EXHAUST MUFFLERS

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.
• This regulation shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2005, and as of that date is repealed, unless a later enacted statute that is enacted before January 1, 2005, deletes or extends that date.

"Muffler" or "mufflersystem" is a sound suppression device or system that is designed and installed to abate the sound of exhaust gases emitted from an internal combustion engine and prevents excessive or unusual noise.

• an underwater through-the-propeller-hub exhaust outlet system is a muffler system.
• A motorized recreational vessel that is operated in or upon the inland waters, or in or upon ocean waters that are within one mile of the coastline of the state shall be equipped at all times with a muffler or a muffler system that is all of the following:
• In good working condition.
• In constant operation.
• Installed in a manner that effectively brings the vessel into compliance.

This rule became operative on January 1, 2005.

Noise Levels

Current Rule:

A person may not operate a motorized recreational vessel in or upon the inland waters of this state in a manner that exceeds the following noise levels:

• noise level of 86 dbA measured at a distance of 50 feet from the motorized recreational vessel.

• noise level of 84 dbA measured at a distance of 50 feet from the motorized recreational vessel.

For engines manufacturedon or after January 1, 1978

• noise level of 82 dbA measured at a distance of 50 feet from the motorized recreational vessel.

Effective on January 1, 2005:

• a noise level of 90 dB(A)

• a noise level of 88 dB(A)

Exemptions: 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.