This morning, the University of Minnesota Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory published its phase two study on recreational boat hydrodynamics and their impacts on the lakebed and water column.
The purpose of this study was to understand the impacts created within the water column and at the lakebed when different types of recreational boats traverse the surface under their typical modes of operation. Over the course of two field campaigns (conducted in Fall 2022 and Fall 2023), seven powerboats were tested including: two deck boats, three bowriders, and two wake boats. These boats were then driven over bottom mounted sensors five times at four water depths (9, 14, 16, and 27 ft). The data collected in this study was then used to develop recommendations for recreational powerboats to use when operating at certain depths to minimize the impact on the lakebed.
You can read more about the study’s key findings, data analysis, and watch videos at the project’s website: Healthy Waters Initiative – Phase II Research. There will also be a virtual webinar presenting the laboratory’s findings on Tuesday, August 26th, 2025 at 6 pm CT. If you are interested in attending, you may register at: https://umn.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QcnK0MXaT8akpysIiIzpkg#/registration