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Originally Posted by Skip
"The situation you have tried to make an analogy with (regarding the Union Leader story) is actually much more complicated than your post implies..."
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Yes, I am aware of that.
Decibel measurements are affected by temperature, humidity, elevation, distance, pulsing, -- even the "abruptness" of the sound.
I have used decibel meters in my profession (
Bruel & Kjaer meters). Ten years ago, my last B&K cost $3000.
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Originally Posted by Skip
"As a comparison, the typical four stroke lawnmower engine produces 90db at an average distance of 50 feet."
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There's one of the problems: Was that a typical
new lawn mower -- or a typical
old lawn mower? We're fairly familiar with quiet motorcycles and loud motorcycles, so that's why I used them.
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Originally Posted by Skip
"My review of the applicable regulations reveals that requirements (based on vessel size) is measured in detectable range, i.e. 1/2 mile or 1 mile....not decibel rating of the given device."
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I agree -- and I agree with those requirements over dB ratings; however, decibel ratings can be located on the Internet for your particular signaling device.
Those numbers tend to change with the market, though. If one horn-manufacturer makes a claim for a 91dB horn, it does not take long for a competitor to claim 96 dB for his.
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Originally Posted by Skip
Interesting interpretation of the rules governing audible warning devices. For instance, I have never seen a decibel rating for a hand powered bell. Could you please direct us to the applicable regulation that details the state requirement for warning signals in decibels?
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Again, I'd seek the Internet. My New Hampshire Boating Guide-conforming signal device (my ACME "Thunderer"), was rated at 78dB last season, so I bought an ACME "Tornado". The "Tornado" is now rated at 125 dB (up from last year). It takes more lung-power to make 125 dB, but
either will make one's ears ring.
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Originally Posted by Skip
You also state that the 86db allowed for boat noise is much louder than warning signals. However the typical rating for an electric or air powered boat horn is approximately 110db (I have installed enough to know) and is many times more noisier than permissible engine noise (which is determined at a distance of 50 feet).
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Well, I didn't write
"all" warning signals.
I personally own an air horn rated at 130dB (J.C. Whitney)
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My experience is mostly with boats that truly need them -- boats whose skipper's survival depends on being heard over the ambient noise environment. An exhaust producing 86dB will drown out my "legal" ACME "Thunderer", but maybe not my "Tornado".
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Originally Posted by Skip
"...all mistakes aside. |
I'll try to be more accurate....