Would You See This To Be A Problem?

[MrTexasRigs]

Alright, I would like you guys' opinions on this. So this body of water/most bodies of water in my area are 17' or less boats. I don't think they actually measure your boat before coming into our launch. We are buying a boat off a guy, and we are pretty sure it is 17 1/2ft long. Do you feel this will pose a problem for us and that we won't be allowed to fish here, or do you think no one will say anything. In my opinion what is the extra half a foot hurting, like really?

 

Thanks,

Zach

[MrTexasRigs]

I just want opinions on how you think this will play out

[Traveler2586]

I really don't see that as a problem; it would, in most cases be referred to as a 17' boat.  I think only an arse would argue the point that it's a 17.5'.  Is there some authority that governs these lakes, they would be the ones to give you an official word on the subject.  If the lakes are controlled by your states dept. of natural Resources you can email them the question and when & if  you get a favorable reply you'll have a hard-copy document you can show at the ramp.

[MrTexasRigs]

I'm also pretty sure they just ask you how long it is, if that. I would just say 17 ft. anyways. If i was told not to fish due to 6in. I feel like that would just be someone trying to be an "arse." The lake is owned by a water authority, which I think is their rules on length.

[Long Mike]

I really don't think it's the length of the boat the the authorities are concerned about, but rather, the size of the engine on the boat.  The bigger the boat, the bigger the engine required.  Assuming that anyone is paying attention, launching a boat with anything above, say 70 hp would be a cause of concern.

[MrTexasRigs]

I really don't think it's the length of the boat the the authorities are concerned about, but rather, the size of the engine on the boat.  The bigger the boat, the bigger the engine required.  Assuming that anyone is paying attention, launching a boat with anything above, say 70 hp would be a cause of concern.

This may sound funny, but since this is a reservoir. We are only allowed trolling motors, so I will have a 75 lb. thrust transom mount on it. 

[Traveler2586]

I'm also pretty sure they just ask you how long it is, if that. I would just say 17 ft. anyways. If i was told not to fish due to 6in. I feel like that would just be someone trying to be an "arse." The lake is owned by a water authority, which I think is their rules on length.

 

If you really want to put your mind at ease, talk to the water authority and tell them about your boat & motor.  Sometimes there are exceptions that are not published.  Case in point, I have a small lake near by that is electric only, I found out by word of mouth that I could "bag" my motor and use the lake.  So I inquired with the state DNR and they said yes that was true.  So if I want to fish that lake I have to put a large plastic bag over my lower unit & duct tape it in place.  They asked if I could remove the "gas can" and disconnect the fuel line to the motor; but when I told them both were permanently installed they said that would be OK.  I passed up that lake for the longest time thinking there was no way they would let me on it; but a little communication is all it took.

Most of these places want you to use the facility, activity counts are how they will justify new projects.

[MrTexasRigs]

If you really want to put your mind at ease, talk to the water authority and tell them about your boat & motor.  Sometimes there are exceptions that are not published.  Case in point, I have a small lake near by that is electric only, I found out by word of mouth that I could "bag" my motor and use the lake.  So I inquired with the state DNR and they said yes that was true.  So if I want to fish that lake I have to put a large plastic bag over my lower unit & duct tape it in place.  They asked if I could remove the "gas can" and disconnect the fuel line to the motor; but when I told them both were permanently installed they said that would be OK.  I passed up that lake for the longest time thinking there was no way they would let me on it; but a little communication is all it took.

Most of these places want you to use the facility, activity counts are how they will justify new projects.

I will most likely contact our fish and boat commission. Though I'm not too sure if they are involved with the length of the boat at the reservoir. I will still find that out in the next day or two.

[tracker01]

With out talking to the powers to be, if you tell them 17ft. and it is 17 1/2ft you are not only breaking the rules but lying as well. Rules are made for reasons. Cover your butt, talk to your water authority. If you get the Ok to use your boat get that persons name, in case someone else wants to question you. 

[Sam]

They will take you away in cuffs and confiscate your boat and trolling motor.

 

Just kidding.

 

I do not think anyone will say anything as long as you act with kindness and respect towards others and not make a nuisance of yourself.

 

Remember this rule for the rest of your life. I learned it in the Army:

If you ask for permission and are told no and you do it anyway you are in big trouble.

If you do not ask for permission and you do it all they can do is ball you out and you can apologize and go on your way.

 

I don't think you will have any problems unless you have a run in with someone or a rouge cop comes by to be an idiot.

[Sam]

Traveler, we have a state owned lake about 35 miles from my home and my bass boat is allowed on it as long as I don't use the motor.

 

It is a trolling motor lake, only.

 

Never had a problem.

 

I agree with your suggestion to contact the water authority. However, you have to make sure you speak with a person with some authority as lower level employees will take the easy way out and say "no."

 

I really don't think six inches makes a big difference but you never know.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

Same in Mass but not here inRI, can't even have the gas motor on the boat BUT,...our TM only lakes don't have boat launches for the bigger boats to get in anyway

[Christian M]

This might be a dumb question but what length does your registration say?? I have a 14.5' trihull with a title and registration that says 14' and I also have an aluminum bass boat that measures a little over 17.5 that also says 17' on the title and registration.

[Team_Dougherty]

I have never heard of a lake with a length limit. HP yes, length no. My boat is a 16' model but is measures 16.5'.

[Traveler2586]

Traveler, we have a state owned lake about 35 miles from my home and my bass boat is allowed on it as long as I don't use the motor.

 

It is a trolling motor lake, only.

 

Never had a problem.

 

I agree with your suggestion to contact the water authority. However, you have to make sure you speak with a person with some authority as lower level employees will take the easy way out and say "no."

 

I really don't think six inches makes a big difference but you never know.

 

X2,  This is good advice and something you should do.  Like I said above, contact the authority be email, I believe they will insure they give you the correct answer just because it will be in writing.

 

Let us know how you make out so we can learn as well.

[MrTexasRigs]

With out talking to the powers to be, if you tell them 17ft. and it is 17 1/2ft you are not only breaking the rules but lying as well. Rules are made for reasons. Cover your butt, talk to your water authority. If you get the Ok to use your boat get that persons name, in case someone else wants to question you. 

I mean't as in if i wasn't sure the length of the boat. I at first thought the boat was 17 ft. now apparently its 17.6 lol

[MrTexasRigs]

This might be a dumb question but what length does your registration say?? I have a 14.5' trihull with a title and registration that says 14' and I also have an aluminum bass boat that measures a little over 17.5 that also says 17' on the title and registration.

We will find out, I'm assuming the title registration will be 17', since we haven't actually picked the boat up yet 

[retiredbosn]

Alright, I would like you guys' opinions on this. So this body of water/most bodies of water in my area are 17' or less boats. I don't think they actually measure your boat before coming into our launch. We are buying a boat off a guy, and we are pretty sure it is 17 1/2ft long. Do you feel this will pose a problem for us and that we won't be allowed to fish here, or do you think no one will say anything. In my opinion what is the extra half a foot hurting, like really?

Thanks,

Zach

What does the registration have on it a far as length? That will probably be the determining factor. Some states have the exact length and others round off. I had a hydrosport once that was 17' 4", registration stated 17.

[MrTexasRigs]

What does the registration have on it a far as length? That will probably be the determining factor. Some states have the exact length and others round off. I had a hydrosport once that was 17' 4", registration stated 17.

That's what I'm trying to say, I don't know yet, because we didn't pick it up yet, and have it transferred. I will find out from there, probably this Saturday

[MrTexasRigs]

I have never heard of a lake with a length limit. HP yes, length no. My boat is a 16' model but is measures 16.5'.

So does your registration say 16'? because I see you are from PA, and so am i

[tomustang]

What reservoir is this? In Pa we have our fair amount of trolling motor only lakes, and separate owned lakes like DCNR, PFBC, and local city lakes that have their own rules. Find out who's in control of the reservoir and work from there

[Team_Dougherty]

So does your registration say 16'? because I see you are from PA, and so am i

 

Reg says 16'