Kansas Boating Noise Law
 

OK, I'm going to give everyone a chance to make fun of the brain damaged kid...
Was the Kansas exhaust noise limit always at 86 db?
I remember when they originated the KS noise law, they were telling everyone " it's the most lenient noise law in the US."
They lied.
This was followed by a number of meetings at the State capital. Last I knew, they had eased off of the enforcement of this law because of the hornets nest it stirred, as well as making almost every Maw & Paw houseboat illegal.
I just picked up a new Kansas boating handbook and saw the noise law in the book.
What was the last word on this?

I think you are looking at out of date information.

Current Law - http://kslegislature.org/li/b2011_12...32_011_0020_k/

32-1120. Restrictions on motorboat exhaust noise; compliance; penalties. (a) A motorboat shall not be operated on the waters of this state under any condition or in any manner whereby the motorboat exhaust noise emits a sound level in excess of 92 decibels on the "A" weighted scale, when subjected to a stationary sound level test as prescribed by SAE J2005.

(b) The provisions of subsection (a) shall not apply to motorboats officially registered and competing in or while on trial runs 48 hours immediately preceding a regatta, race, marine parade, tournament or exhibition which has been authorized or permitted by the department.

Orignial MWBP thread announcing the news - http://midwestboatparty.com/forum/sh...w-new-for-2008

The summary handbook I read did not even mention a number?

This was from a new (?) KS boating handbook givin to me by a KDWP person Monday, so I assumed it was current. (I know- ASS-U-M-E )
The book stated on page 14-

Specifically, it is illegal to exceed a sound level of 86 decibels on the "A" weighted scale when measured from a distance of 50 feet or more from the vessel's engine.
Trust me, I like your number much better. It's also a more realistic number. So, are they just giving out old books?
what is the actual legal limit?

The above was quoted from a book stating 2009-2010 edition
My concern is- They created this law without any public input. I was told about 6 years ago by a representative AT THE STATE CAPITAL that this "noise thing" was a local issue concerning some small lake out west.
We were being lied to then, and it's sounding they are playing with numbers again without the public knoweledge.
If it looks like ****t, and smells like ****t, then don't bother tasting it!

In the mid 90's Powerboat mag. had a list state by state of noise levels. Kansas was listed with no noise law.

The 86db is at a distance of 50ft or more and is the same as it is at LOTO.
For reference, before I had any mufflers on my 525SC Pantera, the WP at LOTO gave me a warning for being at 89db.

I would say it is an old book or mis-printed/outdated info.
The 86db at 50' was repealed in 2008.

The link to statute 32-1120 is the current law on the books. 92db stationary, captians call allowed. Stationary is the only test.
The benifit of the stationary test only is if the exhaust is equiped with turndowns it can run much louder on plane. (I know u already knew that Gordo)
http://kslegislature.org/li/b2011_12...32_011_0020_k/


In other good news for some Kansas boaters and campers - SB 2689 is on its way to passing both houses.
Contained in section 41-719c11 - allows liquor in state parks (currently only 3.2 cereal malt beverages are "legal") If passed as currently written, the change will be effective July 1.