Lake Marburg (PA): Motor & Boating Rules
York County · near Hanover · managed by Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
- Gas outboard: YES
- Electric trolling: YES
- PWC / jet ski: NO
Quick answer
Lake Marburg carries a 20 hp cap. The rated horsepower on your motor's plate is what counts. Common portables — 2.5 to 9.9 hp — fit under it. Lake Marburg in PA is limited to outboard motors of 20 horsepower or less under Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations (verified July 14, 2026). Rules change and local ordinances may add restrictions — always confirm with Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission before you launch.
Rules at a glance
| Restriction class | 20 HP limit |
|---|---|
| Horsepower limit | 20 hp |
| Electric trolling motors | YES |
| Gas outboards | YES |
| PWC / jet skis | NO |
| Wake rule | None listed for Lake Marburg |
| Hours rule | None listed for Lake Marburg |
| Zones | All of Lake Marburg, no zones listed |
| Managing body | State department of natural resources: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission |
| Official source | Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission — pacodeandbulletin.gov |
| Last verified |
What this means in practice
Horsepower-capped water self-selects its traffic: tiller boats, canoes with square sterns, and small pontoons instead of bass boats at full song. Expect calm water and slow trolling passes on Lake Marburg, and rig accordingly — long drifts and finesse presentations work here.
Shopping for a motor that fits the rule? Match the plate to the cap with margin — a 20 hp limit is exactly satisfied by the biggest motor rated at or under it, and no throttle discipline makes an oversized plate legal. Electric trolling motors are always inside the cap.
Worth knowing about Lake Marburg: 1,275-acre state park lake. DCNR park page states "Maximum 20 hp/15 kWh Motors Permitted". Per 58 Pa. Code 107.1 the cap applies to electric motors too. Located in Codorus State Park.
Common mistakes on HP limit water
Counting on throttle discipline. The cap on Lake Marburg reads the plate, not your wrist: a big motor at idle is still over the limit on most waters of this class.
Assuming enforcement is lax on small water. Capped lakes are exactly where officers check plates, because the violation is visible from the dock.
Before you launch — verify
- Read the current regulation yourself: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
- A two-minute call to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission office for York 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 Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission before you launch.
Frequently asked questions
Are gas motors allowed on Lake Marburg?
Yes — up to the 20 hp cap. The rated horsepower on the plate decides it, not your throttle discipline. Verified July 14, 2026.
Can I use an electric trolling motor on Lake Marburg?
Yes — trolling motors are legal on Lake Marburg. Size the motor to your hull, bring enough battery for the day, and check this page's notes for any lake-specific motor conditions.
Are jet skis (PWC) allowed on Lake Marburg?
Jet skis are out on Lake Marburg. No production PWC comes in under the 20 hp limit.
Who enforces boating rules on Lake Marburg?
Rule-making for Lake Marburg sits with Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (state department of natural resources), with possible additional ordinances from York County or local municipalities. On the water, expect enforcement from state boating officers and the county sheriff's marine unit alike.
Where do I verify the current rules for Lake Marburg?
Use the official document linked in the Sources section of this page — it is what this summary is based on — or go to Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission directly. We last verified this page against the source on July 14, 2026.
Sources
- Controlling document (administrative code): Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission — pacodeandbulletin.gov
- Published and enforced by: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
- Date of our latest source check: