Are Houseboats Still Legal On Lake Martin?

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Last Updated on August 23, 2024 by Paul Clayton

Are Houseboats Still Legal On Lake Martin?

Many lake enthusiasts and prospective homeowners have wondered about this question. Lake Martin, a popular recreational and residential area in Alabama, has seen various changes in regulations over the years.

Key Takeaway

Houseboats are no longer allowed on Lake Martin due to concerns about erosion caused by large wakes.

Summary

• • Houseboats are prohibited on Lake Martin due to legislation passed by the Alabama Legislature.
  • The legislation also restricts boat lengths to under 30 feet and speeds to under 60 mph.
  • The ban on houseboats is intended to reduce erosion caused by wakes from large boats.
  • Wakes from boats are causing concern among conservationists, property owners, and boaters.
  • The erosion is happening at an unprecedented pace and is blamed on large wakes caused by recreational wakeboarders.
  • The Alabama Legislature is looking for solutions to the problem of erosion caused by wakes.
  • One solution that has been proposed is a proximity rule that would restrict boat travel to idle speed within 100 feet of the shoreline.
  • The bass fishing industry has opposed the proximity rule.
  • Another solution is a public awareness campaign called Watch Your Wake, Share the Lake.
  • A length limit has also been set for new boats on the lake.
  • Erosion can be seen in the upper lake between Hillabee Creek and the railway trestle.
  • Alabama Power Company is the source of erosion in specific places on the lake, but they are not responsible for erosion caused by wakes.
  • The company’s Shoreline Management Strategy makes suggestions for erosion control.
  • Damage to watercraft and docks caused by wakes is a concern for homeowners.
  • Personal watercraft and boats pulling tubes are also contributing to the problem of erosion.
  • The Alabama House of Representatives Homeland Security Committee has passed a bill that would make it illegal to operate a vessel faster than idle speed within 100 feet of a moored or anchored boat, dock, pier, or bridge.
  • Improving boating education and the licensing process has also been mentioned as a possible solution.
  • Boating is the most common activity at Lake Martin and is vital to the lake’s economy and surrounding communities.
  • The lake is popular for boating, fishing, swimming, camping, and other water sports.

So, are houseboats still legal on Lake Martin? No, they are banned and not legal. In addition, any vessel longer than 30’6” or 26’11” capable of exceeding 60 m.p.h. is also disallowed on Lake Martin.

Before purchasing or renting a boat, knowing the laws in the state where you will be boating is essential.

Always contact the local area where you will be boating if you have any specific concerns. Laws will change, and some locals may have more stringent regulations than the state.

Wakes on Lake Martin are causing concern among conservationists, property owners, and boaters.

According to the Lake Martin Resource Group president, erosion is happening at an unprecedented pace on the lake. The consensus is that large wakes caused by recreational wake boaters are to blame.

Wakeboarders use wakeboard boats to launch themselves into the air and wake surfers use them to build the large waves needed for wake surfing.

The editorial board of Lake magazine speculates that everybody is correct and that everyone should do something about it.

A proximity rule was suggested within 100 feet of the shoreline, restricting boat travel to idle speed. The bass fishing industry has expressed strong opposition to the law.

Today, the Alabama Legislature will have to deal with such a dilemma. In place of the proximity rule, a public awareness campaign called Watch Your Wake, Share the Lake was introduced.

A length limit was set for new boats at the lake, and it is still in place today.

Erosion can be seen in Lake Martin’s upper lake between Hillabee Creek and the railway trestle. A GIS map of the upper lake region shows a series of formed sandbars.

Alabama Power Company occasionally causes erosion in certain places. However, the company has little jurisdiction over general erosion concerns under the terms of its power-generating license.

“We would do nothing about it if it weren’t triggered by our activities,” a government official says.

According to the license terms, project lands listed as natural and undeveloped remain just that. If an area is designated as a project recreational site, Alabama Power is responsible for addressing erosion, according to Crew.

Alabama Power is not responsible for damaging lakefront homeowners’ real or physical property.

The company’s Shoreline Management Strategy suggests erosion control measures and the permitting program tracks shoreline maintenance and repair work.

Visit lakemagazine.life for more shoreline safety ideas.

Damage to watercraft and docks results in repair bills for homeowners. They still have to deal with the loss of dock furniture and the possibility of children swimming near the dock.

According to boaters, personal watercraft, boats pulling tube passengers chase boaters into sloughs. “PWCs and tubers are searching for some wave, so they gravitate to the wake,” describes a wakeboarder.

PWCs are also forbidden from jumping another boat’s wake.

Skiers, boarders, and surfers seek out areas sheltered from the wind and away from other boats. Since shallow water alters the consistency of the wake, 15 feet or more of depth is ideal for wake sports.

The Alabama House of Representatives Homeland Security Committee has passed House Bill 520.

If the bill passes both the House and Senate and is signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey, running a vessel faster than idle speed within 100 feet of a moored or anchored boat, dock, pier, or bridge will be illegal.

Improving boating education and the licensing process has also been mentioned as a possible solution. A boating license can be obtained online after passing a simple rules-of-the-road exam.

Boating access is also essential to the economy of Lake Martin and its surrounding communities. Several Lake Martin boat dealers, including Russell Marine and Singleton, have consistently been listed among the top 10 dealers in the country by Boating Industry Magazine.

Boating is the most common activity at Lake Martin, and boat sales and tax revenues reflect this. Boating accounts for more than half of the lake’s leisure activities, and fishing tournaments bring in much money for the host towns.

According to the Chamber of Commerce, last year’s three-day Elite Series Bassmaster tournament on Lake Martin brought more than $1 million in revenue to Alexander City and the surrounding area.

Maintaining the protection of the lake will favor visitors, boat sales, the lake’s ecology, lake home ownership, and other factors.

What is the size of Alabama’s Lake Martin?

Lake Martin, located in Alabama, spans approximately 44,000 acres, making it one of the largest man-made lakes in the United States.

It boasts over 750 miles of wooded shoreline, offering numerous recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, swimming, and camping.

The lake was created by constructing Martin Dam on the Tallapoosa River. It provides hydroelectric power and flood control. Popular destinations around Lake Martin include Chimney Rock, Goat Island, and Wind Creek State Park.

The lake’s clear waters and scenic surroundings attract thousands of visitors and vacationers annually, contributing significantly to the local economy.

Activities available in Lake Martin

Lake Martin offers an array of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking to enjoy the beauty of nature. Below are some of the many activities available at Lake Martin:

• Boating:

  • Lake Martin is a boater’s paradise, with over 44,000 acres of water to explore.
  • Marina services around the lake offer boat rentals, including pontoons, speedboats, and more.
  • Like renting a pontoon for a leisurely cruise around the lake or fishing.

• Fishing:

  • She is known for its abundance of bass, crappie, and catfish.
  • Professional and amateur anglers alike can enjoy the excellent fishing opportunities.
  • An example is participating in one of the many fishing tournaments held at Lake Martin.

• Hiking:

  • The area around Lake Martin features numerous trails for all skill levels.
  • Trails offer breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding forest.
  • For example, Hiking the Deadening Alpine Trail offers a challenging hike with rewarding views.

• Swimming:

  • With clear, clean water, swimming is a popular activity in the designated areas around the lake.
  • Several public access areas are equipped with beaches for family-friendly swimming.
  • Spending a day at Wind Creek State Park beach provides sandy shores and picnic areas.

• Water Sports:

  • Lake Martin is ideal for various water sports, including wakeboarding, water skiing, and tubing.
  • Equipment rental options are available around the lake for those looking to try something new.
  • Take a wakeboarding lesson from a local instructor or rent jet skis for an afternoon of fun.

• Camping:

  • The lake offers numerous camping sites, ranging from primitive to full-service RV hookups.
  • Wind Creek State Park, in particular, provides excellent facilities for campers.
  • We are camping under the stars at one of the lakeside sites, enjoying the area’s natural beauty.

• Dining by the Lake:

  • Several restaurants and cafes dot the shoreline, offering the chance to dine with a view.
  • Local cuisine focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and seafood.
  • Enjoy a meal at Kowaliga Restaurant, known for its southern dishes and scenic lake views.

• Exploring Local Parks:

  • Beyond the water, the area around Lake Martin has several parks and recreational areas.
  • These parks offer picnic areas, playgrounds, and additional hiking trails.
  • We were visiting D.A.R.E Park because of its picnic facilities and nature trails, which are perfect for a family outing.

Related Questions

Is it possible to live on a boat on Lake Michigan?

Yeah, you can live on a boat without violating any laws in Michigan. The biggest drawback is that it is freezing during the winter.

Massive snowstorms are common, and temperatures can drop below zero even if you stay further south.

Is swimming in Lake Martin, Alabama, safe?

Recent reports of swimmers contracting skin infections, including staph, after swimming in some Alabama lakes are doubtful, according to some researchers, for those who enjoy the waters of Lake Martin.

Thompson said, “We are lucky with Lake Martin because the Tallapoosa River is exceptionally clean.”

What is Alabama’s cleanest lake?

Lewis Smith Lake, also known as Smith Lake, is situated in Cullman, Winston, and Walker counties on the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River. With nearly 22,000 acres, it is the most magnificent lake in the Southeast.

Is it possible to regulate the water level in Lake Michigan?

Lake-level extremes can only be partly altered or alleviated by regulation. However, modifying the Great Lakes regulation plans was proposed to mitigate issues created by high water levels.

Regulatory adjustments, in general, must be approved by the International Joint Commission.

Final Words

In conclusion, the question “Are houseboats still legal on Lake Martin?” can be definitively answered with a no, as recent legislation has explicitly prohibited their use on the lake.

The Alabama Legislature has taken steps to enforce stringent boating restrictions, which include the prohibition of houseboats and limitations on boat size and speed.

Specifically, boats exceeding 26 feet 11 inches long, excluding attachments such as rudders and brackets, are restricted. To ensure safety and environmental protection, any boat capable of exceeding speeds of 60 mph is also prohibited.

Boaters must comply with these new regulations to avoid penalties and ensure responsible use of Lake Martin’s resources. Enforcing these rules underscores the commitment to maintaining the lake’s ecological balance and safety for all recreational users.

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