Orion...
When all is quiet, say 3am or so, noise can carry quite a distance over water. So even a legal boat would be annoyingly loud. The reason we need a number is because noise levels are very subjective. What might annoy one person doesn't seem to bother another person. The hard part is actually measuring sound realistically. The problem with the system is, you are given an appt to go get a sound test. So some of the more unscroupulous types change thier exhaust just for the noise test. If the MP's were able to do the test, right then you might get better enforcement. Alot of people don't think thier boat is that loud... mostly because the exhaust exits out the back, and they are not getting the full volume of the noise created...
The MP's do a great job with the funding level they are given. Perhaps if they were funded better, they could actually do a "Noise Roadblock". Pull over a loud exhaust boat, and then have him drive to the test area and test him right then! Then there would be no questions... pass or fail...
Woodsy
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