Pennsylvania provides nearly unlimited opportunities for the recreational boater. Pennsylvania has over 85,000 miles of rivers and streams ranging from headwaters to major river systems. The Commonwealth has 76 natural lakes that provide 5,266 acres of flatwater. An additional 2,300 constructed impoundments provide another 200,000 acres of boatable waters. Lake Erie has 63 plus miles of shoreline and 735 square miles of waters within Pennsylvania’s boundaries. The Delaware River provides 56 miles of tidal waters within Pennsylvania, giving access to the Atlantic Ocean.

The number of recreational boats on Pennsylvania waters continues to increase. In 1982, fewer than 200,000 boats were registered. In 2006, there were more than 344,452 registered boats. Over half of the registered boats in the Commonwealth are less than 16 feet in length. Pennsylvania is primarily a small-boat state. However, all kinds of boating are popular, from whitewater rafting on the Youghiogheny to big-water boating on the lower Delaware.

The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission is responsible for promoting fishing and boating, and regulating and enforcing fishing and boating laws and regulations in Pennsylvania. Established in 1866, the Commission is primarily funded by Pennsylvania’s boaters and fishermen through boat registration fees and fishing license revenues.

Boat operators are responsible for knowing the rules and regulations for watercraft in the areas where they boat. They need to know what safety equipment is required for their watercraft. Operators are responsible for the actions of all persons on board their boats and for knowing the waters where they are boating.

Boats are classified according to length, which is the horizontal distance from bow (front) to stern (back) along the centerline. It excludes any projections that are not part of the boat's hull, such as an outboard motor or swim platform.

Classification determines the minimum required equipment.

Less than 16 feet (Class A)
Includes johnboats, small runabouts, and personal watercraft.

16 feet to less than 26 feet (Class 1)
Boats used for skiing, fishing, and day tripping.

26 feet to less than 40 feet (Class 2)
Large boats that usually include enclosed cabins.

40 feet to not more than 65 feet (Class 3)
Large, expensive boats with advanced features.