Analyzing Threats to Water Quality from Motorized Recreation on Payette Lake, Idaho    This August 2020 study addresses impacts of motorized boats in sensitive lakes. It uses both actual field data and computer modeling.  It addressed prop wash and its impact on lake bottom sediments for boats with downwardly angled propellors.  It shows that for boats with downwardly angled propellors, sediments are disturbed and phosphorus resuspended in water depths of 33 feet.  

The 2021 Kezar Lake, Maine Study  titled “Boat Wakes and the Consequences of Slow Speed Powerboat Activities”   This study focuses on wake surfing and its impacts on shorelines and lake bottom.  It concludes that wake surfing should occur no less than 500 feet from shore, and no less than 20-foot water depth.  Excellent treatment of prop wash at pp 18-25

A Phased Study of the Water Quality and Wave Propagation Dynamics Currently Impacting a Small Southeast Wisconsin Freshwater Lake: Waukesha  Terra Vigilis Group.   See pp 16-37 of the linked presentation, where this study is embedded.  This study concludes through field measurements and video evidence that wake surf boats produce prop wash generating “significant bottom effects” over 20’ below the water surface.

Michigan DNR Study—“Wake boats: Concerns and Recommendations Related to Natural Resource Management in Michigan waters  Report of Michigan DNR”.  Excellent Sept 2022 study, recommending wake surfing be done no less than 500 feet from shore or docks and in no less than 15 feet water depth.  See p 4 for the discussion of sediment resuspension.

Laval (Quebec) University Study (2015)  --  A useful study of prop wash effects, among other points.  See the conclusions at p29 that wake surfing disturbs sediment up to 16’ below the surface, increasing various forms of phosphorus into the water column, potentially inducing cyanobacteria blooms and accelerating eutrophication of the lake.

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