according to the rule it is not illegal if the motto is 25 horse or less for kids under 12 and kids over 12 can operate any boat as long as they have a boater safety card. i was driving boats at a very long age and taking boats onto pepin with a buddy when we were 12 on our own. as long as you teach your kid water safety (wear your life jacket in particular) and have them take the classes necessisary to go out on your own then more power to them.