What is the term for the speed at which a vessel creates minimal wake?

The term for the speed at which a vessel creates minimal wake is known as no-wake speed. This speed is specifically important in areas where reducing wake is necessary to prevent damage to shorelines, docked boats, and wildlife, or when navigating in shallow water. Boaters are expected to operate their vessels at no-wake speed in designated zones to ensure safety and environmental protection.

Other terms like maximum speed or wake speed refer to different aspects of boating. Maximum speed typically denotes the fastest a vessel can travel safely under optimal conditions, while wake speed would suggest a higher speed that generates significant wake, contrary to the objective of minimizing wake at no-wake speed. Idle speed refers to the slowest operational speed of the vessel but does not necessarily imply minimal wake production, which is specifically defined by the no-wake speed term.