Looking for opinions: The law in my State says you must pass and anchored boat at a minimum of 100'. But the law also states that you are responsible for any damage or injury that is caused by your wake. So Boat A is anchored in a large cove that is NOT a no wake zone or has any restrictions. Boat B comes into the cove towards his Marina at the end of the cove. Boat B passes at 100'. Captain A has a hissy fit that Captain B didn't slow to idle speed to pass. Captain A allegedly reports Captain B to the Fish & Boat Commission. I guess Captain B is liable because he made a wake, regardless of the distance passed. But should Captain A have some responsibility if he anchors in an area that carries traffic in/out of a marina? Boats routinely anchor and swim in traffic areas rather that a protected, NO WAKE cove. So if we follow the law, the rest of us have to tip toe down the lake because people anchor in traffic areas.

The only thing that COULD come into play is if Captain A had anchored in a marked and defined channel. However, I've never seen that enforced for anything other commercials barges or some idiot fishing under a bridge.

How would you know that Captain A didn't break down in that spot, and dropped anchor while waiting for a tow or assistance?

As my HR friend told me the other day in a completely different conversation: "There's no law against being an asshoIe."

he was anchored and swimming/partying. Captain B assumed he passed at a safe distance

MonkeySea,

The way I read this account, there was no damage to be held liable for. One could argue all day long about the distance the pass-by was made at, and a citation could be in order (if it would be enforced is up to the authorities), but I don't see where Capt A was put to any harm.

We cruise all over Cumberland all the time, passing by anchored and/or drifting boats at a maintained distance, of course, and all we ever get are waves from the occupants of said boats.

Thanks. Brad.

We have people that anchor and fish, in, or just outside our channels all the time. After getting smoked in a no-wake zone I don't even pretend to slow down.