State wide speed limit?

[hovermn]

Over the weekend, I heard someone say that there's a state wide maximum speed limit on non-boarder waters in MN. I've been boating for years and have read through the manual, even checked out the special regs here for certain bodies of water and haven't read anything about a state wide max speed.

Any truth to this, or is there only a speed limit on posted lakes?

Thanks!

[CatManLee]

I think it's a bunch of talk! If the lake is posted, then yah, but if not, let 'er fly!!

If there is a speed limit it would have to be a really high speed like 70mph, cause I've yet to know, see or hear of anyone getting a speeding ticket in a boat on an unposted lake.

[gorrilla]

What?

Do you really think a craft with no brakes operated on unregulated "lanes" should be allowed to go faster than a car?????

Just because it isn't enforced doesn't mean it shouldn't be...

[hovermn]

I think what CatManLee was trying to say is that there are people that consistantly drive at high speeds without running into problems with the law. I don't think he meant that, if there was a speed limit, it should be at least 70.

I've heard 2 people to date tell me about a speed limit, but can't find anything in print. Guess this means a call to the DNR is in order. I'll post what I find.

Of course, if anyone knows for sure, please feel free to post if I haven't already.

Thanks!

[CatManLee]

Hovermn is right on, I wasn't saying "If there was a speed limit for boats it SHOULD be 70mph". Heck, my boat only does 40mph...and thats on a good day. What good would a 70mph boat speed limit do me? If anything I would like to see the speed limit set at 40mph...Then I could keep up with everyone else! lol.

[gjk1970]

I have heard from the DNR officer that the speed limit on lakes during the day is 50 m.p.h. and I believe it was 30 at night. Now this was a few years ago. I personally cannot believe this law or speed limit is inforced or otherwise the manufacturers of motors would not be bilding bigger and faster motors each year. I noticed at the landings the average motor is now over 100 horse and some of these going all the way up to 250-300 now when I was young Bass boats with 150 horse motors were running out at 60 plus miles an hour, I just wonder what kind of speeds these new bigger motors on Bass boats are pushing them to at top speeds..

[tyeeme]

Look at snowmobiles the speed limit anywhere in MN is 50 MPH and they keep making em bigger. Boats are the same but for some reason they dont inforce boat speeds.

[Ralph Wiggum]

I find it hard to believe that there would be a speed limit that isn't published.

[Surface Tension]

Just like a car, you don't have to be speeding to get a ticket for reckless or careless driving.

Safe and responsible boat handling is were its at.

[MedicDan]

a speed limit, I don't want there to be, as long as you are safe, my boat goes 70-75 mph, by the gps, so I am careful with it, because the only time I use that though is when I am crossing lakes like greater then 5-10 miles wide. As long as your safe, I don't think there should be one, and make sure you aren't reckless.

[hovermn]

Hey guys. I was just at the DNR HQ buying replacement boat stickers. While there, I talked to them about the rumored state wide limit. First, I should say that the 2 people I had heard this from believed that it was 55 mph. One last year on Forest lake ice fishing and the other in Pine City.

So, the answer is.... There is NO state wide speed limit. Just adhere to the special surface regs. of whichever lake you're on and besure not to drive recklessly and you'll be fine.

There you have it...

[Ralph Wiggum]

Thank you for doing the research and clearing that up, Hovermn!