Lake Wilhelm boating rules
Motors up to 20 hp are allowed on Lake Wilhelm; a boat with a bigger motor may launch, but that motor can't be used — check with the park office first. PWCs aren't allowed on this state-park lake. Sources: 58 Pa. Code §111.43(b); DCNR Maurice K. Goddard State Park. Verified Oct. 4, 2026.
- Motors
- Check official text
- Max horsepower
- 20 hp (≈ 14.9 kW, our conversion)
- Electric boats
- Within 20 hp (≈ 14.9 kW, our conversion)
- PWCs
- PWCs not allowed
- Speed limits
- No mph limit listed
- Towing / skiing
- No lake-specific towing rule listed +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
- 2 PFBC-verified ramps
- Verified Oct. 4, 2026 · official text re-checked Nov. 1, 2026
Summary of 58 Pa. Code §111.43(b). The official text and posted signs control.
Sources differ
Northwest of Interstate 79 (State Game Lands 270) the rules differ from the state-park section. DCNR says only electric-powered and non-powered vessels are permitted there, and the Code says that part follows the Game Commission's postings. PFBC's access data lists "Unpowered Boats Only" for its Long Boom and Sheakleyville Road accesses on that section. Follow the posted signs northwest of I-79.
“The operation of boats powered by internal combustion motors is permitted southeast of Interstate 79.” — 58 Pa. Code §111.43(b)
“The use of motors in excess of 20 horsepower is prohibited.” — 58 Pa. Code §111.43(b)
“Maurice K. Goddard State Park | 20 hp | 1,680 acres” — DCNR Where to Boat table: Maurice K. Goddard State Park
“Maximum 20 hp/15 kWh motors permitted” — DCNR Maurice K. Goddard State Park boating page
“Only electric-powered and non-powered vessels are permitted in the Game Commission section of the lake.” — DCNR Maurice K. Goddard State Park boating page
All rules for Lake Wilhelm
Different motor rules apply in part of this lake — see the rules marked with a zone.
Gas (internal-combustion) motors are allowed southeast of Interstate 79, within the horsepower limit.
Where: southeast of Interstate 79
Read the exact wording
The operation of boats powered by internal combustion motors is permitted southeast of Interstate 79.
Motors over 20 hp may not be used.
Read the exact wording
The use of motors in excess of 20 horsepower is prohibited.
Northwest of Interstate 79, the Game Commission's posted rules apply.
Where: northwest of Interstate 79
Read the exact wording
Regulations on Lake Wilhelm northwest of Interstate 79 are as posted by the Game Commission.
DCNR lists a 20 hp motor limit.
Read the exact wording
Maurice K. Goddard State Park | 20 hp | 1,680 acres
DCNR's park page: maximum 20 hp motors (DCNR writes "20 hp/15 kWh").
Motor power is rated in kW; kWh measures battery energy. 20 hp ≈ 14.9 kW (our conversion: hp × 0.7457, rounded to 0.1).
Read the exact wording
Maximum 20 hp/15 kWh motors permitted
In the Game Commission section (northwest of I-79): electric or unpowered boats only.
Where: Game Commission section, northwest of Interstate 79 (State Game Lands 270)
Read the exact wording
Only electric-powered and non-powered vessels are permitted in the Game Commission section of the lake.
The 240 acres northwest of I-79 are State Game Lands 270 (Game Commission); the rest is the state park.
Read the exact wording
The 240-acre portion of the lake northwest of Interstate 79 is managed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission as part of State Game Lands 270, while the remaining 1,440 acres is managed by Maurice K. Goddard State Park.
Statewide rules that apply here
The limit counts electric motors too. A boat with a bigger motor may still launch, but that motor may not be used.
Read the exact wording
On waters where horsepower limitations are prescribed, as set forth in Chapter 111 (relating to special regulations counties), horsepower limitations apply to both internal combustion motors and electric motors. Boats with motors larger than the maximum horsepower shall be permitted but the motors may not be used.
The limit applies to electric motors too: no electric motor above 20 hp or its kilowatt equivalent (about 14.9 kW, our conversion).
Read the exact wording
On waters where horsepower limitations are prescribed in Chapter 111, electric motors in excess of maximum horsepower limitations or equivalent kilowatt ratings shall not be used.
State park rule: no gas engines totalling more than the posted maximum horsepower without DCNR's written permission.
Read the exact wording
(1) Operating a boat powered by one or more internal combustion engines totaling more than the posted maximum horsepower.
Personal watercraft are not allowed: this state park lake is not listed as open to motorboats without a horsepower limit.
Read the exact wording
(3) Operating personal watercraft unless the body of water is posted as being open to motorboats without a limit on horsepower.
Check with the park office before launching with a motor above the posted limit.
Ramps
| # | Name | Paved ramp | Trailer parking | Dock | ADA | Fee | Coordinates | Open in maps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Long Boom - Gamelands 270 | Not listed | Yes | Yes | Not listed | No | 41.43079, -80.16821 | geoGoogleAppleOSM |
| 2 | Sheakleyville Road - Gamelands 270 | Not listed | Yes | Yes | Not listed | No | 41.44597, -80.18095 | geoGoogleAppleOSM |
DCNR says: “A marina and seven other boat launches are around the lake. Four are within the state park and three are in the state game lands.” Boating at Maurice K Goddard State Park
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:
Sponsored · Boater services near Lake Wilhelm
List your business here — $39/yr · this page had 0 visits in the last 90 days
Sponsor this page — $99/yr
Questions
Can I use a gas motor on Lake Wilhelm?
Yes, up to 20 hp. Source: 58 Pa. Code §111.43(b).
What is the horsepower limit on Lake Wilhelm?
20 hp, which also covers electric motors (about 14.9 kW, our conversion). Source: 58 Pa. Code §111.43(b).
Are personal watercraft (PWCs, often called jet skis) allowed on Lake Wilhelm?
PWCs not allowed. Source: 17 Pa. Code §11.219(f)(3).
Is there a speed limit on Lake Wilhelm?
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 Lake Wilhelm?
Launching needs a DCNR launch or mooring permit, or a PFBC registration or use permit. Source: 17 Pa. Code §11.219(i)(3).
Where can I launch on Lake Wilhelm?
2 PFBC-verified public ramps are listed below, with coordinates.
Nearby lakes with the same motor rule
- Mud Lake (Hartstown Swamp)15.2 mi, straight-line
- Pymatuning Reservoir23 mi, straight-line
- Lake Arthur32.7 mi, straight-line
- Yellow Creek Lake82.2 mi, straight-line
- Glendale Lake97.6 mi, straight-line
Sources & verification
- § 111.43. Mercer 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).
- Where to Boat — fetched Oct. 4, 2026, re-checked Nov. 1, 2026
- Boating at Maurice K Goddard State Park — fetched Oct. 4, 2026, re-checked Nov. 1, 2026
- § 107.1. Horsepower restrictions. — fetched Oct. 4, 2026, re-checked Nov. 1, 2026. The Pennsylvania Code website reflects changes effective through 56 Pa.B. 5370 (August 8, 2026).
- § 107.2. Electric motors. — fetched Oct. 4, 2026, re-checked Nov. 1, 2026. The Pennsylvania Code website reflects changes effective through 56 Pa.B. 5370 (August 8, 2026).
- § 11.219. Boating. — 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, Lake Wilhelm boating rules, verified Oct. 4, 2026.
https://lakepennsylvania.org/lakes/lake-wilhelm/
Verified Oct. 4, 2026 · official text re-checked Nov. 1, 2026