Name:   wix - Subject:   Boats longer than 30'-6" banned on Lake Martin? Date:   7/19/2016 6:44:00 PM

To get a better understanding of the "why" the law limiting the size and speed of boats on Lake Martin was passed by the State Legislature, suggest you go over to Lake Lanier and ride around in your boat on a weekend day.  As a matter of fact, please read the article at the link below and you'll get a good feel for what I'm talking about:

Link:  http://www.ajc.com/news/news/local/speed-believed-major-factor-deadly-lake-lanier-boa/nrzsw/

This accident killed 4 adults in a 38' go fast.  No other boat involved, during the day, boat flipped due to speed...killed 4, this past weekend.  And it was a "charity" Poker Run!!

Back to the law:  The law was passed because of the fear that our lakes would begin to resemble Lake Lanier and other lakes within driving distance of Atlanta.  By restricting the boat size the state also prevented the proliferation of houseboats as more Atlanta boaters tried to get away from congested GA lakes.  The law applies to Lake Harris and Martin and has been a godsend to our wonderful lake.  Much credit is owed to the Marine Police for strong, polite enforcement, and the go fast crowd for finding another place to play.

I have noticed more young people slalom sking this year which is a good sign.  People who buy $100,000 wake boats are finding that kids tire of wake boarding once they learn the tricks, wake surfing is a fad, and sking is making a comeback.  Wake boats are not ski boats since the natural wake is too big.  Drive by the used boat yard on Hwy 49 and you'll see lots of those  used $100K boats for sale.  There's hope.