Motorboats are allowed on most lakes and on some larger rivers; smaller lakes and rivers may have restrictions on motorized water craft. Motorboat operators should always be alert for fast-moving storms and strong winds, especially on large reservoirs such as Fort Peck. All motorboats must have a valid license from Montana or another state or country.
For more information of rules and regulations for boating in Montana, please visit: http://fwp.mt.gov/fishing/regulations/boatrestrictions.html
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Operating Rules | Motorboat Certificates | Renting | Water Skiing & Towed Devices | Swimming AreasRules For Operating A Boat In Montana
Operator Age Limit - Motorboats & Personal Watercraft
Children 12 years old or younger may not operate a motorboat or a personal watercraft powered by a motor rated at more than 10 horsepower
unless accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older.
Youths 13 and 14 years of age may not operate those vessels without possessing a valid Montana motorboat operator's safety certificate or evidence
of completing an approved boating safety course, or unless accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older.
Motorboat Certificates
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks offers a boat safety education program that includes a home-study course for motorboat and personal watercraft operators. Persons 13 years of age or older who successfully complete the course will receive a motorboat operator's certificate. To obtain a motorboat home-study course packet contact your regional Fish, Wildlife and Parks office or call the state headquarters at 406-444-2535. Boating classes are also offered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Rented Boats and Watercraft
A person must be 18 years or older to rent a motorboat or a personal watercraft powered by a motor rated at more than 10 horsepower. All required equipment, as described in this booklet, and a copy of the rental agreement must be on board rented vessels.
Water Skiing and Using Other Towed Devices
Water skiing and other towed recreation is not allowed between sunset and sunrise. There must be at least two people in the towing boat: an operator and a person to observe the skier. If the operator is 12 or younger, the observer must be at least 18. Anyone towed by a boat must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD. Water skiers must not approach within 50 feet of swimmers or enter a designated swimming area. Personal Watercraft: Jet Skis, Water Bikes, Etc. All operators and riders must wear U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD. If the personal watercraft is equipped with a lanyard-type cord that shuts off the engine if the operator falls off the craft, the lanyard must be attached to the operator's wrist or PFD. A "no wake" speed must be maintained when within 200 feet of a dock, swimmer, swimming raft, non-motorized boat or anchored vessel. Stand-up personal watercraft and personal watercraft towing a waterskier must travel at the minimum speed necessary to operate when leaving from or returning to a dock or shore. All rules regarding safe operation of a boat apply to personal watercraft as well. For more regulations and tips read Personal Watercrafts—What you need to know!
Swimming Areas
Designated swimming areas are marked with white and orange buoys. It is unlawful to deface, disturb, remove or relocate any authorized buoys.
