Welcome! This page has the regulations governing the types and uses of watercraft on Peck's Lake. The following document does not supersede or replace existing deed restrictions. It provides an extension to those restrictions, and should serve as a single source document for the full set of motorized, non-motorized, canoe and water skiing rules and regulations. The Peck Family reserves the right to issue revisions to these rules and regulations, as in their sole judgment, events dictate. The PLPA encourages our members to post this section in their homes, especially if you allow others to use your property, to help keep everybody's experience on the lake safe and fun.

1. No more than two boats for waterfront lots, or one boat for non-waterfront lots, shall be launched and used upon the waters of Peck's Lake for fishing and boating. Not more than one mechanically propelled boat shall be operated upon the waters of Peck's Lake at any one time. Said boats shall be launched upon said lake only from the lands of party of the second part. Such boats shall be owned by and registered in the name of the lot owner. Registration numbers to be filed with parties of the first part.

2. No boat launched upon, or used upon, the waters of Peck's Lake shall:
a.) Have more than two motors, and the combined horsepower of said motors together shall not exceed 40hp; and no boat shall have any motor which exceeds the manufacturer's rated capacity for that particular boat.
b.) Be of the hydroplane or racing type.
c.) Exceed 20 feet in length, nor be less than 42 inches in width, 13 feet 6 inches in length, or 14 inches deep.
d.) Be loaded with persons or property in excess of the manufacturer's rated carrying capacity.
e.) Be operated at a greater rate of speed than 15 miles per hour, except as hereinafter provided, nor at a greater rate of speed than 5 miles per hour when within 200 feet of the shoreline or within 200 feet of an anchored or moored boat.
f.) Violate the New York State Navigation Law nor the rules and regulations of the New York State Conservation Department, Division of Motor Boats, and when any provisions of this deed be different than such laws, rules and regulations, the provisions of the deed shall apply.
g.) Be used for other than recreational purposes.

3. No mechanically or motor propelled boat, exceeding 3-1/2hp, shall be operated by a child under 12 years of age, unless there be an adult present in said boat.

4. No mechanically or motor propelled boat, exceeding 6hp, shall be operated by a child under 14 years of age, unless there be an adult present in said boat.

5. No mechanically or motor propelled boat, exceeding 6hp, shall be operated by a child between the ages of 14 and 16 years, unless such child be the holder of a New York State Boater Safety Certificate, or unless there be an adult present in said boat.

6. Any mechanically or motor propelled boat exceeding 10hp, must be equipped with a speedometer.

7. No sailboat, canoe, or like or similar boats or vessels, shall be used in or upon the waters of Peck's Lake, unless it shall comply in all respects with the safety requirements of the parties of the first part.

8. Water skiing, and/or any associated, like or similar water sports, will be engaged in, on Peck's Lake only in an area set aside, at periods of time and increased rates of speed for boats, as specified and posted by parties of the first part, their heirs, grantees and assigns, and all water skiing, and/or any associated, like, or similar water sports shall, at all times be under the exclusive jurisdiction, management and control of parties of the first part, their heirs, grantees and assigns.

Additional types of non-motorized watercraft will be permitted as specifically defined below. Operators of all types of watercraft should exercise good boating courtesy and must adhere to the following:

1. They must not be operated in the water ski zone during the water skiing hours.

2. They must remain at least 100 feet from any boat engaged in fishing.

Sailboats: Any sailboat used upon the waters of Peck's Lake shall be at least 13.5 feet in length but no more than 20 feet in length.

Windsurfers: An approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) shall be worn at all times.

Paddleboats and Kayaks: Users of paddleboats and kayaks must adhere to canoe regulations, numbers 2 through 11.

Any canoe launched upon the waters of Peck's Lake shall:

1. Be a minimum of 14 feet in length.

2. Be constructed of wood, aluminum, fiberglass, or kevlar.

3. Be constructed with flotation to support the canoe and its occupants in the event of capsizing.

4. Not be loaded with persons and/or property exceeding the manufacturer's rated carrying capacity or in any event with more than three persons. Canoes are not to be used when occupants are standing.

5. Not have any motor attached to it.

6. Not be used or operated at a greater distance from the shoreline than 200 feet, unless under calm water conditions.

7. Be registered with the Pecks and the secretary of the PLPA, and have affixed to both sides of the bow the number of the owner's lot, prefixed by the letter L. Letter and numbers to be not less than three inches in height and contrasting color to the canoe. The canoe must be owned by the property owner only.

8. Only be used when all New York State regulation regarding the use of Personal Floation Devices, (PFD's), are observed. Current State law requires that a PFD be on board for each occupant, and that all children under the age of 12 wear a PFD at all times.

9. Not to be operated by youths under 14 years of age, unless accompanied by an experienced canoer 14 years old or over.

10. Not contain any occupants who engage in horseplay or any other reckless activity.

11. Be equipped with lights if used after dark.

The Pecks established the following penalties for violations:

1. Water skiing hours will be from 1pm to 4pm and must be strictly observed.

2. No pleasure swimming at the water ski raft during skiing hours.

3. Do not moor extra boats at the raft during water skiing hours. All boats must be use for towing skiers.

4. All boats towing skiers must follow in a counter-clockwise traffic pattern.

5. Do not buzz the raft when discharging skiers. Let the skier swing in toward the raft. Tow boats must use caution and keep a minimum of 30 feet from the raft.

6.In order to avoid congestion, tow boats must not loiter at the raft.

7. Tow ropes must not be left trailing from boats when not in use.

8. All persons other than water skiers must stay off the raft.

9. No pets shall be allowed on rafts.

10. In accordance with the New York State Conservation Department Law, each tow boat must carry an observer in addition to the driver.

11. All persons observing water skiing from non-towing boats must stay clear of boats towing water skiers and of the ski area.

12. Sailboats and all boats not engaged in skiing activities must stay clear of the skiing zone during operational hours.

13. Skiers must ski in the water ski zone only, not to and from their residence to the ski zone.

14. All boats must exercise extreme caution in the immediate area of the ski raft.

15. Tow boats must maintain a safe distance between their boat and the skier ahead.

16. All alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited in the ski area during skiing hours or on the ski raft at any time.

All rules will be enforced, and the following disciplinary actions will be taken against violators:

The PLPA encourages all members to familiarize themselves not only with these rules, but also New York State boating laws. For information about New York State Boater Safety Certificate programs, please visit New York State Conservation Department website. The Pecks also encourage members to assist them in policing our lake, by speaking to the operators at the time of the violation or letting the Pecks know of violators.

FEEDBACK WANTED! Suggestions or comments about our web site can be e-Mailed to Paul Nestork, the Web Site's Manager. We would like to know what you think of our site and how we can improve it.

Copyright © 2004 Peck Lake Protective Assoc.   Last Update 01-26-04