Enjoy the beauty of Otsego Lake at a leisurely pace. The winds are generally out of the west - northwest making for some great cruising

Sail to Cooperstown on the southern shore to the northern end which is bordered by a large sandy beach and golf course. In between these shores are many anchorages for swimming, sunbathing and stopping for lunch. Two parks, Three Mile Point on the west shore and Glimmerglass State Park in the northeast corner, are great spots for kids.

Whether out for a few hours or a day-long sail, Otsego Lake offers many opportunities for the cruising sailor.

Floating Object Permits

* Floating Object:
* Any anchored marker or platform floating on the surface of the water other than aids to navigation and shall include, but not be limited to; bathing beach markers, swimming or diving platforms, mooring buoys, fishing buoys, ski jumps and special anchorage areas.

Waterfront property owners are permitted to put one mooring buoy and/or one diving platform (100 square foot maximum) within 100 feet of their shoreline, and within the boundaries of their property lines. If they wish to place a floating object beyond 100 feet from shore, or in excess of the one object allowed, they must seek permission from State Parks in accordance with Section 35-a of the NYS Navigation Law. This category of floating object includes mooring buoys, bathing beach markers, special anchorage area markers, speed zone markers, and swimming floats.
In general, the permit is granted based upon the recommendation of a local marine law enforcement agency using the following two criteria:

* a) Does the object pose a hazard to safe navigation?
* b) Does the object restrict free access to and from the shore for other residents?

Please note that this applies only to sole state waters outside of the Adirondack and Catskill Park Regions, in which case the Department of Environmental Conservation should be contacted. Visit our Resources page to download a Floating Object Permit Application.

This form is located at
http://nysparks.state.ny.us/boating/resource.asp

Scroll down the page to Regulatory Forms and download the Floating Object Permit