02/28/2026
Michigan Senate Bill 812 – Wake Boat Update
(Informational Summary for BPILA Members)
Legislative Update
Michigan Senate Bill 812 was introduced on February 26, 2026 and is currently in committee.
If passed, it would create statewide rules for wake boats operating in wake sport mode (with wake-enhancing equipment engaged).
Michigan Lakes and Streams Association
https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2026-SB-0812
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Proposed Requirements
When in wake sport mode:
• Must be in at least 20 feet of water depth
• Must stay at least 500 feet from:
o Shorelines
o Docks
o Swim areas
o Anchored or moored boats
Violations would be a civil infraction (fines up to $500).
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What this Would Mean for Big Pine Island Lake
Based on lake width measurements and available depth contour mapping:
• A 500-foot setback from both shorelines requires at least 1,000 feet of total lake width.
• Several sections of the lake are less than 1,000 feet wide.
• Areas of 20+ foot depth are limited and primarily located in narrower central sections.
• When both the 20-foot depth requirement and 500-foot setback are applied together, there does not appear to be an area of the lake that would meet both conditions simultaneously.
If enacted as written, wake sport mode operation would not be feasible on Big Pine Island Lake.
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Importantly:
• This does not ban wake boats.
• It regulates wake sport mode specifically, statewide.
• Regular cruising remains governed by existing boating laws.
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BPILA’s Role
BPILA will continue sharing updates as the bill moves through the legislative process.
We encourage all residents to review the proposal and form their own opinions. As always, please keep discussions constructive and neighbor-focused.
We encourage you to contact our legislators and let them know your position on the proposed legislation. The names and contact information for the State Senator and State Representative representing Big Pine Island Lake at listed below.
Senator Rick Outman
District 33
Email: SenROutman@senate.michigan.gov
Phone: 517-373-3760
Michigan Senate
PO Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536
Office: Suite 4400, Binsfeld Office Building
Representative Bryan Posthumus
District 90
Email: BryanPosthumus@house.mi.gov
Phone: (517) 373-0830
Mailing Address:
Room H-153 Capitol Building
P.O. Box 30014
Lansing, MI 48909
Kindly, Your Big Pine Island Lake Association
