Beak Boater

I copied this from another website. If in fact this now has legs, it could be real trouble for alot of boaters. For those in Va. remember the Potomac is Md. up to the high tide mark so it could effect you guys also if you boat on the Potomac.

Thought this was not going anywhere, now it may be areal deal, below is a synopsis of what we are up against.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources has a bill which contains an act concerning vessel noise limitations on state waters. The bill proposes the noise level be limited to 88dB(A) for vessels made after 1993. For vessels manufactured before 1993, 90dB(A) is the proposed limit.
In summary, it states that as of July 1, 2010 the vessel cannot be equipped with an altered muffler or a device that bypasses, reduces, or eliminates the effectiveness of a muffler or noise suppression device.
Fines are $500 for the 1st offense. $1,000 or imprisonment of 30 days or both for the second.
This MUST be stopped! The National Marine Manufacturer’s (NMMA) has said they can live with the 88DB(A) as long as “Captain’s Choice” (by pass system) is allowed. The bill, as it is written, limits the noise and does not allow for by-pass systems at all.
This all came about when members of the Elk River Yacht Club complained that their “quality of life” is being ruined by those noisy boats.
If you are interested in reading the entire bill, visit the State of MD General Assembly website at www.mlis.state.md.us. In the “Submit Query” box put “SB 70”. The site also contains information on how to contact your Legislator.
We need the help of every member. Please write or call your Senator and/or Delegates. This bill impacts the entire state. ASK THAT THIS BILL BE STOPPED! Below is an example of what you might say:
Regarding Senate Bill 70:
Please reject any change in the existing regulations regarding vessel noise on the waters of the State of Maryland. One problem being that we do not have adequate enforcement of existing regulations.
It is my understanding that Senate Bill 70 is the result of a complaint by only a few residents living in the Northeastern portion of the state. Please do not make this a State Regulation for everyone.
In addition, the proposal goes against what the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association (NMMA proposes. The industry cannot comply with this bill as it is written. Please reconsider SB70.

So here is what I need. How do we argue against this? It is basically in line with Fed law and how do you make an argument that louder is better to the "civilians" ? How can a guy claim economic hardship when he needs to buy $1200 bucks worth of mufflers on a 100k boat? Give me some reasonable arguments to use, this could get Serious for us in MD.
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The artist formerly known as insptech.


www.cbpba.com

In The Pink

Looks like the fight is primarily coming from these guys, http://elkryc.com/

Go to their website and you'll see they are working hard to make up these laws and they have plans for more sringent laws. They want a noise passby shoreline law. Check it out.

KEVLARKAT32

Here Is Karma , The Elk River Marina Roof Collapsed And Owner Should Not Throw Stones Because The Boats Were In Water When Roof Collapsed And Now Is Polluting The Water

Beak Boater

Most of this information is found either on Speedwake.com or through Chesapeake Power Boat Club. I am only cut and pasting threads, and I hope Jeff Jennings, or Ted, doesn't mind that we are trying to spread the word. Their is a link to send and email to Senator EJ Pipkin on Speedwake.com

Ok - here's the update.

Here is an email to the list of people behind this bill. You can see they're disappointed that our State Senator EJ Pipkin "pulled the bill" last week and THEY WANT IT RE-INTRODUCED!

The main efforts for this bill are coming from the North East River Yacht Club - it's funny how the want me to bring Rock The Bay and Thunder on the Bay to their Yacht Club and help pay for their new and expensive docks, but don't want Performance Boats on the bay disturbing them. That's not surprising because 90% of the floating condo's there never leave the docks any way

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Quote:
From: XXX XXXXX [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Tuesday, February 09, 2010 8:50 PM

To: {names removed to protect their privacy}
Subject: Boat Noise Issue URGENT
Importance: High

Senate Bill 70, the legislation to reduce levels of boat noise in Maryland waters, came to the floor of the Maryland Senate today,
and Senator EJ Pipkin, who represents Cecil County, pulled the bill from a vote.

It will be voted upon tomorrow, Wednesday, February 10th.

Apparently he was more concerned with the number of boaters who would be affected than the number of residents who are adversely affected by excessive noise.

He needs to hear from all of us now.

Please call his Annapolis office this evening or first thing on Wednesday morning at 410-841-3639 and leave a message urging him to vote for Senate Bill 70.

He needs to hear from as many residents as possible before the vote is taken.

Please pass the word along to all your contacts. CALL NOW! Thank you.

Linster

Asking a question, the bill cuts from 90db to 88db. That don't seem like much. How much db does a typical performance boat, with stock power & wet exhaust make? I was under the understanding that wet exhaust was considered a muffler. We went through that a few years back on the James. They targeted dry exhaust boats. After a month or so, it seemed to go away unless somebody complained. Being I don't live in Maryland but boat in Maryland water I agree, It should be fought. Give them a inch, they will take a mile.

BTW, lookes like he has his hands full with the marina now,

Beak Boater

I cant find the information, but I read some were that 88db was in line with the Federal Guidlines, that may make the state eligible for federal funds to help enforce. Not 100% certain about that. Maryland has had a 90db noise limit on the water for 20 years. The state has no money for equipment or training to enforce it. A big block with dry exhaust is anywere from 101db to 110db. Thru hull exhaust that is wet, with no mufflers is in the 90's. But their again you get into how to measure, how many feet from the exhaust, at idle, or part throttle. Their are many variables. As a side note most gas lawn mowers exceed 80db.

In The Pink

Here's the info. you are looking for...

http://www.dsd.state.md.us/comar/Sub...rch=08.18.03.*

45SS

If anybody knows the names and e-mails of some Virginia Representatives that might help. It may be possible we could get some support from them. We do share the river (Potomac) and it might help. We people on the other side do support and visit Maryland establishments.'' Remember'' like you said we burn gas (TAXES) we eat and drink(TAXES) we visit marinias and partake in poker runs,again(TAXES) Those big floating campers which rarely leave dock, don't contribute as much as we do to the economy

Beak Boater

Update:

After all the assurances that the Senators we talked to would not vote for it.....Wait for it......It passed 43 to 1.

There were some amendments including making a first offense a warning, which is good. But now it has to go to the House and they are likely to pass it also. Of course with no funding and no standards as to training and operation of the equipment it is an empty law.

Your boat has mufflers so it is very unlikely you would be bothered, and we already have several legal arguments ready if anyone has to go to court on this mess
__________________
The artist formerly known as insptech.


www.cbpba.com

MDsteve410

It really is an empty law, at what distance is the 88db to be measured ? At the transom ? Standing on the dock ? Or Standing 100' away on the shore ? On a side note is anyone suprised that a politician didn't keep his / her word ?