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Old 02-15-2008, 01:32 PM   #189
Dave R
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I'd like to see switchable exhaust become legal, but only if the boat passed the noise requirements on both settings. The reason they are illegal is because they typically fail the noise test when set to "open".

Oddly, I have to agree with BI about boats that ride dangerously bow high (meaning the view forward is blocked) at speeds above 25 MPH. Sounds like a design issue that should be addressed. Sustained operation in that mode is reckless, IMO, and ought to earn the operator a ticket. If it's not possible to maintain planing speed, the operator should reduce speed to bring the bow down far enough to see. That's just common sense.

That said, I've never, ever, seen a GFBL operated in this manner. Riding bow-up and making a huge wake is much more common on cabin cruisers, bass boats, and bow riders, from what I have witnessed. Unless it's really choppy, I have never been able to figure out why anyone would do that. It's the least efficient speed possible on any boat.
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