MacGregorSailors.com

Because it is a common point of confusion in California and blanket statements get made that are incorrect or people infer things from statements that are not true.

Restrictions are based on emission level, not engine type. Older 2-strokes (read non-direct injection) are not sold in CA NEW. Pre-2001 models have no restrictions on the purchase or resale (assuming they were legal when sold- as with any engine). Post-2001 are legal as long as they met that year's CARB requirements.

Read HERE for more.

There is no state ban on using them, however certain specific lakes/waterways have adopted restrictions. Read THIS for more info. Realize most of the restrictions are specific to PWC.

Some public waterways that have some level of restriction against pre-2001 2-stroke engines:

Diamond Valley Lake and Lake Skinner
Donner Lake, Town of Truckee- if drinking water doesn't meet standards (call)
Lakes Tahoe, Cascade, Fallen Leaf, and Echo
Modesto Reservoir, County of Stanislaus (allowed w/MTBE fuel)
San Pablo Reservoir

For private waterways contact the launch ramp for regulations. If you plan on using one of these water bodies you must use a motor that has been certified to 2001 or newer (if it is newer) CARB requirements. There are numerous bans on PWC, but that is a different issue.

I recently sold my boat , and I was surprised at the seemingly widespread lack of knowledge about outboard motor regulation.

According to your link:

Q: What types of watercraft are affected by ARB’s regulations?

A: The regulations apply to gasoline-powered outboard engines, personal watercraft (for example, Jet Skis and
Wave Runners) and jetboats only. Sterndrive and inboard engines are not included in ARB’s regulations at this
time, but are being studied for future emission reduction programs.

According to this link from Tahoe:

Watercraft

1. Which boat engines are still allowed on Tahoe Region Lakes?

Direct Fuel Injected (DFI) two-stroke engines, diesel engines, any two – stroke engine that meets or exceeds the 2006 EPA emissions standard, and four – stroke engines.

So, I guess that diesel outboards are OK at Tahoe. Or, am I missing something?

Rich

I think you are right Rich, but it would be worth a call to clarify if you plan on going there, or are considering a diesel outboard purchase.

Jeff

Hamin' X wrote:According to your link:

Q: What types of watercraft are affected by ARB’s regulations?

A: The regulations apply to gasoline-powered outboard engines, personal watercraft (for example, Jet Skis and
Wave Runners) and jetboats only. Sterndrive and inboard engines are not included in ARB’s regulations at this
time, but are being studied for future emission reduction programs.

According to this link from Tahoe:

Watercraft

1. Which boat engines are still allowed on Tahoe Region Lakes?

Direct Fuel Injected (DFI) two-stroke engines, diesel engines, any two – stroke engine that meets or exceeds the 2006 EPA emissions standard, and four – stroke engines.

So, I guess that diesel outboards are OK at Tahoe. Or, am I missing something?

Rich

I read the above to say .. . .
DFI or if they meet 2006 EPA Standards...

I read it to say that CARB regs only apply to gasoline powered outboards. Diesel outboards are not regulated. This is state-wide.

And, the Tahoe regs specifically only allow:

All DFI 2-strokes
All diesel engines
All 2-strokes that meet, or exceed 2006 EPA
All 4-stroke engines

Rich