Characterizing divergent waves produced by recreational powerboats

Phase I Overview

This study characterized boat-generated waves by recreational powerboats common to Minnesota, including wakesurf boats. 

During the study, five sensors were used to measure the height, energy, and power of the divergent waves generated by non-wakesurf and wakesurf boats. It was found that wakesurf boats produced the largest waves under all conditions evaluated, with the overall largest waves generated during slow plowing speeds associated with the sport of wakesurfing. The study also showed that when wakesurf boats operate under their typical wakesurfing conditions, they require greater distances to reduce their wave characteristics to levels equivalent to non-wakesurf boat operating under their typical on-plane conditions. 

The final report was published February 2022.

Click here to read the full research report.