BOATING FAQs LAKE ABANAKEE
Our Questions (Q’s) with Answers (A’s) provided by John Rathburn, Town of Indian Lake Councilman and NYS Parks & Recreation 2022 Boating Instructor of the Year with over 30 years of Boating Instruction experience.
Additional information In Blue has been provided by the Adirondack Park Agency on Class 1 Wetland areas
Lake Abanakee has Class 1 (most sensitive) wetlands
When boating in these areas additional requirements exist.
A map of these areas on Lake Abanakee is attached and can also be found at:
https://adirondack.maps.arcgis.com/apps/mapviewer/index.html?layers=bb7d330a4e9d4033866313ca7b5ce4e3
Updated August 15, 2025
Q1: How fast are boats allowed to go on the lake?
A1: According to the NYS Guide Book vessel speed is generally limited to 5 mph when within 100 feet of the shore, a dock, pier, raft, float or anchored boat. There may be 45 mph daytime and 25 mph at night. In the Class 1 Wetland areas Passive, Low-Impact boating (Canoes, Kayaks, non motorized only within the 100 foot buffer)
Q2: How to report an unsafe boating situation?
A2: Call Hamilton County Sheriff's Dispatch, 518-548-3113
With problems pertaining to Wetland areas you can also contact the APA at: 518-891-4050
Q3: How frequently is our lake monitored by someone of authority?
A3: I spend my mornings at the put-in site just past the town beach monitoring kayaks, canoes, paddleboard and power boats. I have a boat that I can put in when there is an emergency. Personally, it’s not safe due to stumps in the lake.
Q4: Are jet-skis allowed?
A4: Yes at their own risk. The same laws apply as above.
In the Class 1 Wetland areas Passive, Low-Impact boating (Canoes, Kayaks, non motorized only within the 100 foot buffer)
Q5: Are seaplanes allowed to land on our lake?
A5: Yes they can. We have no jurisdiction over them.
https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2014/december/11/seaplane-footprint-small-in-adirondack-park
Q6: How can we prevent invasive species from entering the lake? Is there any way to make sure that people clean-drain-dry their boats or canoes before entering the lake?
A6: Call Paul Smith College. Some lakes pay for lake stewards.
Q7: Is there a limit to the size of the motor allowed on the lake?
A7: There is no limit to the size of the motor. Boat at your own risk.
In the Class 1 Wetland areas Passive, Low-Impact boating (Canoes, Kayaks, non motorized only within the 100 foot buffer)
Q8: Do you need a license to operate a boat on the lake? What are the penalties for operating without a license?
A8: There is no license to operate a motorboat. BUT NYS this year January 1st, 2025 it is mandatory to have a Boat Safety Certification Card. Here is the link for the information about the Boat Safety regulations and taking the class.
https://www.parks.ny.gov/boating
Q9: Where is the New NY mandatory boating safety course for motorized boats offered? Is it available online? Is this an annual requirement?
A9: See the above website, it is given online or in person. Certification is lifetime and is required for boaters aged 10 years of age and up.
Q10: Must all motorized boats, both gas and electric, be registered with NYS?
A10: Yes, through the DMV.
Q11: How can we identify properly registered boats?
A11: The boats must have the valid DMV registration sticker and numbers on the boat. See page 9 of the NYS boaters guide. You can get these books at Pines Hardware store, they are free. And there may be some at the Chamber of Commerce.
See Wetland Map Class 1 (most sensitive) Wetland Areas are indicated in dark blue. Class one wetlands are very important for the survival of our wildlife and aquatic species by keeping things in balance biologically. It is important that we respect them. Wakes from motor craft can severely damage the balance to these areas, even paddling through or portaging through these areas can cause a disturbance.
The APA controls the Wetlands in the Adirondack Park. The DEC controls them outside of the Adirondack Park. See the map on the next page.
A Map can be found at the website at the top of this document that you can easily expand and contract.
