Boat’s motor size doesn’t affect safety

Under Iowa law, a motorboat with any size engine is permitted to operate on any artificial Iowa lake larger than 100 acres as long as it does not create a wake.

Lake Macbride (940 acres) is the only artificial state lake in Iowa that is different. Between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend, it has a maximum motor restriction of 10 horsepower. Before Memorial Day weekend and after Labor Day weekend, any size motor is allowed to operate at a no-wake speed.

Sen. Swati Dandekar has submitted a bill (SF 54) to amend this restriction. This would allow all boats regardless of motor size to use Lake Macbride all boating season at a no-wake speed. State Rep. Mary Mascher, D-Iowa City, says the lake is too long and narrow for larger boats because greater motor speeds would create unsafe conditions. There wouldn't be greater motor speeds since it would remain a no wake lake. No wake can be achieved with any size of motor. During the non-restriction time, motor size doesn't create unsafe conditions.

The Department of Natural Resources would welcome SF 54 because it would free up its time to do more important things. Call, e-mail, or write your legislators to tell them to support SF 54.

Brian Gallagher

Cedar Rapids