Pymatuning Reservoir boating rules
Motors up to 20 hp are allowed on Pymatuning Reservoir; 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 §111.20(c); DCNR Pymatuning 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
- 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
- At Pymatuning State Park, a valid Ohio launching permit satisfies the state park launching rule. 17 Pa. Code §11.219(i)(4)(ii)
- Ramps
- No PFBC-verified ramp listed — see agency notes
- Verified Oct. 4, 2026 · official text re-checked Nov. 1, 2026
Summary of 58 Pa. Code §111.20(c). The official text and posted signs control.
All rules for Pymatuning Reservoir
Part of this lake is in Ohio; Ohio rules apply in Ohio waters.
Gas (internal-combustion) motors are allowed, within the horsepower limit.
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The operation of boats powered by internal combustion motors is permitted.
Motors over 20 hp may not be used.
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The use of motors in excess of 20 horsepower is prohibited.
DCNR lists a 20 hp motor limit.
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Pymatuning State Park | 20 hp | 17,088 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).
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Maximum 20 hp/15 kWh motors permitted
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.
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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).
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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.
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(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.
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(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
PFBC's access data lists no verified public ramp on this lake.
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 Pymatuning Reservoir?
Yes, up to 20 hp. Source: 58 Pa. Code §111.20(c).
What is the horsepower limit on Pymatuning Reservoir?
20 hp, which also covers electric motors (about 14.9 kW, our conversion). Source: 58 Pa. Code §111.20(c).
Are personal watercraft (PWCs, often called jet skis) allowed on Pymatuning Reservoir?
PWCs not allowed. Source: 17 Pa. Code §11.219(f)(3).
Is there a speed limit on Pymatuning Reservoir?
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 Pymatuning Reservoir?
Launching needs a DCNR launch or mooring permit, or a PFBC registration or use permit. At Pymatuning State Park, a valid Ohio launching permit satisfies the state park launching rule. Source: 17 Pa. Code §11.219(i)(3).
Where can I launch on Pymatuning Reservoir?
PFBC's access data lists no verified public ramp here.
Nearby lakes with the same motor rule
- Mud Lake (Hartstown Swamp)8.2 mi, straight-line
- Lake Wilhelm23 mi, straight-line
- Lake Arthur49.9 mi, straight-line
- Yellow Creek Lake104.7 mi, straight-line
- Glendale Lake120.6 mi, straight-line
Sources & verification
- § 111.20. Crawford 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 Pymatuning 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, Pymatuning Reservoir boating rules, verified Oct. 4, 2026.
https://lakepennsylvania.org/lakes/pymatuning-reservoir/
Verified Oct. 4, 2026 · official text re-checked Nov. 1, 2026