Thread: Horsepower lakes

You may think it is fine to use a 25hp but the lawman does not think it's fine and he will find you to fine you.

I don't know what specific lakes have restricted horsepower
but I know some of the small lakes around Ocala forest have a 9.9 hp restriction

I know of 1 lake in GA that has a 10 hp limit on it and that's it. Anything over a 10 better not be running on that lake or there is a fine. Another lake here has a 25 hp restriction on it, but you can use anything over a 25 on that lake as long as it is at idle speed.

To my knowledge, Lake Manatee is only lake in state of Florida of size (2,500 acres plus
that has a restriction on it. 20 hp motors is the max. and they do check the
mtr serial number if they have any doubt. This is not a state or FWC restriction, but
is put out by Manatee County, City of Bradenton, as it is an impoundment lake whereas,
the city gets it drinking water from the lake which was made by damming up the
Little Manatee river. Its an immissons control thing, according to FWC sources.
As to fine involved if caught with oversize mtr or running oversize motor on lake,
that i am having checked out by FWC as we speak.

I have no problem with this restriction but just wondering about loading the boat back on the trailer. Can you run an over the hp limit motor long enough to load?

To the best of my knowledge, Yes you can for loading the boat, but don't quote me on that.

Tec at Manatee you are not to start the larger motor at all either for loading or
unloading, however, have seen people use the bigger motors to load boat with, but
not with FWC or park offical present. Still awaiting additional information from FWC
officals on fines, etc.

Originally Posted by Downwind

I have no problem with this restriction but just wondering about loading the boat back on the trailer. Can you run an over the hp limit motor long enough to load?

Negative! Can not load the boat either!