Burt/Mullett: Special Watercraft Regs in the Indian River

[djkimmel]

There are some different marine regulations in effect for the Indian River (where we are launching) that many of you may not have encountered before so I'll explain them here for your convenience - my disclaimer being this is your personal choice to use this information and not any kind of guarantee or protection.

I discussed these regs with Cheboygan County Chief Marine Sheriff Deputy Alan May recently:
From Burt Lake to the I-75 bridge, the Indian River is a typical slow, no-wake (residential) and they do patrol it.

Continuing from the I-75 bridge towards Mullett Lake, the Indian River is no high speed boating. You will see the sign change and this regulation continues to about marker 55/57 (watch for the slow no-wake signs again). What this means is you can NOT go on plane, but you can plow a wake. You are still responsible for your wake around other boats and users.

Probably doesn't apply to us, but there is no towing of any object or person behind your boat in the no high speed boating sections (you can tow in the no wake stretches - different).

The slow no wake continues again past The Landings (where we are launching the BFL tournament from) and then no high speed boating starts again from just past The Landings on out to the end of the channel in Mullett Lake. There should be a sign.

Slow no wake is strictly enforced. The no high speed boating means you can NOT be on plane. Just remember you are still responsible for your wake.