Versluis Lake (MI): Motor & Boating Rules
Kent County · near Comstock Park · managed by Michigan Department of Natural Resources
- Gas outboard: NO
- Electric trolling: YES
- PWC / jet ski: NO
Quick answer
Gas motors are prohibited on Versluis Lake; electric trolling motors are allowed. Versluis 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 Versluis Lake |
| Hours rule | None listed for Versluis Lake |
| Zones | All of Versluis 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
Watch the detail that trips people up: a gas outboard left tilted up on the transom is still a gas motor on the boat. Some agencies tolerate it unused; others treat any attached combustion engine as a violation. On Versluis Lake, the safe play is to leave the gas motor at home unless Michigan Department of Natural Resources says otherwise in writing.
Electric-only waters in Michigan tend to be managed fishing lakes, and it shows: no wake chop, no fuel sheen, and quiet banks. If you fish from a kayak, a bow- or transom-mount conversion makes you a legal motorboat here — registration rules for motorized craft then apply, so check your paperwork before launch.
Worth knowing about Versluis Lake: Local watercraft control WC-41-91-001 (Plainfield Township).
Common mistakes on Electric only water
Treating "electric-only" as "no motors." Opposite mistake, same wasted trip: trolling motors are legal on Versluis Lake. You don't have to paddle unless you want to.
Ignoring the fine print. Most electric-only rules cap the power source, not the motor's size — but a few local rules do add size or mounting conditions. The notes on this page carry anything lake-specific we verified for Versluis Lake.
Before you launch — verify
- The live rulebook is here: Michigan Department of Natural Resources
- For edge cases — mounted-but-unused motors, tournaments, temporary orders — phone the Michigan Department of Natural Resources office covering Kent County.
- Our most recent source check for this page: .
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 Versluis Lake?
No. Gasoline engines are prohibited on Versluis Lake; the lake is limited to electric motors. Verified July 14, 2026.
Can I use an electric trolling motor on Versluis Lake?
You can. Electric propulsion is permitted on Versluis Lake; most boats here run a 12 V transom-mount trolling motor. Pack a paddle as backup for when the battery fades.
Are jet skis (PWC) allowed on Versluis Lake?
No — PWC cannot legally run here. The motor restriction on Versluis Lake rules them out along with other powered craft.
Who enforces boating rules on Versluis Lake?
Michigan Department of Natural Resources (state department of natural resources) sets and enforces the motor rules on Versluis 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 Versluis Lake?
Start with the source document linked under Sources below; it is the regulation this page summarizes. For anything ambiguous, Michigan Department of Natural Resources is the authority. Our last verification against the source: July 14, 2026.
Sources
- Agency web page: Michigan Department of Natural Resources — michigan.gov
- Managing agency: Michigan Department of Natural Resources
- Last verified against the source: