Power of Sound

Motorboat Noise Concerns Us All | What's all the Noise About Decibels?
Common Courtesy = Common Sense | Noise is an Industry Concern, Too | You Are in Control
Sound Advice: 4 Ways to Make the Waters Quieter

Motorboat Noise Concerns Us All

Developing and maintaining boating opportunities means getting along with everyone who shares in the enjoyment of the water. Private landowners, swimmers, anglers and boaters of all types want to experience the water in their own ways.

Power boating can be fun for everyone, but the privilege of going boating is ensured when you, the boat operator, show consideration for others who use the water. One of the most important ways to show your consideration is in how well you understand and control the noise your powerboat can make.

What's all the Noise About Decibels?

Noise is measured in units called the decibel {usually on the "A" scale - dB(A)} which is a measure of how loud the noise sounds. Sounds perceived by the human ear range from zero on the decibel scale (the quietest sound the human ear can detect) to about 120 dB, where the noise is so intense that it becomes painful.

One of the most important things you will need to remember about the decibel scale is that when the sound level increases 10 dB, the perceived "loudness" of the sound doubles. So an increase of just a few "dBs" represents a rather large change in the perceived loudness of the sound.

Common Courtesy = Common Sense

Noise is often the primary issue that waterfront residents raise when complaints arise about boaters on the water. Since these residents have typically made a significant investment to enjoy the water, their economic status within the community usually guarantees that their complaints will be carefully considered when local councils consider noise ordinances, restricted boating areas and other limitations to a boater's freedom. You should keep in mind that the noise your boat can make is disturbing to others, and the louder the noise - the bigger the problem. With a little consideration and a lot of awareness, we can all share the water with minimal conflict. However, when we boaters don't take steps to mend relationships with the rest of the shorefront community, we often find ourselves fighting for the right to go boating.

Noise is an Industry Concern, Too

The boating industry has conducted extensive research into the complaints about boat noise. Findings indicate that with proper equipment and courteous operation, complaints about boat noise can be virtually eliminated. Boat noise legislation is passed and enforced to assure that boaters will respect the rights of other water users. Where noise complaints continue, new, tougher and more restrictive legislation is often enacted to assure that boaters will operate their boats quietly.

You Are in Control

Most complaints about boat noise originate from people on the shore, and you, the operator are in control of the noise generated by your boat.

Tests indicate that noise levels can be reduced as follows:

• Up to 15 dB reduction with an effective muffler on boats with above water exhaust.
• 5 dB reduction for each doubling of distance from the shore.
• 2 dB reduction for each 10 percent reduction in engine rpm.
• Up to 12 dB reduction by reducing the trim angle of your outboard engine.

Using these tips you can easily reduce the noise level of your boat through careful operation. REMEMBER! - control of your boat noise means continued access to your favorite waters.

Sound Advice: 4 Ways to Make the Waters Quieter

1. Keep the quiet stock exhaust on your boat.
Many states have laws against modification of the stock exhaust system. Most complaints about boat noise are related to exhaust noise. If your boat has a noisy exhaust, chances are that people are complaining about your boat. If enough complaints about boat noise are occurring, your favorite boating areas may be made unavailable to you and all other pleasure boaters.

2. Approach and leave shore slowly.
Any boat at full speed makes considerably more noise than one which is operating at low speed. For the sake of people on shore, do not exceed idle speed when within 200 feet of the shore.

3. Concentrate your high-speed sprints away from the shore.
High-speed operation close to shore not only creates noise problems, it often results in speed limits on the water.

4. Avoid early morning and early evening riding near residential areas.
If you ride on a lake with a high concentration of shoreline residences in the early morning or early evening hours, the chance of causing a disturbance is considerably higher. If you boat during these times, keep your near-shore engine revving to a minimum and maintain at least twice the usual distance from shore until later in the day.