Our boats’ wakes can worsen shoreline erosion and destroy loon nests. 

Please be mindful of your distance to shore and speed.

As many are aware, high waves touching our shorelines can result in destruction of precious and sensitive shoreline areas, as well as loon nesting habitant. Each year, the height of the shoreline differs depending on run off, snow melt and rain quantity. 

High waves too close to shore can exacerbate this dangerous problem. Prior research suggested that boats should stay 200 feet away from all shorelines, including islands. However, recent research from Midwestern states, indicates that 500 feet is the recommended distance wake-enhancing boats should operate from shore at wake speed. Maine legislature is studying this further.

Boaters should observe “Wake Speed” (or “Headway Speed”) of 5 miles per hour or less when near shorelines and especially in Cobbossee's Horseshoe Islands which is full of sensitive shorelines. This is the lowest speed at which it is possible to maintain steering and control of a boat and it will result in creating a wake that is 6 inches or less in height. Using this speed while boating near the shoreline will not only protect our shorelines from erosion but will also assure greater success of loon nesting sites.