I cannot find anything so will ask. What are the rules for boat sizes such as a bass boat? Are they allowed. I saw some videos of some folks using full sized bass boats andguessing they launch only on lakes with concrete ramps? 

I would say use your best judgement. I can launch without a ramp, but I wouldn’t in a soft bottom lake or near a steep dropoff.

Didn’t know if they were allowed anyany or none at all. Just didn’t see anything in the rules. Thanks!

Hi Dale,

Each property page will have the rundown on what is allowed. The overall guidelines are below. No gas motors is the only hard guideline. The others are like Ford mentioned, your best judgement. 

In each property page under the Property Info there will be the Boat Launch info. The property description will usually give additional information such as if a big boat is recommended or not.

I think from all of the reports I’ve read over the years a good rule of thumb is no big boats unless you have 4x4. 

From the FAQ https://www.privatewaterfishing.com/faq

Q. Can I bring my own boat, float tube, canoe, or kayak?

A. Yes, you may bring your own boat. Most lakes do not have a boat ramp so you must be able to launch your boat from the bank. Small boats are best. Please note that we do not allow gas motors on our lakes.

Q. How do I know which lake can accommodate my big boat?

A. Visit www.privatewaterfishing.com. Every property has a description of the boat ramp or boat launch situation. Please remember you may have a gas-powered engine, but it may only be used to load and unload off the trailer.

Originally Posted by Dale Stagg

Boat requirements

I cannot find anything so will ask. What are the rules for boat sizes such as a bass boat? Are they allowed. I saw some videos of some folks using full sized bass boats andguessing they launch only on lakes with concrete ramps? 

Great question, with a grey answer. Don’t you wish more answers could be black and white?

With only a few exceptions (they are mentioned in the property page) you may launch and use any type boat you choose. Members are welcome to launch thier $100,00 fiberglass boat. 

However, a member CANNOT use the gas motor except to trailer on and off. 

But, perhaps to the heart of the question is not can you, but is the lake launch site capable of handling a full size fiberglass boat? The answer is, “it depends”. So, this is where it becomes gray,

Here are the factors that make it grey:

*Do you have 4x4?

*Is your full size bass boat 2500 lbs or 5000 lbs?

*Is there an all weather road near the launch (sometimes the area just outside the ramp is wet)

*Concrete ramp

*Have we had rain and the ground is saturated

*How aggressive are you? 

There a dozen or more factors that determine rather you can launch a “full size” bass boat. So, we try an offer a “guide” on our description to help, but there are too many factors to give definitive answers. I have been shocked that some members have launched a big boat on a lake, as  I thought no way. And I have been shocked that a member could not get a full size boat into one of our lakes. Much of it comes down to your comfort level, wet conditions and rather you have 4x4. 

Thanks all, perfect. I have been at some that are No-Way and some looks like it would do fine. When mine comes in, I may try it sometime, may!

Originally Posted by Steve Alexander

Great question, with a grey answer. Don’t you wish more answers could be black and white?

With only a few exceptions (they are mentioned in the property page) you may launch and use any type boat you choose. Members are welcome to launch thier $100,00 fiberglass boat. 

However, a member CANNOT use the gas motor except to trailer on and off. 

But, perhaps to the heart of the question is not can you, but is the lake launch site capable of handling a full size fiberglass boat? The answer is, “it depends”. So, this is where it becomes gray,

Here are the factors that make it grey:

*Do you have 4x4?

*Is your full size bass boat 2500 lbs or 5000 lbs?

*Is there an all weather road near the launch (sometimes the area just outside the ramp is wet)

*Concrete ramp

*Have we had rain and the ground is saturated

*How aggressive are you? 

There a dozen or more factors that determine rather you can launch a “full size” bass boat. So, we try an offer a “guide” on our description to help, but there are too many factors to give definitive answers. I have been shocked that some members have launched a big boat on a lake, as  I thought no way. And I have been shocked that a member could not get a full size boat into one of our lakes. Much of it comes down to your comfort level, wet conditions and rather you have 4x4. 

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The only 2 lakes I’ve fished where I’d launch my 20’ fiberglass boat was 9G and now at the Bluffs.  I wish there were more.  I only like using my boat because of 360 and LiveScope.  I need to GoPro the screens sometime and post it on here.  The two times at the Bluffs, I’ve put my LiveScope on forward in 10’ and perspective in <8’.  When you see 30+ bass swimming around feeding, in and out of grass, it is a trip.  That one deep area on The Bluffs with the underwater hump has 6-8 lbers all around it.  We’ve caught a 6 and several 5s off of it, but I can’t get the biggest to actually bite.

Steve, if there are other lakes like The Bluffs with that kind of ramp, let me know.  Nothing like trying out new swimbaits on these lakes.  My shoulder and arms are beat throwing these big lures, but they are a blast.

I would think Hidden Springs in Laneville would do fine since it has a nice concrete ramp.

The property search page has a filter option for concrete boat ramps.

Search results show 20 properties meet that criteria.

That should help expand your options for using your boat.