Blue Marsh Lake boating rules
No horsepower limit is listed for Blue Marsh Lake in 58 Pa. Code §111.6(a)(1), but other rules apply: boats with inboard engines that use over-the-transom or straight-stack exhausts (wet or dry) are not allowed. Source: 58 Pa. Code §111.6(a)(1). Verified Oct. 4, 2026.
- Motors
- No horsepower limit listed
- Max horsepower
- None is listed in 58 Pa. Code §111.6(a)(1)
- Electric boats
- No lake-specific electric rule listed
- PWCs
- No lake-specific PWC rule found (statewide PWC rules apply)
- Speed limits
- No mph limit listed
- Towing / skiing
- A boat may tow only one boat-towed device. +2 more rules
- Paperwork
- Motorboats (gas or electric): registration required. PFBC: Register/Title a Boat A boat registered in its home state is fine while visiting. 58 Pa. Code §93.11(c)
- Boating Safety Education Certificate: required for PWCs, and for motors over 25 hp if born on or after Jan. 1, 1982. PFBC: Apply for a Boating Safety Education Certificate
- Unpowered boats: registration, a PFBC launch permit or a DCNR launch permit. PFBC: Launch Permit vs. Unpowered Boat Registration
- Ramps
- 1 PFBC-verified ramp
- Verified Oct. 4, 2026 · official text re-checked Nov. 1, 2026
Summary of 58 Pa. Code §111.6(a)(1). The official text and posted signs control.
All rules for Blue Marsh Lake
Boats with inboard engines that use over-the-transom or straight-stack exhausts (wet or dry) are not allowed.
Read the exact wording
Boats equipped with inboard engines with over-the-transom or straight stack type exhausts, wet or dry, are prohibited.
Slow, no-wake in the Spring Creek and Tulpehocken Creek arms of the lake.
Where: the two arms of the lake formed by Spring Creek and Tulpehocken Creek
Read the exact wording
Boats are limited to a slow, no wake speed in the two arms of the lake formed by Spring Creek and Tulpehocken Creek.
A boat may tow only one boat-towed device.
Read the exact wording
A boat may not tow more than one boat-towed device.
Ramps
| # | Name | Paved ramp | Trailer parking | Dock | ADA | Fee | Coordinates | Open in maps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sheidy Road | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not listed | No | 40.41241, -76.0868 | geoGoogleAppleOSM |
PFBC access data as of Aug. 27, 2026.
Before you go
Conditions change. Water levels, drawdowns, closures and algae advisories are posted by the agencies, not by us. Check before you leave:
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Questions
Can I use a gas motor on Blue Marsh Lake?
Gas motors aren't banned, and no horsepower limit is listed in 58 Pa. Code §111.6(a)(1). Source: 58 Pa. Code §111.6(a)(1).
What is the horsepower limit on Blue Marsh Lake?
None is listed in 58 Pa. Code §111.6(a)(1). Source: 58 Pa. Code §111.6(a)(1).
Are personal watercraft (PWCs, often called jet skis) allowed on Blue Marsh Lake?
No lake-specific PWC rule found (statewide PWC rules apply). Source: 58 Pa. Code §111.6(a)(1).
Is there a speed limit on Blue Marsh Lake?
No mph limit is listed for this lake. Statewide, boats must go slow, no-wake within 100 feet of shore, docks, launch ramps, swimmers and anchored boats. Source: 58 Pa. Code §103.3(a).
Do I need a permit to launch on Blue Marsh Lake?
Motorboats must be registered; unpowered boats at PFBC and state park or forest access areas need a registration or launch permit. Source: PFBC: Launch Permit vs. Unpowered Boat Registration.
Where can I launch on Blue Marsh Lake?
1 PFBC-verified public ramp is listed below, with coordinates.
Nearby lakes with the same motor rule
- Beltzville Lake39.8 mi, straight-line
- Harveys Lake66.3 mi, straight-line
- Lake Winola77.5 mi, straight-line
- Lake Wallenpaupack82 mi, straight-line
- Fairview Lake82.9 mi, straight-line
Sources & verification
- § 111.6. Berks County. — fetched Oct. 4, 2026, re-checked Nov. 1, 2026. The Pennsylvania Code website reflects changes effective through 56 Pa.B. 5370 (August 8, 2026).
How to cite: PA Lake Rules Atlas, lakepennsylvania.org, Blue Marsh Lake boating rules, verified Oct. 4, 2026.
https://lakepennsylvania.org/lakes/blue-marsh-lake/
Verified Oct. 4, 2026 · official text re-checked Nov. 1, 2026