The 5 MPH rules have been changed in 2015

Marine Board Changes “Slow No-Wake” Rule The Oregon State Marine Board, with input from its advisory board, law enforcement and citizen comment, has changed Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 250-010-0025 Basic Rule for Slow-No Wake.

Effective May 1, 2015, the definition of “Slow-No Wake” is the operating of a boat at the slowest speed necessary to maintain steerage and that reduces or eliminates waves as white water behind the boat. Please note the reference to a speed limit of 5 mph has been removed.

 250-010-0025 Basic Rule for “Slow-No Wake” (1) No person shall operate a boat on the waters of this state in excess of a “slow-no wake” within 200 feet of a boat launch ramp, marina with a capacity for six or more moored vessels, floating home/boathouse moorage with six or more contiguous structures, and locations where persons are working at water level on floats, logs or waterway construction.

(2) Section (1) of this rule does not apply to commercial vessels or vessels engaged in navigation on rivers where a speed in excess of “slow-no wake” is needed to ensure safe passage.

What the Oregon Sheriff’s Marine Patrol deputies will be looking for is white water on the waves left by your vessel in any “Slow-No Wake” zone. In the near future all the “Slow-No Wake” navigation aids that have been or will be placed by the Oregon State Marine Board will be changed to reflect the removal of the 5 mph designation.