Hemlock Lake (NY): Motor and Boating Rules
Livingston County · near Hemlock · managed by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
- Gas outboard YES
- Electric trolling YES
- PWC / jet ski VERIFY
- Livingston County, NY
- 10 hp cap
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Quick answer
Check your motor plate before hauling to Hemlock Lake: the limit is 10 hp. Hemlock Lake in NY is limited to outboard motors of 10 horsepower or less under New York State Department of Environmental Conservation regulations (verified July 26, 2026). Outboards rated above the cap are out. Electric trolling motors fit comfortably. Rules change and local ordinances may add restrictions — always confirm with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation before you launch.
Rules at a glance
Plate rating counts — motors rated above 10 hp are over the cap even at idle.
What this means in practice
Why 9.9 hp motors exist: manufacturers build them precisely for lakes like Hemlock Lake, where a 10 hp cap is the line. If your plate is worn or missing, carry documentation — enforcement reads the rating, not your word for it.
The cap is about the motor, not your speed, on most waters: a 40 hp outboard at idle is still a 40 hp outboard. This lake has its own wrinkle worth knowing — see the note below.
Worth knowing about Hemlock Lake: Former Rochester drinking-water supply lake within the 6,849-acre Hemlock-Canadice State Forest. DEC special regulations (6 NYCRR 190.26) limit motors to 10 HP or less and mechanically propelled vessels to under 17 feet; boating is prohibited on the lake north of the northerly boat launch..
Planning options around New York? The neighboring pages in our database cover Canadice Lake (HP limit, Ontario County) and Lake George (Zoned, Warren County), and the state hub lists all verified New York lake motor rules with the official source behind each.
Common mistakes on HP limit water
Rounding 9.9 up. A 9.9 hp motor is legal under a 10 hp cap — that is why it exists. Don't let a worn plate turn a legal motor into an argument; carry the manual or a photo.
Bringing the PWC. No production jet ski runs under a low horsepower cap, so the 10 hp limit on Hemlock Lake excludes them by arithmetic, no explicit ban needed.
Before you launch — verify
- The live rulebook is here: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
- For edge cases — mounted-but-unused motors, tournaments, temporary orders — phone the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation office covering Livingston County.
- Our most recent source check for this page: .
Rules change and local ordinances may add restrictions — always confirm with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation before you launch.
Frequently asked questions
Are gas motors allowed on Hemlock Lake?
Gas is fine here as long as the motor's plate reads 10 hp or less. Anything rated higher is outside the rule on Hemlock Lake. Verified July 26, 2026.
Can I use an electric trolling motor on Hemlock Lake?
You can. Electric propulsion is permitted on Hemlock 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 Hemlock Lake?
The official source we cite does not state a clear PWC rule for Hemlock Lake. Confirm with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation before bringing a jet ski.
Who enforces boating rules on Hemlock Lake?
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (state department of natural resources) sets and enforces the motor rules on Hemlock Lake, with possible additional ordinances from Livingston County or local municipalities. State boating officers and local law enforcement both patrol restricted waters.
Where do I verify the current rules for Hemlock Lake?
Use the official document linked in the Sources section of this page — it is what this summary is based on — or go to New York State Department of Environmental Conservation directly. We last verified this page against the source on July 26, 2026.