How is "excessive wake" created?

Excessive wake is primarily created by operating a vessel at high speeds close to shore or in a crowded waterway. When a boat travels at high speeds, it displaces more water, causing larger waves or wakes to form. This is particularly pronounced in shallow areas where the water depth does not accommodate the displaced water, leading to even bigger wakes that can interfere with the safety of other boats, affect shoreline stability, and disturb wildlife.

In contrast, sailing in shallow waters can contribute to issues like propeller wash but does not inherently create excessive wakes as rapidly as high-speed operation. Using a smaller vessel type generally results in less wake generation compared to larger vessels that displace more water. Idle operation of a boat typically creates minimal or no wake, as the vessel is not moving rapidly enough to create significant waves. Thus, high-speed operation in populated areas is the primary cause of excessive wakes and their associated hazards.