AIRBOAT-MUFFLER EDUCATION
CAMPAIGN CONTINUES

Florida airboat owners have a few more months to ensure their crafts have automotive-style mufflers installed on the boats’ engine exhausts.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved the enforcement protocol last year, effective June 30, 2006.

An education campaign for airboat owners will continue through June 30. After that date, FWC officers have the option to issue written warnings or citations for failure to use the appropriate muffling devices.

Registered airboat owners in Florida should have received a letter and brochure explaining in detail the law enforcement protocol – airboats must have automotive-style mufflers or a muffling system designed and installed to abate exhaust sounds and gases emitted from an internal combustion engine. Anyone who has yet to receive a letter and brochure, or who needs additional copies, should call Brian Rehwinkel at (850) 488-5600 or e-mail him at brian.rehwinkel@MyFWC.com.

State law requires vessels’ engine exhaust to be muffled effectively in a reasonable manner. Individual counties may enact additional ordinances to restrict vessel sound to 90 decibels at 50 feet.

Researchers examined sound levels from different styles of mufflers -- including exhaust and intake manifold mufflers and differing propeller designs -- at various operating speeds and distances from an observer. They determined that several components, when used together, could provide the needed incremental improvements to reduce airboat sound levels significantly. They include mufflers, wide-blade propellers and prop-speed reduction.

Historically, “flex-pipe” (flexible tubing that diverts engine exhaust behind the boat) has been widely accepted as a reasonable device for muffling sound. Newly released scientific research reveals flex-pipe does not meet Florida’s muffling requirements. 

“Your Guide to Safe and Courteous Airboat Operation,” a brochure included with the letter, discusses additional methods to further reduce sound levels and includes the Airboater Code of Ethics, tips on courtesy and proper outdoor stewardship.

This article originally published on April 20, 2006.

Written by :

westmark

 

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