For some of you kayak folks… Looking at some state park ponds in central Ma, the web sites say they allow car top non motorized  boats. Is a trolling motor powered kayak considered motorized?

Yes, Not sure about elsewhere, but in Texas and I think about any other state if you've got a motor on it electric or otherwise is is now considered a motor boat and you need to follow those regulations regarding navigation lights and registration (state numbers).

FM.  

1 hour ago, Fishingmickey said:

I think about any other state if you've got a motor on it electric or otherwise is is now considered a motor boat

Yep - MN at least. When I had my canoe, since I had a 30# TM on it, I had to register it as a motorized boat and put the registration numbers on the hull. Paddle only canoes just needed the 3-year sticker.

 

Yes. If you have a TM, I say go fishing. 

 

Anything with a TM has to be registered in MA.  It's no big deal to get it done.

 

I doubt anyone will notice. 

27 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

Paddle only canoes just needed the 3-year sticker.

Under 10 feet in length needs no watercraft registration. I think this why a lot of recreational yaks are 9.9 feet.

It’s not a registration question, it’s can you put a yak with a tm in a pond that says no motors?

@padlin, to answer your original question the answer is “yes” as others have mentioned above regarding their respective state’s enforcement. However, I think in intent of the restriction is to prohibit two/four stroke fossil fuel burning motors and not electric trolling motors. At least I know that is how the regulation has been applied here. 

Thanks all, just called one of the parks, they consider a motor a gas motor, electric is okay. At least that was their understanding, not like I talked to a ranger.

On 7/18/2025 at 1:34 PM, padlin said:

Thanks all, just called one of the parks, they consider a motor a gas motor, electric is okay. At least that was their understanding, not like I talked to a ranger.

Interesting. Here in Indiana a “non-motorized “ kayak/canoe lake is just that, no propulsion other than paddle/pedal. Our bodies of water are well defined as open (any propulsion), electric only or non-motorized.

I fished a couple tournaments on one and had to paddle all day, doable but tiring.

I had a motor in my titan. I took it off. I just use the pedal drive now. Gives me(makes me) exercise when I kayak fish and I need it!

I think my battery weighs in just a tad over 25lbs.  I can carry it to the kayak all day long.  but even that relatively small weight added to my kayak saps some enjoyment out of it.  I can feel it easily.  my motor is light...16lbs I think.   I reserve it for all but my largest lakes.  like Saturdays run to Clearlake, I might bring the motor.

 

registering it was easy, and didnt cost that much.   I got the boaters card.  

 

but the motor did cross the line and labeled my kayak a motorized vessel and along with that came with all the responsibilities associated with that.  

True story.  

 

I was on the California Delta.  one of my 'let me get the motor out" bodies of water.   I came across a guy with my exact same kayak and same motor.  I was just fishing, and he elected to engage with me and tell me now dumb I was to "succumb to the man" and register my kayak.   I pretty much ignored him...but I see it.  it was like my prayers were answered.  (almost).  I see an official looking boat chugging towards us.  it had the look of a game warden.  I say, "well, here comes the man!.  you tell him what you think".  this guy scurries into the tules and hides.  hahahha..

 

it was just a bunch of state biologist doing a survey on what and how we caught fish.    

 

that dude came out sheepishly...hahahha... I thought, "if I have nothing nice to say, say nothing..." 

On 7/18/2025 at 12:34 PM, padlin said:

Thanks all, just called one of the parks, they consider a motor a gas motor, electric is okay. At least that was their understanding, not like I talked to a ranger.

You might want to make a note of who you talked to and the date... Game warden might see it differently.  Might save you a fine.

FM

 

On 7/17/2025 at 5:33 PM, padlin said:

For some of you kayak folks… Looking at some state park ponds in central Ma, the web sites say they allow car top non motorized  boats. Is a trolling motor powered kayak considered motorized?

Car top? What about truck bed ? 

On 7/24/2025 at 12:12 PM, TnRiver46 said:

Car top? What about truck bed ? 

While I use the truck bed or up on the roof depending on which boat I bring, your post begs the question, what constitutes “car top”. Is a kayak on a trailer “car top”?