Anybody else hear of this California boating regulation? I went to O'neill Forebay yesterday and was told that I couldn't launch my boat due to it being a per-1999 2 cycle. Very...

mdeadman54 Loc: Oakland, Ca

I went to O'neill Forebay yesterday and was told that I couldn't launch my boat due to it being a per-1999 2 cycle. Very disappointing to me as it's been a great place to fish when I used to have an inflatable with trolling motor. Plus I got up at 4:00am and drove 99 miles! UGH!
Just wondering. Thanks

Chuckay Loc: Central Florida

mdeadman54 wrote:

I went to O'neill Forebay yesterday and was told that I couldn't launch my boat due to it being a per-1999 2 cycle. Very disappointing to me as it's been a great place to fish when I used to have an inflatable with trolling motor. Plus I got up at 4:00am and drove 99 miles! UGH!
Just wondering. Thanks

I live in Florida and as of now there's no law about that but I know that EPA are wanting to cut all 2 storks out, no longer available to buy I just recently bought a 50 horse and a 25 horse 4-stroke Yamaha also have a 25 horse 2-stroke Evinrude which I have had since 1989 when I bought it brand new still with no problem. I had a 20 ft shearwater that had a 150 VMAX 2-stroke Yamaha with no problems at all only had it 7 years. So probably in the near future there'll be cutting all the two-stroke out completely they do put a lot of oil slick out on the water😂 I guess anymore it's best to check ahead of time if you're going a long distance to fish 🥴 remember to keep a tight line 🎣🎣🎣

Jeremy Loc: America

mdeadman54 wrote:

I went to O'neill Forebay yesterday and was told that I couldn't launch my boat due to it being a per-1999 2 cycle. Very disappointing to me as it's been a great place to fish when I used to have an inflatable with trolling motor. Plus I got up at 4:00am and drove 99 miles! UGH!
Just wondering. Thanks

SOME California lakes do NOT allow 2 Cycle Boat Motors.

Still above water Loc: San Francisco ca

mdeadman54 wrote:

I went to O'neill Forebay yesterday and was told that I couldn't launch my boat due to it being a per-1999 2 cycle. Very disappointing to me as it's been a great place to fish when I used to have an inflatable with trolling motor. Plus I got up at 4:00am and drove 99 miles! UGH!
Just wondering. Thanks

The majority of lakes in California that are either primary, secondary or emergency sources of supplying drinking water to their communities have banned all 2 stoke motors within their jurisdiction. Not all though so check ahead! There are still some nice lakes in Northern California that still allow 2 stroke motors, lakes Berryessa, Sonoma, Shasta, and Comanche to name a few. But im fairly certain that eventually all lakes in California will ban 2 stoke motors. I have a 70hp Yamaha 2 stroke on my Whaler, great motor. To upgrade to a new comparable 4 stroke will run about ten grand!

Jarheadfishnfool Loc: Woodlake/Tulare ,Ca.

mdeadman54 wrote:

I went to O'neill Forebay yesterday and was told that I couldn't launch my boat due to it being a per-1999 2 cycle. Very disappointing to me as it's been a great place to fish when I used to have an inflatable with trolling motor. Plus I got up at 4:00am and drove 99 miles! UGH!
Just wondering. Thanks

Yes I have deadman, San Luis Reservoir is notorious for turning people away , Still above Water hit the nail on the head , about stage 1-2 emergency drinking water, certain Ca.lakes have the authority to turn 2 stroke motors away, I bought a Book that has all Californa Lakes in it for info on that Lake,, & amenities,elevation, lake contours ,Boat ramps & Regulations for that particular Lake, it's about 22 bucks but well worth it for info before going ,, Bummer you had to drive that far , Hope your doing well Sir , very nice meeting you at the M&G

mdeadman54 Loc: Oakland, Ca

Thanks for the response brother. What's the name of the book? Sounds like it has a lot of good info. But as I'll probably be leaving CA in a year, might not be worth it. Guess I'll just have to fish the Delta, Napa river, and Lake Sonoma while I still live her. Retiring next May and can't afford to live here on my retirement income. Probably headed to Tennessee on N. Carolina.
And yes, it was great meeting you and the others. Hope to see ya next year.
Thanks again

mdeadman54 Loc: Oakland, Ca

Thanks for the response brother. I'll be selling this boat when I move next year. So will definitely be looking at a 4 stroke, or at least a newer 2 stroke.

mdeadman54 Loc: Oakland, Ca

Thanks for the response brother. Yep, guess my next boat will be a 4 stroke. Tight lines bro!

Andy cacciatori Loc: Modesto cal.

mdeadman54 wrote:

I went to O'neill Forebay yesterday and was told that I couldn't launch my boat due to it being a per-1999 2 cycle. Very disappointing to me as it's been a great place to fish when I used to have an inflatable with trolling motor. Plus I got up at 4:00am and drove 99 miles! UGH!
Just wondering. Thanks

Yes !!
Southern California they have it !!
And some or most lakes down there you have to have a 4stroke or you can't put your boat on the lake.
I'm sure it will come to this up here.
I have a 4 stroke. Have a great 4th of July and a safe one.

wmitch2 Loc: Fresno

I’m pretty sure that only applies to 2-Stroke CARBORATED or EFI motors on certain lakes in California. All drinking water, no body contact lakes, and specific State operated lakes. If your motor is “STAR” rated with a decal on the rear, you can launch there. There’s only a few lakes in Northern Ca, ( Millerton Lake, San Louis Res, Los Banos Creek Res, and Oroville, are ones I know of ) but most lakes in Southern Ca are restricted.

Still above water Loc: San Francisco ca

wmitch2 wrote:

I’m pretty sure that only applies to 2-Stroke CARBORATED or EFI motors on certain lakes in California. All drinking water, no body contact lakes, and specific State operated lakes. If your motor is “STAR” rated with a decal on the rear, you can launch there. There’s only a few lakes in Northern Ca, ( Millerton Lake, San Louis Res, Los Banos Creek Res, and Oroville, are ones I know of ) but most lakes in Southern Ca are restricted.

My 2 stroke motor is Star rated with the attached decal but I have been denied launching in many lakes in Northern California. Zero acceptance for 2 stroke motors regardless of being Star approved. Example: San Pablo reservoir, lake Del Valle, and Lake Tahoe. Also make sure that your boat has a current Mussel decal affixed to your boat. You are not allowed to launch in in any freshwater lake in California without it! Went to lake Del Valle last year in my buddy’s boat, 4 stroke motor, mussel decal and we were denied launching because during pre- launch inspection they found a small amount of water in his live well. Zero tolerance. I understand the concern, but drove up in a heavy drizzle. Inspector also noted that the boat’s carpet was wet…which accounted for two violations…REALLY!!!

Rheatown Loc: Greeneville tn

mdeadman54 wrote:

Thanks for the response brother. What's the name of the book? Sounds like it has a lot of good info. But as I'll probably be leaving CA in a year, might not be worth it. Guess I'll just have to fish the Delta, Napa river, and Lake Sonoma while I still live her. Retiring next May and can't afford to live here on my retirement income. Probably headed to Tennessee on N. Carolina.
And yes, it was great meeting you and the others. Hope to see ya next year.
Thanks again

Come on down to Tn bring your 2 stroke we’ll let you fish

Rheatown Loc: Greeneville tn

Still above water wrote:

My 2 stroke motor is Star rated with the attached ... (show quote)

Do they inspect your boat at every lake out there I’ve never heard of that

Still above water Loc: San Francisco ca

Rheatown wrote:

Do they inspect your boat at every lake out there I’ve never heard of that

No not every lake. The majority of lakes that are very stringent are lakes that are considered drinking water reservoirs. Went to lake Sonoma last week with my 2 stoke motor. Had to pass pre-launch inspection. They did a quick visual inspection of my outboard motor and hull looking for any signs of mussels affixed to my lower unit and hull. Passed inspection and was allowed to launch.

Jarheadfishnfool Loc: Woodlake/Tulare ,Ca.

Rheatown wrote:

Come on down to Tn bring your 2 stroke we’ll let you fish

Yes , how many miles Sir ?