/healthywatersinitiative/welcome
They tested two different types of watercraft: wakesurf boats and runabouts. As you might expect, the wave energy from wakesurf boats is two or more times higher than for runabouts, largely because wakesurf boats tend to be operated at slower speeds (sub-planing), whereas runabouts are often “planed out”. This is the summary from the SAFL website:
“This project sought to characterize boat-generated waves by recreational watercraft common to Minnesota, including wakesurfing boats. The effort focused on lake shore environments typical of Minnesota.
During the study, five sensors were used to measure the height, energy, and power of waves generated by non-wakesurf and wakesurf boats. It was found that wakesurf boats produced the largest waves under all conditions evaluated, with the overall largest waves generated during slow plowing speeds associated with the sport of wakesurfing. The study also showed that when wakesurf boats operate under their typical wakesurfing conditions, they require greater distances to reduce their wave characteristics to levels equivalent to non-wakesurf boat operating under their typical on-plane conditions.”
We’re also looking forward to the next SAFL report, which will cover the impact of prop wash (thrust dynamics) on the water column and lake bottom. SAFL intended to publish the report this fall, but they decided they needed a bit more time to assess “interesting but unanticipated phenomena” that emerged during data analysis. The prop wash report will be published in the spring and the SRCLA will post a link to those results when they’re available.
To review Phase I or learn more, visit the Healthy Waters Initiative website: www.sites.google.com/umn.edu/healthywatersinitiative/welcome