Horsepower and Other Law Changes

July 2008

Horsepower limit at Pymatuning raised to 20HP.

The June 12 signing of Senate Bill 271 by Ohio Governor Ted Strickland immediately increased the horsepower limit to 20HP for boats operating on Pymatuning Reservoir. Previously the horsepower limit was set at 10HP.

20HP was chosen because typical boat motors are manufactured at 9.9, 15, 18, and 20 horsepower. The higher limit opens the lake to more boaters and anglers as well as allows for better boat control during windy conditions, which are prevalent on the 14,650-acre lake.

Because the lake straddles the state line, both Pennsylvania and Ohio law had to be in agreement before any law changes could take effect. Pennsylvania increased the limit in 2004.

Horsepower increased to 399HP at Seneca and Tappan lakes.

After a public hearing in May, ODNR and the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District reached an interim agreement to increase the horsepower from 299HP to 399HP on Tappan and Seneca lakes on May 21. This rule change takes effect July 1.

Division of Wildlife changing horsepower limits and motor restrictions to increase fishing opportunities.

Effective July 1, four lakes owned by the ODNR Division of Wildlife with 10HP limits will allow access to motorboats greater than 10HP as long as they operate at idle speed: Knox Lake in Knox County, Lake La Su An in Williams County, Oxbow Lake in Defiance County, and Rupert Lake in Vinton County.

Additionally, the "electric motor only" designation at Zeppernick Lake in Trumbull County and Greenfield and Rockmill lakes in Fairfield County will be removed to allow boats with gas-powered motors as long as the motor isn't greater than 10HP.

Boating Law Changes Effective Immediately

Senate Bill 271 (see info on Pymatuning, above) included changes to some Ohio boating laws to help enhance boating safety and enjoyment:

• A “slow tow” provision will permit boaters to tow ski tubes and other towables at a slow pace in areas outside of the designated speed and ski zones, primarily in the interest of safety. This provision will create additional recreational opportunities for individuals who are physically unable to manage or do not desire the higher speeds of open zones.
• Establishes “failure to control” as an enforceable boat operator rule. Many accidents occur as the result of operator inexperience or the forces of nature. These are not the result of a “rules of the road” violation or caused by reckless operation, but may result in minor property damage or injury. Examples of situations encompassed by the “failure to control” law include: over-compensation in strong winds or currents, loss of steerage on jet boats when the throttle is released, and attempting to maneuver under sail power alone through congested areas like marinas.
• Creates a “no wake zone” around boats actively engaged in public service, including law enforcement, fireboats, search and rescue teams, dredges and towing services. This is similar to the law requiring motorists to proceed with caution and change lanes or slow down when approaching a stationary public safety vehicle displaying an emergency light.
• Approves the children's swimsuit-style life jacket as an acceptable lifejacket for children who are required by law to wear a lifejacket (children under 10 on boats under 18 feet, in Ohio). The swimsuit-style personal flotation device was approved by the U.S. Coast Guard several years ago and is designed to be more comfortable and better suited to the activities of children participating in family boating. These PFDs are considered to be "Type V" lifejackets, which the old Ohio law did not explicitly allow for children.
• Allows for the transfer of electronic titles for outboard motors. This provision reduces the time it takes to transfer titles by preventing the need for a watercraft dealer to first issue a physical title.

Temporary "Contingent" Registrations Allow New Boats to Get On Water Sooner

Another administrative rule taking effect on July 1 will allow the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft to issue “contingent registrations” to boaters when there are situations that would delay the registration process. These registrations would be free of charge and allow the boater to get out on the water while the division conducts the reviews required to issue a standard registration.

State watercraft officers may also issue “contingent registration” tags for newly purchased watercraft operating under the state’s “bill-of-sale” provisions. These provisions grant a new owner permission to operate a boat without Ohio numbers for a period of either 30 or 45 days following purchase in order to allow time for title and other transfer documents to be processed.

Contingent registration tags are good for 15 days from the date of application or until the “bill-of-sale” provision ends. The decision to issue a contingent registration lies solely with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Watercraft.