Outboard Motor Regulations in California

[basspreacher]

I am moving to Oceanside California. I have 1989 bassboat with the same year Mariner 150hp motor. Will I be able to use this rig on most lakes in that area?

[cassidyta]

Oceanside, from Hampton....I am guessing military?? With the screen name, I am thinking a chaplain.

Most of our "lakes" our nothing more than small resevoirs. There are very few in San Diego county where you will ever get your motor upto a plane. In fact several of them have a 9.9 HP limit.
Due to the Quagga Mussel, a lot of lakes won't let you launch your own boat. This will give you an idea of some of the private boat restricitons.
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/invasives/quaggamussel/

This applies to two of the larger lakes in the area
Engine Requirements.

To be allowed onto the reservoirs, you’ll need the cleaner burning models that comply with California Air Resources Board emission standards for model year 2001 or later (or the equivalent 2006 standard set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)

With the exception of personal watercraft, all four-cycle engines (regardless of year) are allowed on DVL and Lake Skinner.

If your engine is model year 2001 or later , and made by the following major marine engine manufacturers , it should comply:

Johnson and Evinrude.
Honda Motor Corp.
Yamaha Motor Corp.
Suzuki Motor Corp.
Tohatsu Corp.
Mercury Marine.
Nissan Marine.
If you are still not sure look for the stars New technology engines (model year 2001 and later) have a one-to-three star decal showing they comply with emission standards. Or check for the label EPA-certified engines from 1998 to 2000 display an Emission Control Information label that shows it complies with 2001 (or later) California emission regulations for spark-ignition marine engines.

For supporting details, check the owner's manual or the manufacturer's Web site.

What about pre-1998 engines?

Pre-1998 two-cycle engines that use carburetors or electronic fuel injection (EFI) technology, will not comply with the combustion engine requirements for use on DVL or Lake Skinner.


I would suggest that you sign up for www.sdfish.com. It does not offer the tips on general fishing, but gives detailed info on every body of water in the area.
here is a map as well.
http://sdfish.com/index.php/componen...er/Itemid,184/
If you have any other southern california based questions, don't hesitate to ask. Either on here, or drop me a pm.