Boating In Maine
Maine Boating Laws
In our 2023 CLA membership survey, you told us that “boating safety and courtesy” was the second-most important topic you want CLA to focus on. We are developing plans to educate members and the public about the impact of unsafe boating on people, the shoreline, and wildlife.
If you have questions or concerns about boating safety on Lake Cobbossee, please call the Maine Warden Service from Inland Fisheries and Wildlife at 207-287-8000.
Laws and Rules PDF Link is found here.
Boating Safety Course is found here.
NEW MAINE BOATING LAw REGARDING "DISTANCE TO SHORE"
Any boat’s wake can cause serious damage when it hits our shores too hard. It can erode the shoreline, disturb sediment and bring nutrients into the lake which contribute to algae growth. Wakes also hurt our loon population by washing over nests and eggs before chicks safely hatch. (Read about the impact on loons below.)
200 FEET FROM SHORE FOR ALL BOATS -- Maine already has a “boater safety zone” law requiring ALL boats to make headway speed within 200 feet of shore, but that distance won't dampen the impact of the larger waves created by wake boats.
Note: Headway speed means the slowest speed at which it is still possible to maintain steering and control of the watercraft.
300 FEET FROM SHORE FOR WAKE BOATS -- The Maine legislature passed LD2284 on April 3, 2024. This law requires all wakesurfing activity to take place 300 feet from shore and in waters at least 15 feet deep. Because of the ballast tanks and other mechanical systems designed to enhance the size of the boat's wake for surfing, the additional requirements are necessary to protect our shores and wildlife.
5OO FEET FROM SHORE FOR WAKE BOATS -- Many states require wake boats to stay 500 feet from shore and in waters at least 20 feet deep. Although it is not Maine law, we ask all wake boats to consider taking this extra precaution.
Click here to learn more.
