Boat waves - how many?

[DickR]

With the water quiet as a mill pond, and almost no boat traffic midweek this time of year, it's interesting to see wave patterns on the water. I've noticed that a fast moving boat, on plane, seems to make relatively few waves, and of course they tend to come in almost parallel to shore. The low angle of the wave relative to boat path of course is due the boat's speed.

This morning I noticed a small work boat type of craft moving slowly through a thin fog. Looking out over the water, each wave was identified by the change in reflected light at the low angle. It seemed that there were dozens of waves being left by the slow moving boat.

Wave speed, of course, is simply a matter of water depth and density (fresh vs salt). But can anyone shed some light on what determines how many waves a boat will make?

[Moderator: I ought to have posted this in General Discussion]

[crowsnest]

:confused:

[Winnipesaukee]

but I think in theory a boat would make an infinite number of wakes. They would become smaller until they become microscopic in size...? :confused:

[Onshore]

http://www.pianc.org/downloads/dwa/Wglamore_DPWApaper.pdf

[NoBozo]

An even more interesting question would be this. Does a fast moving Nuclear Submarine cruising at say 25 knots @ 100 feet (depth) make a wake on the surface..and what would it look like...? :D NB

http://www.fotosearch.com/photos-images/boat-wake.html

[jrc]

Great post, we need a link to the tool, could be a lot of fun. Who knew that Austrailia would develop such a tool, I didn't think they had any inland waterways.

[Onshore]

If the tool is available as open source software and I find it, I will post a link. Often times modeling program of that nature need to purchased.

[Rattlesnake Guy]

I have done a lot of personal research on the subject. By which I mean sitting and watching waves travel from stern to shore. The height of the wave diminishes but the number of waves increases. One of the benefits of the 150 foot from shore rule is that the size of the waves is smaller. The amount of total energy may be similar but each wave packs less punch.

---W---- ----WV---- ----WW---- ----www--- ----wwww---

[camp guy]

This is THE PERFECT post for Acres Per Second. Basically, he hates waves, and the more there are the more he hates them; also, he is a scientist, so he can postulate, extrapolate, hypothecate, to his heart's content solving this question.

[AB_Monterey]

We wave to all boats.
:coolsm:

[trfour]

We wave to all boats.
:coolsm:

Even when the Lake Winnipesaukee waves get flattened out!
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=17302
The waves here are spontaneous! :) ;) :look:


Terry
________________________

[tis]

This is THE PERFECT post for Acres Per Second. Basically, he hates waves, and the more there are the more he hates them; also, he is a scientist, so he can postulate, extrapolate, hypothecate, to his heart's content solving this question.

You are so right! Where IS he???:laugh::laugh:

[SIKSUKR]

I'm going to waive my right to post an answer.

[Rusty]

This is THE PERFECT post for Acres Per Second. Basically, he hates waves, and the more there are the more he hates them; also, he is a scientist, so he can postulate, extrapolate, hypothecate, to his heart's content solving this question.

You forgot the most important one......"manipulate" :D

[ApS]

This is THE PERFECT post for Acres Per Second. Basically, he hates waves,
and the more there are the more he hates them; also, he is a scientist, so
he can postulate, extrapolate, hypothecate, to his heart's content solving
this question.

You are so right! Where IS he???:laugh::laugh:

My old computer, which is no longer "supported by anybody" has to be fired
up, and it's even slower than usual—no longer supported by any anti-virus
protection. My old Outlook Express is filled up and jammed. With my new computer, I'm presently aground in some kind of "Winnipesaukee queue". :(

:confused: I really don't know the physics of waves—but do have some practical experience with water's waves—Winnipesaukee's in particular.

It is usual to see an average of seven waves from each boat—each side. Pontoon boats make the smallest wake of all powerboats—with the exception of the rarer tunnel-hulls. Flat-bottom boats make small waves, while "deep-V" make the biggest. Heavier boats make the largest waves while trying to plane.

I've noticed that the third wave is always the one that comes over the bow. I learned most-speedily, when the water is cold. :emb:

From aircraft, wakes can be seen to travel outwards indefinitely, to reach
the point at which my geometry teacher enjoyed calling, "asymptotic-nothingness (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/asymptotic)".

I agree with R-Guy that the 150' rule has saved many small craft from being swamped. However, with my choice of boat (Carver)—and my choice in the manner of loading it (everybody aft)—havoc can be created even among
cruisers sitting at anchor. :eek2:

[tis]

THERE you are, ACRES!!:)