Do you need a boating liscense?

[walleyewrangler]

Just wanted to give a thank you to everyone who helped me out before. I have one last question. I will be using a 17ft open bow boat with a trolling engine and gas powered. The lake I will be using it in does not allow gas powered to be used and i will be using the trolling motor only. My boat is registered in Pennsylvania and has all the paperwork. My question is, will i need a boating license to use the trolling motor. A few people have told me yes and no.

 

[lakegeorge]

Re: Do you need a boating liscense?

Never heard of needing a license to use trolling motor.

 

[QC]

Re: Do you need a boating liscense?

Boating Safety Education Certificates are required:

To operate a personal watercraft
For persons born on or after January 1, 1982, to operate boats powered by motors greater than 25 horsepower.

Boating Safety & Education

 

[walleyewrangler]

Re: Do you need a boating liscense?

Never heard of needing a license to use trolling motor.

I jus ask because of the size of boat and the mixed answers i got. I plan on getting one in the next few months, but just want to take the boat out and use the trolling motor so i get the grasp of handling a boat and loading and unloading into the water. Thank you for the help.

 

[walleyewrangler]

Re: Do you need a boating liscense?

Boating Safety Education Certificates are required:

To operate a personal watercraft
For persons born on or after January 1, 1982, to operate boats powered by motors greater than 25 horsepower.

Boating Safety & Education

I was born january 1983. So then i will not need one to use the trolling motor. Thank you

 

[QC]

Re: Do you need a boating liscense?

That's the way I read it. 26 hp + yes you will. Less than, no you don't.

 

[Dam2009]

Re: Do you need a boating liscense?

Depends where you reside. In Canada, you have to have a boat licence to operate anything with a motor (including minn-kota). Also, if you're from US, but staying on Canadian waters for more than 45 days, you have to have a licence as well.