Mufflers

Watercraft operators may not hear sound signals or voices if the engine is not adequately muffled.

• All watercraft must be equipped with an effective and suitable muffling device to deaden or muffle the noise of the exhaust. The muffling system must be in good working order and in constant operation.
• It is illegal to alter the muffler if the result is increased noise.
• A watercraft (excluding an airboat) may not be operated if it exceeds:
  • 90 decibels during a stationary sound level test or…
  • 75 decibels during an operational test.
• An airboat may not be operated if its noise level exceeds:
  • 90 decibels as measured in a stationary sound level test or between the hours of 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. or…
  • 75 decibels during a shoreline test except as needed to achieve headway speed when leaving a boat launch or to move the airboat from a stationary position on a tidal flat or…
  • 90 decibels during a shoreline test between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. except as needed to achieve headway speed when leaving a boat launch or to move the airboat from a stationary position on a tidal flat.