Q: What are the Park and Rec regulations for Spreckels Lake?
A: As posted below; signs are posted near the Lake.
Q: Who can run power boats on Spreckels Lake?
A: Anyone! Spreckels Lake is open to the public. You do not have to be a member of the San Francisco Model Yacht Club to operate a boat on the lake but you must follow the regulations laid down by the San Francisco Park and Recreation Department governing the use of the lake.
Q: When can I run electric or steam boats?
A: Electric and Steam Power Models may run at anytime Golden Gate Park is open. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturday mornings, you may run with the gas and nitro-fueled power boats, but you should keep clear of them, as they run at a high speed and may not be able to easily maneuver to avoid your boat. Sailboats always have the right of way. Spreckels Lake is on the Pacific Flyway and is frequented by many species of birds. Do not chase or harass the birds or turtles in the lake.
Q: When can I run gas or nitro-powered boats?
A: Gasoline and nitro-methane fueled power boat models are allowed to run on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10:00am to 1:00pm on the southern section of the lake nearest to John F Kennedy Drive. All gas and nitro-fueled power boats must be muffled to meet the city’s noise abatement requirement of no more than 60 decibels at 50 feet. The is also a courtesy to our residential neighbors along Fulton Street north of the lake. Because of the walking path surrounding the lake, it is not advisable to run very high-powered speed boats or to approach the lake edges at a high rate of speed. Speckels Lake is on the Pacific Flyway and is frequented by many species of birds. Do not chase or harass the birds or turtles in the lake.
Q: What should I do when sailboats are on the Lake?
A: Free-Sail sailboats have no radio control. Keep clear of them, as they are not able to maneuver. Sailboats always have the right of way over all power boats when on the water. Sailboats race for club points or informally on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and on weekends on the North side of the lake. Please be courteous and keep clear when the races are taking place.