The boat, canoe, kayak, etc. has to be registered to use a motor whether gas or electric. They can be used on most bodies of water with the exception of a few. You have to check the fishing regs for specific ones.http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?a=2696&q=322688&deepNav_GID=1630 Also you will need a Safe Boating Certificate or a Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation.http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?a=2686&q=322292&deepNav_GID=1620