I get asked several times a day about the real estate industry: Are things getting better? Are property values...

What part of “No Wake” don’t you understand?
When you see the “NO WAKE” signs, please SLOW DOWN!
This one is really a no brainer, folks. Most of the Huron is a “no wake” zone for good reason.
In narrow creeks and coves, boat wakes contribute to shoreline erosion. Although this loss of land is a problem for shorefront property owners, it also affects boaters. Eroded sediments create unwanted shoals, cause shallowing of navigational channels, cut off light to underwater life and can actually kill larval forms of many of our aquatic species. All this creates tremendous problems for the aquatic ecosystem.
In addition, your wake can cause damage to other boats, structures along the shore, and, in some cases injury to people. An excellent example of this today as a large “bass boat” came out of a channel and accelerated past a group of kayaks. A huge wake from a boat in transition can have a significant impact on a kayak only 10 yards away!
WHAT BOATERS CAN DO
WATCHING YOUR SPEED
As a boat operator, it can be easy to control your wake. Understanding the speeds under which your boat operates is the first step.
Displacement Speed- This is the slowest speed for most motor boats. It also creates the least wake. The boat operates with the bow down in the water.
Transition Speed- As you increase the power while attempting to get on plane, the bow rises, causing the stern to plow through the water. This speed creates the largest wake.
Planing Speed- At planing speed, the bow drops back down and only a little of the hull contacts the water. This speed creates less wake than transition speed, but more than displacement. Many large craft are not designed to reach this speed.
Often a boat operator can cause a large wake unintentionally. He or she may drop to transition speed instead of down to displacement speed, and actually increase wake size. It's easy to avoid this pitfall, though. Just make a habit of checking your wake (or have a passenger check it), especially as it hits the shore. Slow down far enough in advance of sensitive areas to give yourself time to drop all the way to displacement speed. This will minimize your wake's impact.
LIMITING YOUR WAKE
Along with the rule, here are some other simple ways you can help to limit your wake:
•Always be aware of your wake, especially when changing speeds or navigating in shallow waters. (Which can make wake larger).
•A little extra speed can create a lot of extra wake, so slow down enough to eliminate your wake when required.
•Trim tabs will help keep you boat level and will limit your time in transition speed.
•Boat in deeper waters, and avoid getting too close to other boats or the shore.
•Position passengers throughout the boat. A heavy stern will increase wake size.
•Your wake moves out at right angles from your boat, so slow down well before you are abeam of another boat or other structure to avoid a following wake.
Do your part, boaters.... keep the wake to a minimum whenever the wake will reach the shore, or disrupt another boat. And don’t be afraid to let others know about the damage and potential harm they are doing. You'll save the shoreline, a possible boating ticket, maybe even a life.

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Email me at tmartin1@remax.net
I am a life-long resident of southeastern Michigan and a graduate of the University of Michigan. My wife, Darlene, and I have an adult son, Matthew, who recently married and has moved to Cleveland. Matt received his master’s degree in Human Computer Interaction from the University of Michigan and works as a computer information architect for Rosetta in Cleveland. We are owned by our Airedale, Morgan, and our cat, Cleopatra. We reside in Brighton, Mich.
I have been very active in the community. As a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Brighton, I am on the activities committee, which develops and implements the social activities for the church, such as the annual St. Patrick's Day dinner dance, the annual Shamrock Festival, the annual picnic (which I chair), and many other functions. I am also the financial secretary of the Knights of Columbus of the church.
I belong to the Livingston Association of Realtors and am a member of the Public Relations committee. I also belong to the National Association of Realtors and the Michigan Association of Realtors. I am a member of the peer group of RE/Max Platinum and am involved with community activities such as parades, festivals and other events in Livingston County.
With 40 years of sales and sales management experience, I bring a wealth of knowledge and skills to help you with your real estate needs.
If you have any questions regarding buying or selling your home, condominiums, commercial/industrial property, vacant land, investment property and/or relocation needs, call me at (734) 552-1804 or visit the website http://www.anthonyemartin.com or http://www.tmartin.remax-michigan.com. I am also a waterfront properties specialist.
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