Wisconsin Boating Law: Slow-No-Wake Distance from Shore

100 feet. Wisconsin law (NR 5.15, Wis. Admin. Code) requires motorboats to operate at slow-no-wake speed within 100 feet of any shoreline—including islands, docks, piers, rafts, and occupied anchored vessels.

What "Slow-No-Wake" Means

• Minimum speed to maintain steerage
• No visible wake (white water, rolling waves)
• Typically <5 mph for most hulls
• Not "idle speed" — steerage required

Where It Applies

• ALL Wisconsin waters (lakes, rivers, flowages)
• 100 ft from: natural shoreline, docks, piers, swim rafts, moored/anchored boats with people aboard
• 200 ft for personal watercraft (PWC/jet ski) from shoreline
• 100 ft from swimmers, divers-down flags, non-motorized craft

Exceptions

• Pickup/drop-off of water skiers/tubers (direct path, min speed)
• Emergency/law enforcement vessels
• Designated ski zones (marked, specific hours)
• Commercial vessels in navigation channels

Penalties

• Forfeiture: $150–$500 + costs
• Repeat: Higher fines, possible revocation
• Civil liability if wake causes damage/injury

Related Rules

• 100 ft from patrol boat with emergency lights
• No wake zones marked by buoys/signs (often 200-300 ft at busy landings)
• PWC: 200 ft from shore; no operation sunset-sunrise
• Age: Born after 1989 = boater safety cert required

Enforcement: DNR Conservation Wardens, County Marine Patrols, USCG (federal waters). "I didn't see the buoy" is not a defense.