Ok which do we think it is. We all have seen the FLORIDA law posted on here. It surely has to be one of these reasons that no one ever gets a ticket for not having mufflers. I know I have seen them check boats for all types of stuff but they never seem to notice that there are no mufflers present. I believe there is a conspiracy to get airboats banned and by letting everyone run in direct violation of the current law until the public is outraged as they are now is a great way to get the ball rolling towards a total ban on them.
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LACK OF MUFFLER ENFORCEMENT
- Thread starter cntry141iq
- Start date
SwampMatt
Well-known member
FWC Capt. Richard Moore":o7w78h6p said:
Up to this point, they have just worded the law to allow counties to enact their own limits to sound restrictions.
I think Capt. Moore's comments are a crystal ball of things to come.
First step: effective mufflers.
Second step: speed restrictions
Third step: outlawing 'bursts' of sound from dryloading and a snappy hole shot.
Interesting to note that he says complaints come from traditional boaters as well.
Except for mufflers, everything he mentions are behavior modifications.
Thanks to those who have worked hard to build a quieter boat. Like you cntry. Thanks.
You are the example that I'm following for sure.matt.
cowboy
Moderator
Your right Cntry,
They have not been enforcing the law that requires effective muffling devices.
I guess like Big Boom states, they must be considering the use of flex pipes as being in compliance.
I don't think it's a matter of if, but when some legislation will pass at the state level that will mandate muffler use, or regulate airboat noise levels.
Probably won't matter much though....
Cause the Counties will get it done now! It's already happening. They will not wait much longer for Tallahassee to act, and who knows what sort of restrictions they will come up with. What ever that winds up being, the outcome for airboating will more than likely not be good.
We have to change the way we operate first, to minimize disturbance to local residents. Not dry loading at 3:15 am in areas where their are homes for example, or a long idle out into the marsh before getting on it, other airboaters will notice. They'll ask " why did you do that?" Perhaps then they will modify their own operational behaviors. A little consideration goes a long way.
We need to reduce the number of complaints at the local levels quickly, or the State law won't matter. The county commisions don't care that we were there first. It's not 1979 anymore.
And looks who's talking.
I still don't have mufflers on my boat! It's embarrasing.
I have bought some though. I need to make modifications, and buy some more parts to install them. It takes time and money, but I'm working on it.
I'm just trying to get ready. If they do pass a 90db rule, then I think it will be difficult to enforce. It will probably come down to a considerate operator with mufflers getting a pass from enforcement efforts, and a cowboy with out mufflers getting cited.
We need to be setting an example to other airboaters, and even I'm not doing that yet. Until I can, I'm trying to operate with out distrubing others.
Thanks Cntry.
Thanks for putting your time, effort, and money into setting an example.
You've done a lot more than just bolt on some mufflers. I know you've been trying a comprehensive aproach to quiet your boat down overall.
R&D like that takes effort. I respect you for it.
Even Waterthunder has mufflers on his boat, and said he was trying to quiet it down even more. If he can live with mufflers, then I can too. He's more then likely correct that I'll get more tourque with them, and I'm looking forward to that, and maybe pulling a little more pitch. Gas aint getting any cheaper, and that may lend more to economy cruise for me.
Most of all, I'm looking forward to a quieter boat. I think it will be even more enjoyable with a reduced noide signature. Just like CC indicated.
Don't doubt it a bit.
They have not been enforcing the law that requires effective muffling devices.
I guess like Big Boom states, they must be considering the use of flex pipes as being in compliance.
I don't think it's a matter of if, but when some legislation will pass at the state level that will mandate muffler use, or regulate airboat noise levels.
Probably won't matter much though....
Cause the Counties will get it done now! It's already happening. They will not wait much longer for Tallahassee to act, and who knows what sort of restrictions they will come up with. What ever that winds up being, the outcome for airboating will more than likely not be good.
We have to change the way we operate first, to minimize disturbance to local residents. Not dry loading at 3:15 am in areas where their are homes for example, or a long idle out into the marsh before getting on it, other airboaters will notice. They'll ask " why did you do that?" Perhaps then they will modify their own operational behaviors. A little consideration goes a long way.
We need to reduce the number of complaints at the local levels quickly, or the State law won't matter. The county commisions don't care that we were there first. It's not 1979 anymore.
And looks who's talking.
I still don't have mufflers on my boat! It's embarrasing.
I have bought some though. I need to make modifications, and buy some more parts to install them. It takes time and money, but I'm working on it.
I'm just trying to get ready. If they do pass a 90db rule, then I think it will be difficult to enforce. It will probably come down to a considerate operator with mufflers getting a pass from enforcement efforts, and a cowboy with out mufflers getting cited.
We need to be setting an example to other airboaters, and even I'm not doing that yet. Until I can, I'm trying to operate with out distrubing others.
Thanks Cntry.
Thanks for putting your time, effort, and money into setting an example.
You've done a lot more than just bolt on some mufflers. I know you've been trying a comprehensive aproach to quiet your boat down overall.
R&D like that takes effort. I respect you for it.
Even Waterthunder has mufflers on his boat, and said he was trying to quiet it down even more. If he can live with mufflers, then I can too. He's more then likely correct that I'll get more tourque with them, and I'm looking forward to that, and maybe pulling a little more pitch. Gas aint getting any cheaper, and that may lend more to economy cruise for me.
Most of all, I'm looking forward to a quieter boat. I think it will be even more enjoyable with a reduced noide signature. Just like CC indicated.
Don't doubt it a bit.
Hey BIG BOOM what would you call an EFFECTIVE MUFFLING DEVICE except a muffler? If you can show me some where it says flex pipe is an EFFECTIVE MUFFLING DEVICE then post it on here and let everyone see it? dont keep it a secret, share it with us.
But just because you have heard that flex pipe is all they require all I can say is they haven't written it down anywhere that I can find and in that case they can change their mind anytime they want to and it isn't their wallet it comes out of so do you really trust them that much. I bet the ticket is more than a set of mufflers
But just because you have heard that flex pipe is all they require all I can say is they haven't written it down anywhere that I can find and in that case they can change their mind anytime they want to and it isn't their wallet it comes out of so do you really trust them that much. I bet the ticket is more than a set of mufflers
Just my 2 cents, I just don't like the fact that our freedom to chose to ride an airboat, hunt, motorcycle, fish, frog or even drive a truck without having to read a thousand laws on stuff that we work hard and pay alot of taxes for. Rules and laws change now a days at an alarming rate!!! Remember when you didn't have to have a license to fish in salt water!!! Our freedom to fart out in public will be under review next :shock: Then again soom farts should be banned . Airboating has been around for a very long time. Why in the hell do we have to change everything we do or say for that matter!! We pay alot for or way of life to have some clowns tell us how we have to do it. Don't stomp on it, don't run dry, don't power load your boat, travel at slower speeds. My boat can't go fast at all!!! Hey!! I have an idea, make every place an idle zone!!! The manatees only seem to be in front of marinas and houses around Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach!!! Seems to be where the biggest concentration of SEA COWS hang out!!!!
FOR SALE: 13ft. Big -O New hull, 472 caddy direct drive, front steer 2 rear. New poly, through bolted Runs great $5,000 takes it :evil:
. Airboating has been around for a very long time. Why in the hell do we have to change everything we do or say for that matter!! We pay alot for or way of life to have some clowns tell us how we have to do it. Don't stomp on it, don't run dry, don't power load your boat, travel at slower speeds. My boat can't go fast at all!!! Hey!! I have an idea, make every place an idle zone!!! The manatees only seem to be in front of marinas and houses around Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach!!! Seems to be where the biggest concentration of SEA COWS hang out!!!!FOR SALE: 13ft. Big -O New hull, 472 caddy direct drive, front steer 2 rear. New poly, through bolted Runs great $5,000 takes it :evil:
SwampMatt
Well-known member
Wade - to answer your question of why...
Because some folks worked hard all their life in the city and sat in traffic dreaming of getting away from it all and moving to a nice quiet house in the country. They made enough money to buy a nice lakefront lot in a quiet, peaceful setting.
After they got out there they discovered it did not live up to their dreams and fantasies, and they complained about it. They got good at complaining when they lived in the city, so they know how to get what they want.
So here we are.
They say if we fight it, we'll lose. I believe that. But I sure don't think we should just roll over and die! They say mufflers. Next it'll be props, then wakes eroding the shore, and on and on until they find themselves complaining about the loud frogs & crickets.
I really hope they meet the goal of getting the lobbyist. It's hard to get a law on to the books, and even harder to get it repealed. So we've got to find what ground we are gonna take and defend that ground!!! The FAU sound study will show what ground is defendable. But strangly, it arrives just AFTER the first battle begins in the legislature.
If we can whip them in the first fight, it will make a bigger hill for them to climb.
Mufflers now, but it will not go away. Their fantasy is the 'Little House On The Prairie' and that is very very hard to change. Its an unattainable goal but they don't know that. I think one key to winning the war is to educate them about these flawed dreams they have.
get that lobbyist!!!
matt.
Because some folks worked hard all their life in the city and sat in traffic dreaming of getting away from it all and moving to a nice quiet house in the country. They made enough money to buy a nice lakefront lot in a quiet, peaceful setting.
After they got out there they discovered it did not live up to their dreams and fantasies, and they complained about it. They got good at complaining when they lived in the city, so they know how to get what they want.
So here we are.
They say if we fight it, we'll lose. I believe that. But I sure don't think we should just roll over and die! They say mufflers. Next it'll be props, then wakes eroding the shore, and on and on until they find themselves complaining about the loud frogs & crickets.
I really hope they meet the goal of getting the lobbyist. It's hard to get a law on to the books, and even harder to get it repealed. So we've got to find what ground we are gonna take and defend that ground!!! The FAU sound study will show what ground is defendable. But strangly, it arrives just AFTER the first battle begins in the legislature.
If we can whip them in the first fight, it will make a bigger hill for them to climb.
Mufflers now, but it will not go away. Their fantasy is the 'Little House On The Prairie' and that is very very hard to change. Its an unattainable goal but they don't know that. I think one key to winning the war is to educate them about these flawed dreams they have.
get that lobbyist!!!
matt.
rick
Administrator
This page has specific paragraphs that address flex-pipe & whether or not traditional mufflers will be required from the State of Florida's perspective:
http://myfwc.com/boating/airboat_sound_faq.htm
Keep in mind that this only the state's interpretation and there are individual counties that are already writing tickets for no mufflers.
There's no doubt in my mind that mufflers are coming statewide and all airboaters should get used to that idea. I didn't think I was happy about having to install them on my 4 cyl. two years ago per a Seminole County ordinance. Now that I have them, I wouldn't take them off whether they were required or not. Even been thinking about getting some better ones.
This thread reminded me of a post Bigdaddy made a while back when I was whining about whether mufflers were gonna help much with the battle against the anti-airboaters:
http://myfwc.com/boating/airboat_sound_faq.htm
Keep in mind that this only the state's interpretation and there are individual counties that are already writing tickets for no mufflers.
There's no doubt in my mind that mufflers are coming statewide and all airboaters should get used to that idea. I didn't think I was happy about having to install them on my 4 cyl. two years ago per a Seminole County ordinance. Now that I have them, I wouldn't take them off whether they were required or not. Even been thinking about getting some better ones.
This thread reminded me of a post Bigdaddy made a while back when I was whining about whether mufflers were gonna help much with the battle against the anti-airboaters:
The last two sentences have stuck with me ever since.Bigdaddy":3mf7wi4v said:
THANK YOU RICK now we all know where the belief that flex pipe is a muffling device came from. The sherriffs office here in MANATEE COUNTY according to the deputies I talked to over the last few years do not and have not considered flex pipe to be a muffling device and they have written tickets on it.
BUT NOW EVERYONE KNOWS WHERE IT CAME FROM AND AGAIN THANK YOU.
BUT NOW EVERYONE KNOWS WHERE IT CAME FROM AND AGAIN THANK YOU.
BigBoom
Well-known member
Thank you Rick for posting that link.
The law’s terminology “…effectively muffled…in a reasonable manner� leaves considerable room for interpretation and is a major topic in the airboat sound issue. The law does not specifically require a “muffler� similar to those used by the automobile industry, only that engines be “muffled.� Approximately 20 years ago, this requirement was loosely interpreted by the former Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission to accept the use of “flex-pipe� as an improved muffling device over open exhaust for airboats. As the number of waterfront residences and airboats has increased over the years, the “effectiveness� of muffling airboats with “flex-pipe� has come into question.
My point was that there is no law at present that requires mufflers specifically. I think that it is everyone's interest to have them. The law requiring them is very close. I have them on my boat. I don't know why it was brought up about airboaters not getting tickets for not having mufflers. There is not a law that specifically states you have to.
Cntry,
Have you known of anyone in Manatee County that got a ticket and challenged it in court. Just because a cop writes you a ticket, it dosen't mean he was legal in doing so.
The law’s terminology “…effectively muffled…in a reasonable manner� leaves considerable room for interpretation and is a major topic in the airboat sound issue. The law does not specifically require a “muffler� similar to those used by the automobile industry, only that engines be “muffled.� Approximately 20 years ago, this requirement was loosely interpreted by the former Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission to accept the use of “flex-pipe� as an improved muffling device over open exhaust for airboats. As the number of waterfront residences and airboats has increased over the years, the “effectiveness� of muffling airboats with “flex-pipe� has come into question.
My point was that there is no law at present that requires mufflers specifically. I think that it is everyone's interest to have them. The law requiring them is very close. I have them on my boat. I don't know why it was brought up about airboaters not getting tickets for not having mufflers. There is not a law that specifically states you have to.
Cntry,
Have you known of anyone in Manatee County that got a ticket and challenged it in court. Just because a cop writes you a ticket, it dosen't mean he was legal in doing so.
A
Anonymous
Guest
BigBoom Is right on the flex pipe. The FAA proposed legislation will require a "stock, factory type muffler."
We have made many friends of elected officials who see we are trying to help solve problems from within rather than do nothing & wait for those who don't know to act for us. (Like they did in 1988 with the arbitrary 90 dB @ 50'. We had no say because WE DID NOT SHOW! They wrote it anyway.)
By acting, we will not end up like the net fishermen who are banned by Constitutional Amendment.
When attacked, my view is with Gen. Forrest . (below)
PW
FAA Proposed Legislation :
There are 5 parts to our proposed legislation. I'll be brief in the explanation of each part.
1) We propose 94 dB @ 100'. The state's enabling act lists 90 dB .@ 50' that counties may adopt. While the state testing showed most vessels equipped with mufflers can operate 90 dB @ 50' while on a plane, none could achieve a plane within 90 dB. The 94 dB @ 100' will give us breathing room and numbers to work with.
2) We propose SAE J 1970 Testing Standards. We do not wish to have arbitrary testing. However, where problems exist, we want testing available via professional equipment, with testing conducted at the property or water line drawing complaints.
3) We propose "Factory Type" Mufflers. We want the 4dB of sound reduction automotive mufflers offer.
4) We propose a Definition of an Airboat in the Statues. Currently, there is no definition of an airboat on the part of the state.
5) We propose an Anti-Discrimination statement in the statues. This is a very important clause and will be a hurdle to our opponents and stop airboat specific laws in the counties. This may prove to override current discriminatory rules by the counties. Airboats will be governed as just another vessel.
Manatee County
If you want to see a copy of the Manatee County ordinances, drop me a line Gatorstick@aol.com & I'll forward the file.................
No Airboat operation between 6 PM & 8 am..................
We will lose airboating not by one pen stroke but county by county.
We have made many friends of elected officials who see we are trying to help solve problems from within rather than do nothing & wait for those who don't know to act for us. (Like they did in 1988 with the arbitrary 90 dB @ 50'. We had no say because WE DID NOT SHOW! They wrote it anyway.)
By acting, we will not end up like the net fishermen who are banned by Constitutional Amendment.
When attacked, my view is with Gen. Forrest . (below)
PW
FAA Proposed Legislation :
There are 5 parts to our proposed legislation. I'll be brief in the explanation of each part.
1) We propose 94 dB @ 100'. The state's enabling act lists 90 dB .@ 50' that counties may adopt. While the state testing showed most vessels equipped with mufflers can operate 90 dB @ 50' while on a plane, none could achieve a plane within 90 dB. The 94 dB @ 100' will give us breathing room and numbers to work with.
2) We propose SAE J 1970 Testing Standards. We do not wish to have arbitrary testing. However, where problems exist, we want testing available via professional equipment, with testing conducted at the property or water line drawing complaints.
3) We propose "Factory Type" Mufflers. We want the 4dB of sound reduction automotive mufflers offer.
4) We propose a Definition of an Airboat in the Statues. Currently, there is no definition of an airboat on the part of the state.
5) We propose an Anti-Discrimination statement in the statues. This is a very important clause and will be a hurdle to our opponents and stop airboat specific laws in the counties. This may prove to override current discriminatory rules by the counties. Airboats will be governed as just another vessel.
Manatee County
If you want to see a copy of the Manatee County ordinances, drop me a line Gatorstick@aol.com & I'll forward the file.................
No Airboat operation between 6 PM & 8 am..................
We will lose airboating not by one pen stroke but county by county.
basketcase0302
Well-known member
Hey ya'll,
I'll bring my "cadillac" sound meter to the Melborne run. Please let me know if you wan't a sound test on your specific boat as I don't want to be the one gettin' hatchets thrown at me!
Word of caution! I don't even think that my new Diamondback will comply with the 90 decibel rule but it's good info for everybody to know if/when it happens!
Basketcase
I'll bring my "cadillac" sound meter to the Melborne run. Please let me know if you wan't a sound test on your specific boat as I don't want to be the one gettin' hatchets thrown at me!
Word of caution! I don't even think that my new Diamondback will comply with the 90 decibel rule but it's good info for everybody to know if/when it happens!
Basketcase
BIG BOOM I dont know anyone who challenged the tickets. The law stacks the deck against you challenging one here. You have to pay for an independent operator to verify that at wide open throttle it meets the 90db rule. The manatee county law doesn't even require them to use a sound meter first but it requires you to pay for testing at wide open throttle even if you were just toolin along when they stopped you. The law here is not fair and a suit for declaratory judgement pointing out to a judge all the unfair aspects of it should be filed but it all costs money and there is always repercussions from pissin on the cops and law writers even when they deserve it. It is easier & cheaper to just go somewhere else as long as there is somewhere else to go. I have pointed out things to prosecuters and had them admit they knew it was wrong and then just smile and say " but how much justice can you afford" meaning you are going to spend a lot of money to win and it isn't worth it. Kinda like pissin your pants in a dark suit ... gives you a nice warm wet feeling ... but no one notices but you. I have had deputies who lost in court simply say .. thats ok we will watch em like a hawk and worry em to death with chicken things until we make em mad enough to mess up big. So no I don't know anyone who challenged and won its cheaper to just pay and go away.
G
Guest
Guest
soon enough it will start happning
A
Anonymous
Guest
I talked with Capt. Dave Markett on the phone this morning. Basically, this is going to be the position that we're considering taking on airboat sound, but we WANT and NEED your input. If you disagree PLEASE SAY SO !
We think that the requirement of 90db at 50' is not unreasonable because it's usually obtainable by just putting on a set of automotive style mufflers. And 'NO', it won't cost you 50 horsepower to do that! You might even like the quiet. However, we think it's reasonable to ask and require that all airboaters be given some time (a few months?) to get in compliance with the proposed requirement.
BUT ... But .. but, if we, the airboat community agrees that 90db is an acceptable sound level for the operation of an airboat, then that should also be the new acceptable maximum sound level for ANY watercraft ..... from tug boats to jet ski's. If they come along later and want to single us out again and ask for more, that's where we'll draw the line.
Tell us what you think about that. We WANT and NEED to know.
Ken
We think that the requirement of 90db at 50' is not unreasonable because it's usually obtainable by just putting on a set of automotive style mufflers. And 'NO', it won't cost you 50 horsepower to do that! You might even like the quiet. However, we think it's reasonable to ask and require that all airboaters be given some time (a few months?) to get in compliance with the proposed requirement.
BUT ... But .. but, if we, the airboat community agrees that 90db is an acceptable sound level for the operation of an airboat, then that should also be the new acceptable maximum sound level for ANY watercraft ..... from tug boats to jet ski's. If they come along later and want to single us out again and ask for more, that's where we'll draw the line.
Tell us what you think about that. We WANT and NEED to know.
Ken
Daddy Dave
Well-known member
Ken & SAO Gang,
I traveled from Central Florida with stellar company this past week - Swampjet, Gatorstick, Powershift Patty and Bobby Corey - to the FFWCC Airboat Sounds public workshop in West Palm Beach. Florida Sportsman & Conservation Association President Bishop Wright and many of his organization's members were there as was Byron Maharrey of the Everglades Coordinating Council. There were about 20 airboat enthusiasts in attendance.
There was unanimous enthusiast support for the requirement of all airboats to be required to have automotive style muffers as an operational requirement.
FFWCC will be adjusting their law enforcement protocol based on the vote of the FFWCC on their staff proposals to be presented on 30 November at the FFWCC Key Largo meeting. This issue is about in the middle of Wednesday's agenda.
In the recent past, flex pipe was considered as a minimum sufficent airboat muffing device - this after years of allowing airboats to run open headers. Times have changed, new population growth all arond our state has moved thousands of households into marsh adjoining developments. Complaints have increased and more are expected. There is absolutely no guarantee that requiring automotive style mufflers on all airboats will be the last or final step.
We should be thankful FFWCC has taken an incremental steps approach to this issue. They have listened and they have recently gathered the best available science with which they are suggesting a modest change in law enforcement protocol.
The KEY ELEMENT is not the requirement for mufflers - it is enthusiasts acceptance of the Airboaters Code of Ethics. Behavioral change might just save us, or it will make our lives much more complicated if we don't adjust our airboat operating procedures.
All counties have the option to pass an enabling act that will allow the enforcement of the motor vessel 90 DbA @ 50' sounds standard. About 18 already have. There are no court tested measurement protocols or standards, so tickets will be hard to make stick at present. That will soon change if we don't.
I expect SAO members will have play an important part in developing the Quiet Airboat Competition standards. I suspect changing the bad habits of all of us will be far more complicated.
I traveled from Central Florida with stellar company this past week - Swampjet, Gatorstick, Powershift Patty and Bobby Corey - to the FFWCC Airboat Sounds public workshop in West Palm Beach. Florida Sportsman & Conservation Association President Bishop Wright and many of his organization's members were there as was Byron Maharrey of the Everglades Coordinating Council. There were about 20 airboat enthusiasts in attendance.
There was unanimous enthusiast support for the requirement of all airboats to be required to have automotive style muffers as an operational requirement.
FFWCC will be adjusting their law enforcement protocol based on the vote of the FFWCC on their staff proposals to be presented on 30 November at the FFWCC Key Largo meeting. This issue is about in the middle of Wednesday's agenda.
In the recent past, flex pipe was considered as a minimum sufficent airboat muffing device - this after years of allowing airboats to run open headers. Times have changed, new population growth all arond our state has moved thousands of households into marsh adjoining developments. Complaints have increased and more are expected. There is absolutely no guarantee that requiring automotive style mufflers on all airboats will be the last or final step.
We should be thankful FFWCC has taken an incremental steps approach to this issue. They have listened and they have recently gathered the best available science with which they are suggesting a modest change in law enforcement protocol.
The KEY ELEMENT is not the requirement for mufflers - it is enthusiasts acceptance of the Airboaters Code of Ethics. Behavioral change might just save us, or it will make our lives much more complicated if we don't adjust our airboat operating procedures.
All counties have the option to pass an enabling act that will allow the enforcement of the motor vessel 90 DbA @ 50' sounds standard. About 18 already have. There are no court tested measurement protocols or standards, so tickets will be hard to make stick at present. That will soon change if we don't.
I expect SAO members will have play an important part in developing the Quiet Airboat Competition standards. I suspect changing the bad habits of all of us will be far more complicated.
fatboy0054
Well-known member
CONDOMS OR MUFFERS ! SEE WHAT HAPPENS IF WE DONT USE THEM A DISEASE THAT WONT GO AWAY :evil: A PAINFUL DEATH EITHER WAY
A DISEASE THAT WONT GO AWAY :evil: A PAINFUL DEATH EITHER WAY Its not hard to make a ticket stick for the sound issue all it boils down to is how much justice can you afford. If the sound test is more than the ticket then most will pay the ticket. SAD BUT TRUE. Quality mufflers, and altered driving habits are what it will take. It is not the folks out frogging that cause the bulk of the complaints it is the budwieser sponsored drivers who race past and up into peoples yards. I only say budwieser because surely a sober person would have more sense than to do that. I would love to have a silent boat myself and I realize that is unlikely so I do the best I can with what is available and I try to go to places that bother people the least. Many times I am the only boat on the water where I run and there are no houses in sight. Airboats are effectively banned in my county (manatee) and it was mostly due to one inconsiderate tour boat operator who took the screw em attitude and he got screwed instead and so did the rest of us. Personally I like running in remote areas where if I want to open up my boat until my cheeks start flappin in the wind and my sunglasses blow off my face from the speed I can. No one ever complains in the remote areas if you dry launch/load I have had gamewardens come over to my boat after climbing to the top of the dike at okeechobee and all they say is they wish their boat would run like that. The areas we run are more critical to our survival than mufflers and if we insist on running in habited areas then we better drive courteously if we want to survive in those areas.
AIRBOATING IS A PRIVILIDGE ... NOT A RIGHT just like driving your car. I often times have people on the shore and other boaters wave at me and they use all their fingers too so it is possible to be there in harmony with others and enjoy yourself. Usually the only exception to the waving deal is the canoes and kyaks, there just aint no making them folks happy, Thank goodness for good polymer LOL just kiddin about the polymer.
AIRBOATING IS A PRIVILIDGE ... NOT A RIGHT just like driving your car. I often times have people on the shore and other boaters wave at me and they use all their fingers too so it is possible to be there in harmony with others and enjoy yourself. Usually the only exception to the waving deal is the canoes and kyaks, there just aint no making them folks happy, Thank goodness for good polymer LOL just kiddin about the polymer.