Forum Thread

Smith Lake Topics

(Smith Lake Specific)

2,152 messages

Updated 5/23/2024 4:01:09 AM

Off-Topic

Lakes Online Forum

83,645 messages

Updated 5/30/2024 11:45:00 PM

Boat Maintenance

Lakes Online Forum

5,195 messages

Updated 5/31/2024 4:36:53 AM

Smith Lake Fishing

(Smith Lake Specific)

61 messages

Updated 11/13/2022 9:38:51 PM

Jokes

Lakes Online Forum

4,169 messages

Updated 4/15/2024 11:05:05 PM

Sports

Lakes Online Forum

4,261 messages

Updated 5/28/2024 6:31:10 AM

Grilling & Recipes

Lakes Online Forum

2,976 messages

Updated 3/20/2024 11:53:43 PM

Tallapoosa River Topics

Lakes Online Forum

98 messages

Updated 4/15/2024 1:00:58 AM

Forum Usage Rules

Name:	Jetmech -	Reply
Subject:	Installing buoys around private docks
Date:	8/3/2013 9:47:18 PM

Anyone have experience or knowledge on what the rules are regarding installing buoys around docks? I have had several close calls with boats coming too close (even have had waves overtop my swim pier). Short of calling the water patrol every time these inconsiderate drivers come by, what can be done?

Name:	mofishin -	Reply
Subject:	Installing buoys around private docks
Date:	8/5/2013 3:41:46 PM

There are a few things to know about this.
1) Need to check with Marine Police and Alabama Power before doing this. It is very and I mean very rare that they will grant permission to a private party to install bouys.
2) I you do put bouys out and another boat or pwc hits them and damages their vessel, you are responsible because you put an obstruction in the water.
3) If boats are coming closer than 100 feet to your dock, notify the marine police.

What part of the lake are you on. I also work with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary on Smith Lake and we normally patroll the Ryan Creek side of the lake for the Marine Police.

Let us know if we can be of any help.

Thanks,

Mo

Name:	Jetmech -	Reply
Subject:	Installing buoys around private docks
Date:	8/5/2013 4:20:20 PM

I am on crooked creek. We didn't have this issue until Silver Rock came along. Now we have constant boat traffic, loud radios and PWC's everywhere. Skiing and wake boarding after dark is becoming the new nuisance. The radios on the boats are so loud they can be heard in the house over the television. I have had several instances where boats have come so close to the dock that I could have easily hit them with a lawn chair or a bottle of sunscreen. A neighbor had a grandchild almost pushed beneath his boat dock, while swimming, by a passing boat's wake. He had words with the driver and the boat left. What I believe we need is much more presence by Marine Police in this area on weekends. My concern is that there is a fair number of drivers who are under aged, not familiar with (or don't care about) boating safety and the rules of the water. My fear is that an accident is inevitable. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Wile we are on the subject of rules, are there any rules about speed or wake boats? The area around silver rock is experiencing bank erosion from the massive waves thrown from the wake boats, and several dock owners have had damage to docks and boat lifts (including me) from these waves.

Name:	mofishin -	Reply
Subject:	Installing buoys around private docks
Date:	8/5/2013 5:23:31 PM

Basically there are no speed limits on the lake. Just rules for operating a boat un safe and speed can be a part of that. The Marine Police can give you more of the exact details on unsafe boating.

Also a boater is responsible for their wake.
If a boat come by your dock making a big wake and does damage, they are responsible. If they come by making a big wake and it shakes you dock enough to make you fall down, they are responsible.

We worked the Paddle Board Races there on July 13 and talked to several people. Our plans with the US Coast Guard Auxialiary is to try and spend more time in that area.

Please feel free to contact me with any other questions.

mreynolds@uscgnorthalabama.com

Mo

Name:	Jetmech -	Reply
Subject:	Installing buoys around private docks
Date:	8/5/2013 5:29:04 PM

Great information; thanks. What is the best number for contacting the Marine Police for our area?

Name:	Chris4x4gill2 -	Reply
Subject:	Installing buoys around private docks
Date:	10/9/2013 8:39:22 AM

I just saw a notice in Smith Lake Living about personal bouyies. It was a reminder that such markers are illegal and will result in fines if marine patrol pulls them.
That being said.... there are several on crooked creek that have been out all year with no one saying anything.

Name:	luvtoski -	Reply
Subject:	Installing buoys around private docks
Date:	11/18/2013 11:48:04 AM

please give us the number for the marine police for smith lake thanks

Name:	Smith Lake -	Reply
Subject:	Installing buoys around private docks
Date:	11/27/2013 10:11:17 AM

(256) 268-2570

Name:	bluefish -	Reply
Subject:	Installing buoys around private docks
Date:	2/11/2018 3:02:30 PM

Legally you cannot install bouys without permission and can be ticketed for doing so. If boats are coming too close I'd video it and send it to proper authorities. But remember you cannot fix stupid.

Quick Links
Smith Lake News
Smith Lake Photos
Smith Lake Videos