A. Yes. Whether the boat has a motor or not is immaterial to the life jacket law. Wyoming law requires that watercraft, whether motored or not, must carry a U.S. Coast Guard approved wearable personal flotation device (PFD) of a suitable size for each person on board. "Water sport toys" -- float tubes, air mattresses -- are exempt from the PFD requirement in most instances. "Toy" users must wear a PFD if being pulled by a boat or if a motor is attached to the toy, as some anglers are doing by attaching an electric motor to their float tube.

A. It's a matter of safety and outdoor ethics. Lakes with boating or motor restrictions are usually smaller waters that attract small craft, such as rowboats, canoes and rafts. On these waters the wake created by large motorboats can capsize smaller craft. Motorboat waves crashing the shore can also cause ill feelings with bank anglers. Boating restrictions are listed in the Wyoming Fishing Regulations.

A. In Wyoming, all boats with any size motor, both gas and electric, need to be registered. Wyoming does not require registration of non-motorized watercraft, but be aware that some states do and you should check if you intend to use your non-motorized watercraft in another state. In addition, some national parks, including Yellowstone, require a permit to operate a non-motorized boat in the park. All watercraft using Wyoming waters are required to display an Aquatic Invasive Species decal. Non-motorized inflatable watercraft 10 feet or less in length are exempt.

A. Only if accompanied by an adult. Boating laws specify that no person shall operate or be in physical control of a numbered motorboat unless he or she is 16 years of age or is accompanied by an adult. This includes personal watercraft such as jet skis and waverunners since these craft are classified as motorboats under Wyoming law.

A. If you're 13 or older, then you are not required by law to wear a life jacket - but it is recommended. However, wearing a life jacket is required in some boating activities, including water skiing and being towed by a boat on other devices. Boaters are encouraged to read the section in the Wyoming Boating Regulations dealing with the various safety equipment required for different classes of boats.