Ohio Boat Muffler Requirements Can I remove the muffler from my boat?

To operate your powerboat in Ohio, you must equip it with a muffler in good working order, which is in constant operation and installed correctly to prevent excessive or unusual noise.

It is forbidden for anyone to operate or allow to be operated any powercraft in a way that will exceed the following noise levels:

• 90 decibels on the "A" scale in a stationary sound level test prescribed by SAE J2005. (Measured from one meter with engine at low idle speed when at dock or tied to another boat.)
• 75 decibels on the "A" scale measured as specified by SAE J1970. (Measured from shoreline with boat in any level of operation.)

It is illegal to remove, alter or modify a muffler so that it does not comply with the above rules. You must not operate or allow to be operated a powercraft with an altered muffler or muffler cutout, or in a manner that bypasses or reduces the effectiveness of any muffler system