Lake Nockamixon (PA): Motor & Boating Rules
Bucks County · near Quakertown · managed by Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
- Gas outboard: YES
- Electric trolling: YES
- PWC / jet ski: NO
Quick answer
Motors up to 20 horsepower are allowed on Lake Nockamixon. Larger outboards are prohibited. Lake Nockamixon 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 Nockamixon |
| Hours rule | None listed for Lake Nockamixon |
| Zones | All of Lake Nockamixon, 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
A 20 hp cap covers most portable outboards — the common 2.5, 4, 6, and 9.9 hp models all fit under a 10 hp-style limit. Check the plate on your motor: the rated horsepower stamped there is what counts, not how gently you throttle.
Why 9.9 hp motors exist: manufacturers build them precisely for lakes like Lake Nockamixon, 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.
Worth knowing about Lake Nockamixon: 1,450-acre state park lake with five public launches. DCNR park page confirms "Maximum 20 hp/15 kWh Motors Permitted". Located in Nockamixon State Park.
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.
Missing the wake rule stacked on top. Horsepower caps often travel with idle-speed or no-wake conditions — the table above lists what applies on Lake Nockamixon.
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 Bucks 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 Nockamixon?
Gas is fine here as long as the motor's plate reads 20 hp or less. Anything rated higher is outside the rule on Lake Nockamixon. Verified July 14, 2026.
Can I use an electric trolling motor on Lake Nockamixon?
Yes. Electric trolling motors are allowed on Lake Nockamixon. 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 Lake Nockamixon?
No. Jet skis and other personal watercraft are effectively prohibited on Lake Nockamixon — PWC engines far exceed the 20 hp limit.
Who enforces boating rules on Lake Nockamixon?
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (state department of natural resources) sets and enforces the motor rules on Lake Nockamixon, with possible additional ordinances from Bucks County or local municipalities. State boating officers and local law enforcement both patrol restricted waters.
Where do I verify the current rules for Lake Nockamixon?
The Sources section links the exact regulation we summarized, and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission publishes the live version. This page was last checked against it on July 14, 2026.
Sources
- This page summarizes a administrative code: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission — pacodeandbulletin.gov
- Rule-making authority: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
- Source re-checked on: