NASBLA Public Library

This written legislative testimony presents Professor William Banholzer's scientific analysis of proposed wake boat setback legislation before the Wisconsin Legislature. Drawing on peer-reviewed literature, government studies, and technical reports, the testimony examines the hydrodynamic principles underlying wake generation, evaluates the scientific basis for proposed setback distances, and discusses the use of volumetric Froude number comparisons, wave energy dissipation, shoreline erosion research, and statistical analyses of wake boat and conventional boat operations.

The testimony also reviews several frequently cited wake boat studies, discusses methodological considerations related to benchmarking and peer review, and compares wake boat wave characteristics with other common recreational boating activities. Intended for policymakers, waterway managers, boating agencies, and others interested in wake boat regulation, the document provides a technical perspective on the scientific evidence presented in support of proposed setback requirements.