Look what I stumbled across. Thought some of you might be interested in this. This is for California but from what I've read, it sounds like ALOT (most/all) states have the same type of law.

HN§ 654. Exhaust
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.

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.
Am 1997 Ch. 666

HN§ 654.05. Noise Levels-Engine
(a) No person shall operate any motorized recreational vessel in or upon the inland waters of this state in a manner that exceeds the following noise levels:
(1) For engines manufactured before January 1, 1976, a noise level of 86 dbA measured at a distance of 50 feet from the motorized recreational vessel.
(2) For engines manufactured on or after January 1, 1976, and before January 1, 1978, a noise level of 84 dbA measured at a distance of 50 feet from the motorized recreational vessel.
(3) For engines manufactured on or after January 1, 1978, a noise level of 82 dbA measured at a distance of 50 feet from the motorized recreational vessel.
(b) Testing procedures employed to determine noise levels shall be in accordance with the Exterior Sound Level Measurement Procedure For Pleasure Motorboats of the Society of Automotive Engineers in its recommended practice designated SAE J34. The department may, by regulation, revise the measurement procedure when deemed necessary to adjust to advances in technology.
(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.

Just to let you know, a stock honda exhaust puts out about 75 dbs!! You are basically screwed if you have through hull exhaust! Unless you quote HN§ 654.05. sub section (c) and tell whoever pulls you over you are on a "trail run" Might just get you out of at least 1 ticket!

Tank

Hey Tank, I would say a SCOPE lunch run can be called a regatta

Please excuse the noise officer, but I am conducting a test and heading out for some speed trials...oh don't mind the noise, I am excluded during these test's

EXACTLY!!!!

Great info guys...

Yet another reason to participate in SCOPE lunch runs...

You guys ever wonder why Lial, and D-man hve all them stickers

Guess he is smarter then the average bear!!!

I am interested in lunch runs. Can anyone tell me where and when?

Thanks,
Tom

Tom,

SCOPE does a bunch of improptu (spelling?) lunch runs besides the regular planned runs. Ron (Dman) posted info on a run to the Long beach Yardhouse from Newport this Saturday. You can pretty much just say when you're going to be boating in that area and find someone to go with!

Sorry I can't figure it out. I searched for Dman and saw all his posts, but none about going for a ride. Is there another site or something? Who is SCOPE?

Thanks,
Tom

Unfortunately, you will then be promptly requested to produce the municipally issued permit.

Tom........this is the thread.

CLICK HERE

SCOPE is a powerboating club in SoCal. Here is the address: www.SCOPEinfo.com