Tom

I read that there is an exemption in California at least for purpose built race boats. Does that mean that my batboat is exempt since it is obviously a race boat? Can I claim that every run I make in it is a practice run? Anybody know anything about how being a canopy race boat might exempt me from noise rules?

Thanks,
Tom

Tom

After two years on manic-depressive drugs I am finally coming back into the world. You can contact me at http://www.batboats.com/contact.html and I hope to hear from you.

Tom Wootton
President - DBSA North County (Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance)
24360 Old Wagon Road
Escondido, CA 92027
(760)749-5719
www.BipolarInOrder.com

I came here to find myself,
I didn't like what I found,
I'm going back.

Sean H

those will only work at idle and on boats where you can dump the exhaust under water without interference with the drives or steering....

timewarp

Welcome back Tom,
Glad you're getting on with things and enjoying life again.

Good Luck,
Caleb

Tom

Not exactly enjoying life yet, but looking forward to it. Read a great book called "The Hypomanic Edge - The link between a little craziness and a lot of success in America" and it reminded me that I used to have a great time when I let myself be manic. Why else do I own a race boat for driving around San Francisco Bay?

I don't want mufflers, I like the sound. My pipes are way above the water and do not even mix in water till the end of the pipe, and 560 cid 650 hp, so it is extremely loud. I have no intention of driving anywhere but the bay. Southern California was just not that exciting since too often there were not enough waves to get excited about. I just wonder if it is true that since it is a race boat, I can claim that and there is (is there) an exemption for race boats.

No, my boat is not labelled anything and never was. pictures at www.batboats.com I am thinking about making it look more like a "real" race boat so they have less reason to question me though.

Manic Depression has given me the ability to do great things in my life, or at least gave me the delusion to think they were!

Ron P

In NJ whenever a race wants to test (race boats don't need registration numbers either) they first need to fill out a form at the local Marine Police station. The test area is defined and three 20 minute test sessions are allowed throughout the time frame of the permit. Permits are free. It's just a formality so if someone complains, they know your testing and roughly when it should end.

It's not the answer you were looking for.

Tom

Thanks Ron,
Actually it is a very good answer. I wonder if it would work the same in CA. I have no problem with that requirement as long as they let me test once a week or sometimes even more often. No registration means no taxes or numbers on the boat. I have been trying to google info, but so far cannot find any reference to CA laws.

Thanks,
Tom

Ron P

You can call the local marine police now, they're open 24hrs.

Tom

here is the relevant text from the california law. Looks like I can qualify and I will have to carry a copy of the sales reciept that says the boat is sold for the purpose of racing. Looks Like Ron is also right here in California - I will have to get a permit from the local authorities every time I take it out.

AB 1555, Nakano. Motorized recreational vessels.
(b) A person may manufacture for sale a motorized recreational
vessel that is not equipped as required under subdivision (a) if the
vessel is designed, manufactured, and sold for the sole purpose of
competing in racing events.
(c) A person may not sell a vessel that is exempted under
subdivision (b) unless there is compliance with both of the
following:
(1) The sales agreement includes a statement that the vessel is
designed, manufactured, and sold for the sole purpose of competing in
racing events and may not be operated in or upon the inland waters,
or in or upon ocean waters that are within one mile of the coastline
of the state, except under the conditions described in subdivision
(c) of Section 654.
(2) The statement described in paragraph (1) is signed by both the
buyer and the seller.
(d) Both the buyer and the seller of a vessel exempted under
subdivision (b) shall maintain copies of the sales agreement
described in paragraph (1) of subdivision (c).
(e) A person may not operate a vessel that is exempted under
subdivision (b) unless a copy of the sales agreement described in
paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) is on board the vessel.
(f) A person may not operate a vessel that is exempted under
subdivision (b) in or upon the inland waters, or in or upon ocean
waters within one mile of the coastline of the state, except under
the conditions described in subdivision (c) of Section 654.

654. (a) The exhaust of every internal combustion engine used on
any motorized recreational vessel shall be effectively muffled at all
times to prevent any excessive or unusual noise and as may be
necessary to comply with Section 654.05.
(c) This section does not apply to motorized recreational vessels
competing under a local public entity or United States Coast Guard
permit in a regatta, in a boat race, while on trial runs, or while on
official trials for speed records during the time and in the
designated area authorized by the permit. In addition, this section
does not apply to motorized recreational vessels preparing for a race
or regatta if authorized by a permit issued by the local entity
having jurisdiction over the area where the preparations occur.

dhlaw

Florida statutes read...

327.65 Muffling devices.--

(1) The exhaust of every internal combustion engine used on any vessel operated on the waters of this state shall be effectively muffled by equipment so constructed and used as to muffle the noise of the exhaust in a reasonable manner. The use of cutouts is prohibited, except for vessels competing in a regatta or official boat race, and for such vessels while on trial runs.

I regularly run my boat with dry exhaust that exits through the deck. I rarely get stopped or hassled but I realize that I am far from legal. I would naturally make the argument that I am on a "trial run" but the reality is I think that the statute contemplates trial runs in events. Its still a cheap ticket!!!