BISMARCK – One man likes peace and quiet, yet he owns a home in close proximity to an active Missouri River boat ramp. Another man owns an airboat which can generate considerable noise. A bill introduced in the state Legislature is aimed at settling a quarrel between the two men.

In its original form, Senate Bill 2342 sought to restrict operation of any boat or watercraft if it resulted in “a noise that annoys, disturbs, injures, or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace, or safety of a reasonable person hearing the noise.” It further stipulated that “a noise exceeding eighty-eight decibels” between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. would be a violation.

The bill was amended to apply to airboats only, specifically a single airboat that occasionally operates on the Missouri River south of Bismarck. It is believed to be the only privately owned airboat in North Dakota. The bill does not apply to airboats commonly used on National Wildlife Refuges or by law enforcement.

Airboats, sometimes called “fan boats,” are pushed by a large airplane-type propeller powered by a gasoline motor. They can be quite noisy. Airboat operators and passengers generally wear hearing protection. SB 2342 would require that private airboats be equipped with a “muffler” device.

The amended version of SB 2342, or airboat bill, received a “do pass” recommendation from the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and was brought to a vote on the Senate floor. It passed 37-9 and will advance to the House for further consideration.