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Has there been a decision made regarding the lifting of the 10 hp limit yet?
All of the comments will be evaluated and a reccomendation will be made to the full commission at the May 2nd Committee Meeting in Frankfort. There is a public meeting scheduled tonight for Beaver Lake and 3 more meetings next week.
Don't hold your breath. I was at the meeting at Kincaid. Out of about 40 people who attended, there were only three that were against lifting the restrictions and all three were locals who had lakefront property. We were told that a decision might be made this year but that it's more likely that it will be next year, taking into consideration all of the bureaucracy involved.
We were also told that any changes made could be on a lake to lake basis, based on the input they receive at these meetings. It is also possible that if the restrictions are lifted, ALL BOATS, regardless of horsepower would be limited to idle speed only. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this is what happens.
I was impressed with how the meeting was run. The guy that ran the meeting was apparently an office guy from the department. I don't remember his name or title, but he did a good job. There were also at least six uniformed COs there and they answered questions even after the meeting. If you go to one of the remaining meetings, don't hesitate to ask questions on any topic - these guys seem to be more than willing to field any question you might have.
I kind of like having some lakes where only smaller boats and non-motorized boats can go. I kind of wish they'd keep the restrictions...at least on a few of them.
I can see your point, especially knowing how so many people often don't follow the rules as well as they should and it could easily lead to people going faster than idle speed.
I have a 25 hp boat and I wouldn't mind getting to maybe use it on some local smaller waters, but I certainly understand the reasons behind them not being allowed as well. I always thought that they should at least allow the use of the larger motor in order to reload onto the trailer. I could easily just use my eclectic trolling motor while on the lake, but trying to get it back on the trailer without the outboard motor would be a real hassle/hardship. In my opinion if they just allowed people to use their motor for loading at the ramp but not on the water while moving would be a practical solution with less risk of abuse.
The Idle speed rule is ignored by a lot of people on the lakes I fish in IN. Guys with the big motors just can't seem to understand what idle speed it. No wake doesn't even register with some guys. I see people speeding all the time. Until the word gets around that tickets will be given out to speeders they will continue to push the limits. I basically stopped fishing on the weekends as it's just too crowded on the small 200 acre lake with 23 boats out there.
I can see your point, especially knowing how so many people often don't follow the rules as well as they should and it could easily lead to people going faster than idle speed.
I have a 25 hp boat and I wouldn't mind getting to maybe use it on some local smaller waters, but I certainly understand the reasons behind them not being allowed as well. I always thought that they should at least allow the use of the larger motor in order to reload onto the trailer. I could easily just use my eclectic trolling motor while on the lake, but trying to get it back on the trailer without the outboard motor would be a real hassle/hardship. In my opinion if they just allowed people to use their motor for loading at the ramp but not on the water while moving would be a practical solution with less risk of abuse.
