It is essentially the same as headway speed, or "no wake" speed. The minimum speed necessary to maintain forward motion and steering control.
I had a friend get a ticket for "no wake" or "idle speed" in Virginia. He was told that Idle Speed is the slowest speed that you can go and maintain control of the boat. I guess if you have an steamship, you can go a little faster than a 14 foot Jon boat.
The Slowest speed at which headway can be made and it is still possible to maintain steering control. This can vary in rivers or any other currents, this regulation is typically applied in "no wake" zones, or within 100 feet of shore, to avoid unnatural erosion of shoreline or disruption of wildlife ecology.
Under Virginia boating laws, "no wake" or "idle speed" refers to a speed at which a vessel must operate to minimize its wake and avoid disturbing other vessels, swimmers, or the shoreline. This typically means moving at a speed that does not create a significant wake, allowing for safe navigation in congested areas or near sensitive environments. Violating these speed limits can lead to fines or other penalties. Always check local regulations for specific requirements, as they may vary by waterway.
All vessels operating within the no wake area shall be operated at idle speed. "Idle speed" shall mean the lowest speed at which a vessel can operate, maintain safe steerage, and minimize the production of a wake that could unreasonably interfere with or endanger other persons, property, or water-borne vessels.
Producing no wake and not exceeding 5 MPH.
The Slowest speed at which headway can be made and it is still possible to maintain steering control. This can vary in rivers or any other currents, this regulation is typically applied in "no wake" zones, or within 100 feet of shore, to avoid unnatural erosion of shoreline or disruption of wildlife ecology.
The Slowest speed that it is still possible to maintain steering
At idle speed, a vessel must maintain a distance of at least 100 feet from a marina gasoline dock or launch ramp. This regulation is in place to ensure safety and minimize the risk of fuel spills or accidents. It's important to adhere to local regulations, as specific distances may vary by jurisdiction. Always check local boating laws for the most accurate information.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is responsible for regulating the state boating laws in Iowa.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is responsible for regulating the state boating laws.
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources is responsible for regulating the state boating laws in Kentucky.
The Slowest speed at which headway can be made and it is still possible to maintain steering control. This can vary in rivers or any other currents, this regulation is typically applied in "no wake" zones, or within 100 feet of shore, to avoid unnatural erosion of shoreline or disruption of wildlife ecology. May also be referred in the verbage of the law as "bare steerageway."