The next obstacle .... ?

[Anonymous]

Let's think about what's next.

We're all already working on the sound issue and we're all (owners, manufacturers, fabricators) makin' some real progress. I don't think it's out of the realm of possibility to believe that one day soon somebody is going to build a great performing airboat that you can have a conversation on while on plane, and I don't mean on headsets.

I'll be real honest with y'all. At first I really resisted this stuff about the 90db limit for two reasons: 1st) I have a hot rod heart. I love the sound of a powerful engine, any engine, and I didn't want to have to give that up, and 2nd) I sincerely resent being told that I "must" do anything. It kind of starts things off on "the wrong foot" if ya' know what I mean.

Lately,however, I've kinda gotten into this 'quiet boat' idea. I'm lookin' at things that I could do to make my own 'ol boat a little quieter and passing the ideas along to others if I think it will make their lives simpler. And I'll have to admit I'm kind of enjoying it. It's a challenge, and we WILL win this one.

All right then. After the 'noise police' are gone, what is the next thing they'll come at us with? Exhaust emissions? Flotation? An 'airboat' certification on your driver's licence like you're required to have to operate a motorcycle? Proof of insurance? It might be a good idea to second guess them this time because eventually they'll be back, and it would be fun to already be prepared.

Your thought .... ?

BF

 

[jdotson]

All they would have to do is require a driving test that included backing a trailer at the boat ramp! That would eliminate 50% of all boat owners. Have you ever noticed that most airboaters actually do know how to back a trailer? It's the other boaters that seem to have a problem at the ramp. Besides, most airboaters use the ramp when they want to or forced to do so by regulations!

 

[PatoLoco]

I have been reading Southern Airboat Forum for almost a year now and have gotten caught up in what the airboaters in Florida are going through in regards to noise requirements. I run the Texas Gulfcoast and presently we are not getting any flack over noise but who knows down the road. I run a 502ci and am in the process of installing MagnaFlow ss single pass mufflers with Super Trapp disc packs on the back of them. I hope this will do a decent job. I run a 2/1 belt with 3 blade Power Plus. My boat will cruise just fine at 30mph and 3200rpm engine speed. I am hoping my prop is pretty quiet at 1600rpm.