Just got a reply from Deborah Newcombs office thanking me for my input and saying they are considering and going to meet w/Pa people but it would not effect the 2008 boating season due to length of session etc. if they do vote for HP increase.

Crappiechuck,

I appreciate your consideration of the information on this thread and share your interest in not making Pymatuning a speedboat lake.  It's great everyone has came to this common position.   It's the only way we will get progress on this.  I have sent my emails.

Lundrunner

Anybody hear how the meeting went on Friday?

Just FYI.......I was informed that a change will take probably a year. The representative needs to introduce a bill, it needs to go through the house and be voted on. If it is introduced, it will pass, but's that's a slow process.

One of the guys I work for was up there a week or two ago and got nailed for $180.00 fine for having too big a motor, how big his was I dunno but he fishes B.A.S.S. tournys so it was probably huge. BTW that $180.00 was considered a warning by the officer.

by the way, I am for the increase. I'll just wait until it's legal! 

My feelings too since i've listened to all the reasons people want an increase in HP limit. I spent the money last year to get a smaller motor to add to my bigger one, just so i could fish a couple lakes our crappie club holds fish-togethers on. When the time comes that i can use a bigger kicker, i'll try to sell my 9.9 honda 4 stroke and get something that will push my boat faster. Until then, i'll just relax and putt along up in the stumps.

Remember.... i still have the big motor. If i feel like i'm in danger, i'll pay the fine. I'm no saint, but i'm not going to break a law unless i have to, to stay alive. Safety, not pleasure.

I received this email from Brian Morgan today.  Brian is the legislative aide for Representative Newcomb.
 
Very good news.  Please send Representative Newcomb an email in support of the increase to 20hp on Pymatuning
 
For Immediate Release: Thursday, May 15, 2008
Contact: Brian Morgan, Legislative Aide (614) 466-1405
 
Rep. Newcomb Seeks Public Input on Pymatuning Lake Horsepower Limits
Proposed Legislation Would Increase Motor Limits to 20 Horsepower
 
COLUMBUS – State Representative Deborah Newcomb (D-Conneaut) today announced plans to introduce legislation to increase horsepower limits on Pymatuning Lake. The proposed legislation is recommended by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and would institute a 20 horsepower limit for all watercraft.
 
“The aim of this legislation is to remove the confusion surrounding the Pymatuning Lake Compact, which is the agreement between Ohio and Pennsylvania to govern Pymatuning Lake,” Rep. Newcomb said. “The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is looking to increase the horsepower limits from 9.9 to 20 for all boats on Pymatuning Lake. This will welcome more boating opportunities for residents in Ohio and Pennsylvania so they can enjoy this wonderful resource.”
 
The legislation has the support of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Pymatuning Lake Association, the North Shore Boat Club, the Pymatuning Yacht Club, and many individual boaters who use the lake. Specifically, it would:
 

Improve Boater Safety: Boats are much larger now than when the current 9.9 horsepower limit was set in the 1960’s. Boaters will be better protected by having appropriately-rated motors for their watercraft, especially in inclement weather, when large boats can be difficult to maneuver.
Enhance State Enforcement: Current law allows different types of boats to use motors of various sizes. Instituting a flat 20 horsepower limit is much easier to enforce and still allows boaters to use motors with ratings of 9.9, 15, 18 or 20 horsepower because they have the same block size.  Any motors that produce 25 horsepower or more have a larger block size and are easily spotted. 
Benefit the Local Economy: Raising horsepower limits will encourage more boaters to use Pymatuning Lake. An increase in visitors will result in more tourism dollars entering the local economy.
Preserve the Environment: Pennsylvania did not document any noise or other complaints when it instituted an increase from 9.9 to 20 horsepower on all other inland lakes in that state.
 
“Too many people are confused about what boats are allowed on the water because of differences in Ohio and Pennsylvania law,” Rep. Newcomb said. “I feel my bill for Ohio complements our neighbor’s own regulations and streamlines efforts to open the waters to more people seeking recreation.
 
“I want to ensure that everyone is able to voice their opinion. I encourage anyone interested in this issue to contact my office to share their personal experiences and ideas.”
 
Public comments may be directed to district99@ohr.state.oh.us or (614) 466-1405.