Round Lake (MI): Motor & Boating Rules
Kent County · near Belding · managed by Michigan Department of Natural Resources
- Gas outboard: NO
- Electric trolling: YES
- PWC / jet ski: NO
Quick answer
Gas motors are prohibited on Round Lake; electric trolling motors are allowed. Round Lake in MI is restricted to electric motors only — gasoline engines are prohibited under Michigan Department of Natural Resources regulations (verified July 14, 2026). A typical legal setup is a transom-mount trolling motor with a deep-cycle battery. Rules change and local ordinances may add restrictions — always confirm with Michigan Department of Natural Resources before you launch.
Rules at a glance
| Restriction class | Electric Motors Only |
|---|---|
| Horsepower limit | n/a |
| Electric trolling motors | YES |
| Gas outboards | NO |
| PWC / jet skis | NO |
| Wake rule | None listed for Round Lake |
| Hours rule | None listed for Round Lake |
| Zones | All of Round Lake, no zones listed |
| Managing body | State department of natural resources: Michigan Department of Natural Resources |
| Official source | Michigan Department of Natural Resources — michigan.gov |
| Last verified |
What this means in practice
Electric-only means the hull can be almost anything — the power source is what matters. The typical setup on Round Lake is a transom-mount trolling motor in the 30–55 lb thrust range on a deep-cycle 12 V battery. Thrust is not horsepower: 55 lb of thrust moves a small boat at roughly walking pace. Our guide on what electric-only really means covers setups and run time.
Battery math decides your day on Round Lake. Divide the battery's amp-hours by your motor's draw: a 100 Ah battery on a motor pulling 25 A at half speed gives about four hours continuous — more with intermittent use, less in wind and cold water. A second battery or a paddle backup is cheap insurance.
Worth knowing about Round Lake: Local watercraft control WC-41-90-001 (Grattan Township).
Common mistakes on Electric only water
Leaving the gas outboard mounted "just in case." Depending on the agency, an attached combustion engine can be a violation even when it stays off. Confirm with Michigan Department of Natural Resources or leave it home.
Forgetting registration. In most states a kayak becomes a registrable motorboat the moment a trolling motor goes on. Paperwork stops here are more common than speed stops.
Before you launch — verify
- Read the current regulation yourself: Michigan Department of Natural Resources
- A two-minute call to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources office for Kent County settles anything this page leaves open.
- This summary was last checked against the source on .
Rules change and local ordinances may add restrictions — always confirm with Michigan Department of Natural Resources before you launch.
Frequently asked questions
Are gas motors allowed on Round Lake?
No — Round Lake is electric-only. Combustion engines of any size are banned; trolling motors are the legal alternative. Verified July 14, 2026.
Can I use an electric trolling motor on Round Lake?
Yes. Electric trolling motors are allowed on Round Lake. A transom-mount motor in the 30–55 lb thrust range with a deep-cycle battery is the typical setup for this class of water.
Are jet skis (PWC) allowed on Round Lake?
No. Jet skis and other personal watercraft are effectively prohibited on Round Lake under the lake's motor restriction.
Who enforces boating rules on Round Lake?
Michigan Department of Natural Resources (state department of natural resources) sets and enforces the motor rules on Round Lake, with possible additional ordinances from Kent County or local municipalities. State boating officers and local law enforcement both patrol restricted waters.
Where do I verify the current rules for Round Lake?
The Sources section links the exact regulation we summarized, and Michigan Department of Natural Resources publishes the live version. This page was last checked against it on July 14, 2026.
Sources
- This page summarizes a agency web page: Michigan Department of Natural Resources — michigan.gov
- Rule-making authority: Michigan Department of Natural Resources
- Source re-checked on: