Marine Patrol Response / Information on Noise Violations

[LIforrelaxin]

Well I wrote to the marine patrol and got information on Noise violations and how the marine patrol Responds. While I don't have a confirmed answer of will the tow a boat found in violation, I do believe it is implied well enough that it would be the rare or extreme case where that would happen. They want to give people a chance to correct the situation. However this response also implies, that from being told that you are in violation, you are to get off the water immediately.

This response also indicates, that just because you passed once upon a time that your not exempt from ever having to go through it again, they will retest you.

It is also noted that you can submit to a voluntary test, and avoid the fine, that you will receive if you are caught over the limit.

Thank you for your email concerning noise decibel limits on NH public waterways, RSA 270:25, 270:37, 270:37-a, 270:40. The Marine Patrol receives many complaints every boating season concerning loud boats across the state. Our officers enforce the decibel limits as defined by statute, this is dictated by the year of the boat and method used to test the boats exhaust; either a stationary or moving test.



I think it’s important to provide a little background to decibel noise testing. When a boat is suspected of being loud and the officer has the capability, they will perform a stationary test on the spot. If the boat fails this test they will be provided a failure notice which prohibits further operation until the boat has submitted to another decibel test and successfully passed. A person choosing to operate after this is guilty of a violation, subject to a maximum penalty of $1000.00 and guilty of a misdemeanor, which is a criminal offense for a subsequent offense if it occurs within a calendar year.



Another option for testing is the moving test which includes testing the decibel levels on the “A” scale at a distance of 50’, this testing is typically completed on Lake Winnipesaukee on a designated course. This testing process is much more involved requiring multiple officers. The same penalties apply as listed in the above paragraph for someone that exceeds the decibel limit.



It’s important to understand that conditions may not always be conducive to conduct the test. Certain weather conditions, water conditions or excessive ambient noise may all prohibit a test from being conducted at that time. Furthermore, if someone successfully passes a noise decibel test they are subject for re-test if they are suspected of being loud in the future.



To directly address your question, Marine Patrol has no intention of towing or impounding someone’s vessel as a result of a decibel limit violation. This action would unnecessarily occupy an officer and take them away from their patrol responsibilities. Furthermore impounding someone’s vessel would prove counter intuitive as the intention is to have the owner fix their exhaust quickly so they may enjoy their boating time on the water. The specific portion of law that applies to your question is contained within RSA 270:37 III, IV:



III. A boat owner or operator shall submit a boat which is the subject of an order by the director or the director’s agent pursuant to RSA 270:37, II to noise level testing by the director or the director’s agent immediately or at the time and location designated by the director or the director’s agent. No person shall operate the boat after the time designated until it is subjected to such noise level testing or engine and mechanical system inspection.

IV. The director or the director’s agent may prohibit the operator or owner of any boat which fails a noise level testing procedure from operating the boat until the boat successfully passes the procedure. No person shall operate a boat contrary to such an order of the director.



To wrap this up we strongly encourage anyone who suspects their boat of being loud to contact Marine Patrol. We will gladly perform noise level testing so they will know first-hand. If they are found to be loud due to a voluntary test they will avoid the minimum fine by statute of $250.00 ($310.00 includes the penalty assessment); the boat will still not be able to operate until their decibel limits are in compliance. Our office is very accommodating when it comes to conducting noise level testing for individuals, remember our goal is for everyone to safely recreate on the waters of the state without excessive noise deterring from it.

[pm203]

Its not nice to see the Marine Patrol harassing performance boats on the lake once again. With all of the boating violations that are being committed on a daily basis, its hard to imagine that their main focus is on noise.

[BroadHopper]

The boat definitely will not pass the 'stationary' test, as the mufflers need a good volume of water passing through to muffle the noise. A decade ago, it pass the WOT test and I have a paper that it passed. At the time the law states testing at WOT.

It would cost over $4000 to remove the DARPA and replace it with the Silent Choice. Anyone has used 4" thru the hull mufflers they would like to part?

[ApS]

Originally Posted by pm203

Its not nice to see the Marine Patrol harassing performance boats on the lake once again. With all of the boating violations that are being committed on a daily basis, its hard to imagine that their main focus is on noise.

Forum members who viewed my YouTube video of a "Fun-Run" of 15 performance boats in Winter Harbor would likely disagree.

That 2013 video had the unintended consequence of keeping the subject boats on the far side of Winter Harbor in 2014!

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by ApS

Forum members who viewed my YouTube video of a "Fun-Run" of 15 performance boats in Winter Harbor would likely disagree.

That 2013 video had the unintended consequence of keeping the subject boats on the far side of Winter Harbor in 2014!

I don't believe there was a "fun run" this year. It had nothing to do with your video!

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by ApS

Forum members who viewed my YouTube video of a "Fun-Run" of 15 performance boats in Winter Harbor would likely disagree.

That 2013 video had the unintended consequence of keeping the subject boats on the far side of Winter Harbor in 2014!

I did a spell check on your comment and it came out like this:
"That 2013 video had the intended consequence of keeping the subject boats on the far side of Winter Harbor in 2014!"

[jazzman]

There was a Donzi fun run this summer... They came down to the mouth of Alton Bay on the Gilford side, then assembled at Clay Point and made a pretty fast pass right up the middle of the Broads. There looked to be 20+ boats.

They had a marine patrol escort and a chase copter. I wouldn't want the noise every weekend, but it was cool to watch.

[Donzi Minx]

As a Donzi owner who has mufflers, and has been tested, I still don't think I am much louder than the old inboard Century's that the MP used to run. I was headed east behind Diamond island at 7:00 PM one August night with my son, and the MP passed me going west. We were the only two boats in that area of the broads. My son informed me that the MP had turned around and had his blues on. When I asked the MP why he had stopped me, he replied "I think you are too loud". I Did the complete test, out by Timber Island a week later, static at idle, quarter throttle, half throttle, and full throttle, and passed. Although I have nothing against the Harley Davidson brethren, it does seem a little odd to me that a single boat would be targeted, versus how many bikes during the Laconia thrash. Should we start to target the radial engines of yesteryear flying above?
If you are going to apply noise standards shouldn't it be consistent across the board? As someone who is just to the right of Rush Limbaugh, please don't turn the Granite State into Massachusetts. Just my .02.

[Seaplane Pilot]

Originally Posted by Donzi Minx

As a Donzi owner who has mufflers, and has been tested, I still don't think I am much louder than the old inboard Century's that the MP used to run. I was headed east behind Diamond island at 7:00 PM one August night with my son, and the MP passed me going west. We were the only two boats in that area of the broads. My son informed me that the MP had turned around and had his blues on. When I asked the MP why he had stopped me, he replied "I think you are too loud". I Did the complete test, out by Timber Island a week later, static at idle, quarter throttle, half throttle, and full throttle, and passed. Although I have nothing against the Harley Davidson brethren, it does seem a little odd to me that a single boat would be targeted, versus how many bikes during the Laconia thrash. Should we start to target the radial engines of yesteryear flying above?
If you are going to apply noise standards shouldn't it be consistent across the board? As someone who is just to the right of Rush Limbaugh, please don't turn the Granite State into Massachusetts. Just my .02.

Unfortunately, it's too late. This state is blue and full of the jackasses that are the symbol of the liberals.

[tis]

I love you Seaplane Pilot!! You tell it like it is.

[Puck]

Originally Posted by tis

I love you Seaplane Pilot!! You tell it like it is.

I would beg to differ, he tells it like he sees it, which is not the same as telling it like it is. I can respect his opinion but it really is a shame anytime people need to resort to name calling.

I guess the good news is that if it gets that bad and one really doesn't like it here, we all have the right to move someplace else.

[BroadHopper]

Originally Posted by Puck

I guess the good news is that if it gets that bad and one really doesn't like it here, we all have the right to move someplace else.

Why do the locals have to move? We were here first! Oh I forgot, history repeats itself. I guess the locals will be moved to reservations.

[Puck]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

Why do the locals have to move? We were here first! Oh I forgot, history repeats itself. I guess the locals will be moved to reservations.

I didn't tell anyone they had to move. I simply noted that it was an available option to those who decide that they just don't really like it here. You are right about history repeating itself though, the colonies in the northeast were all founded by groups of rather self-righteous people who held the belief that they were right and just couldn't get along with others. They didn't like it, they got up and moved. As their descendents we haven't changed much. We still can't seem to get along and we can still get up and move if we don't like it.

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by Puck

I didn't tell anyone they had to move. I simply noted that it was an available option to those who decide that they just don't really like it here. You are right about history repeating itself though, the colonies in the northeast were all founded by groups of rather self-righteous people who held the belief that they were right and just couldn't get along with others. They didn't like it, they got up and moved. As their descendents we haven't changed much. We still can't seem to get along and we can still get up and move if we don't like it.

Or we can all stay and try to effect a compromise

I don't want this thread to go totally sideways, but when you speak to folks that were born and raised here, they welcome some change but do not want every (sometimes) misguided "improvement" from MA, CT, etc foisted upon them.

[Seaplane Pilot]

Originally Posted by Puck

I would beg to differ, he tells it like he sees it, which is not the same as telling it like it is. I can respect his opinion but it really is a shame anytime people need to resort to name calling.

I guess the good news is that if it gets that bad and one really doesn't like it here, we all have the right to move someplace else.

What name calling? The symbol for a democrat (liberal) is a donkey. Commonly referred to as a "Jackass". The symbol for a republican (conservative) is an elephant. Commonly referred to as "Loxodonta Africana". Just the facts, just the facts.

[topwater]

Originally Posted by Puck

I would beg to differ, he tells it like he sees it, which is not the same as telling it like it is. I can respect his opinion but it really is a shame anytime people need to resort to name calling.

I guess the good news is that if it gets that bad and one really doesn't like it here, we all have the right to move someplace else.

So, I guess because YOU see it different you are right and Seaplane pilot is wrong? Typical Democrat. Except the TRUTH puck and it will set you free.

[Puck]

Originally Posted by topwater

So, I guess because YOU see it different you are right and Seaplane pilot is wrong? Typical Democrat. Except the TRUTH puck and it will set you free.

Actually I have never registered as a democrat in my life. I am the typical NH "undeclared" voter. I don't think government is the answer to most problems, I don't fear the idea of people owning firearms, and laws that try to enforce political correctness annoy the crap out of me.

That said, I also don't think our government is our enemy (it is after all made up of American citizens and we put them in the positions they are in), the notion of a group in power that claims they are a "moral majority" and that this is a nation with a particular religious faith is abhorrent to me, and I also believe that if you want the country to function you do need to find a way to pay for things like infrastructure and at least enough public education that people are functionally literate and can balance a checkbook.

You see I am neither liberal nor conservative. I am that most vile of things; a moderate.

So no, just because I see it different does not make Seaplane Pilot wrong, nor does it make me right. But I do have a right to point out that his comment is an opinion and that there may be some parts of that opinion to which I do not subscribe. Because I am free, and I am fiercely proud and protective of that fact and I will not be cowed by those from either end of of the political spectrum.

[Rusty]

Puck for President!
Very well said.

[ITD]

Originally Posted by Seaplane Pilot

Unfortunately, it's too late. This state is blue and full of the jackasses that are the symbol of the liberals.

There is a huge amount of campaign workers for the blue side being imported from other states, plus tons of outside money........

[Rusty]

Why do conservatives whine so much? Accept defeat and move on!

[Seaplane Pilot]

Originally Posted by Rusty

Why do conservatives whine so much? Accept defeat and move on!

Enjoy it while you can, Rusty. Because come November, the times, they'll be a-changin'! I can just hear that giant flushing sound now.... The liberals had their chance and fooled a lot of people, but the promises made to the voters were just about as valuable as the toilet paper that will be included in the giant flush. Even the misdirected eventually wake up and smarten up.

[MGWillia]

Glad to see that when I move back to the Bay that there is still room for spirited debate!... (Go Red!)

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by Rusty

Why do conservatives whine so much? Accept defeat and move on!

I'd rather wine

[ApS]

Originally Posted by Rusty

Why do conservatives whine so much? Accept defeat and move on!

I've yet to see one American who accepts defeat.
_______________________

A modern President once paraphrased Thomas Jefferson with this:

"If the government is big enough to give you everything you want, it is big enough to take away everything you have."

I find that includes the frequent "private property" mention that appears on these forum pages.

________________________

You see I am neither liberal nor conservative. I am that most vile of things; a moderate.

Moderate in defense of Liberty?



.

[LIforrelaxin]

I started this thread to put information out in the open regarding noise testing, and the Marine Patrols Current Stance. Why is it this has turned into a debate?

I wanted the marine Patrols statement, to serve as a education tool. To let people know, they can be tested at any point, and that a previous passing mark doesn't prove anything. The can be re-tested at anytime. I also want people to also see that the Marine Patrol, is reasonable, and although could be pushed to the point, of impounding a boat, they really aren't in that business nor do they want to tow anyone's boat. They simply want people to correct the problem, and are even willing to allow people to submit there boats to a voluntary test, to prevent fining.

Why has this been pulled down into a debate?

The fact is, is a boat passes the noise test, then it is legal... If several legal boats assemble on a fun run, and they are all legal, then guess what, it is legal.

It is sad, that some people can't deal with a few minutes of passing noise.

[Not to Worry]

This weekend was the constant drone of noise....not just passing by. Why would anyone enjoy listening to that?

[Phantom]

Because there's no sweeter sound on water than the rumble of a "Cigarette-1"?



There are of course quiet sections of the Lake if one prefers .... that's the beauty of winni

.

[Chaselady]

Originally Posted by LIforrelaxin

I started this thread to put information out in the open regarding noise testing, and the Marine Patrols Current Stance. Why is it this has turned into a debate?

I wanted the marine Patrols statement, to serve as a education tool. To let people know, they can be tested at any point, and that a previous passing mark doesn't prove anything. The can be re-tested at anytime. I also want people to also see that the Marine Patrol, is reasonable, and although could be pushed to the point, of impounding a boat, they really aren't in that business nor do they want to tow anyone's boat. They simply want people to correct the problem, and are even willing to allow people to submit there boats to a voluntary test, to prevent fining.

Why has this been pulled down into a debate?

The fact is, is a boat passes the noise test, then it is legal... If several legal boats assemble on a fun run, and they are all legal, then guess what, it is legal.

It is sad, that some people can't deal with a few minutes of passing noise.

It's sad, that some people have nothing better to do than high jack threads to turn them into rabid political pissing contests.

[Seaplane Pilot]

Originally Posted by ApS

I've yet to see one American who accepts defeat.
_______________________

A modern President once paraphrased Thomas Jefferson with this:



I find that includes the frequent "private property" mention that appears on these forum pages.

________________________



Moderate in defense of Liberty?



.

APS, we don't see eye to eye on other subjects, but you are right on with this one. Thanks for this post. It hits the nail on the head. The only suggestion I could make is that you also underline the word "American". Emphasis on AMERICAN. Thanks again.

SP

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by ApS

I've yet to see one American who accepts defeat.
.

And President Obama will never accept defeat. He will go down in history as the best President ever.

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by Rusty

And President Obama will never accept defeat. He will go down in history as the best President ever.

Rusty, you're lobbing up a meatball

[SIKSUKR]

Originally Posted by Rusty

And President Obama will never accept defeat. He will go down in history as the best President ever.

Wow.Now this is funny.

[MGWillia]

But remember. all those who doubt Rusty's post, (and I'm one) It all comes down to who get's to write the history books..... Don't forget your privilege, honor, right & responsibility this fall... Vote (and every year)

[NH_boater]

Originally Posted by Rusty

And President Obama will never accept defeat. He will go down in history as the best President ever.

While I do not agree, some 'expert' on Npr was stating Forbes named him great for our economy.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/0...f-modern-times

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by NH_boater

While I do not agree, some 'expert' on Npr was stating Forbes named him great for our economy.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/0...f-modern-times

The daily kos obviously does not understand the difference beteween deficit and debt

I find it interesting that an entire segment of our population has no clue that under Reagan the US crushed the Soviets and the threat of nuclear armageddon

[Webbsatwinni]

Originally Posted by Rusty

Why do conservatives whine so much? Accept defeat and move on!

If people accepted defeat, there wouldn't be 1000's of people giving the indians all of there money back at the casinos.

[RTTOOL]

Originally Posted by seaplane pilot

unfortunately, it's too late. This state is blue and full of the jackasses that are the symbol of the liberals.

did or did'nt the state pass quik and quiut systems. And how can
they stop you and say he think its to loud if you took that to court i bet you win.. I did the same thing with my seld and got it thrown out. Before every body goes off it was all stock exhuast. But a big bore. And how can it be to loud when the boat manufacture and dealers sell it that way has any buddy push this to the courts and custom bike that come with loud pipes are ok. Bike fans chill i have one to..like you said do as i say not as i do lilberals blaaaaaaa...........:d:d:d

[upthesaukee]

I champagne! That's a high class "whine"

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