Citizen complains about ‘drag boats’

Bonney Lake resident Craig Sarver expressed his concerns about boat racing and loud noises on Lake Tapps during the Oct. 27 meeting of the Bonney Lake City Council.

Sarver said police and city officials have not responded to his complaints about “drag boats” racing at high speeds on part of Lake Tapps that is controlled by the city.

The former city councilman described the vehicles as “flat-bottom, nitro-boosted, no mufflers, direct ride, no transmission, drag boats” that move between 60 and 70 mph.

“They race up and down the small jurisdiction of the lake during all hours,” Sarver said. “Within 100 yards, they are louder than jet engines taking off at SeaTac Airport.”

Mayor Neil Johnson said the issue was presented to the Public Safety Committee about a year ago.

Police Chief Mike Mitchell said his department can only enforce certain things, pointing out that most of the boats, under state law, have a factory-type exhaust.

“The areas we thought we could enforce was in the noise ordinance portion,” Mitchell said. “However, the noise when they are going away from you dissipates and doesn’t stay for the required time.”

The police chief said his department enforces the speed limits, but they are set by the state.

Deputy Mayor Dan Swatman, who lives near Lake Tapps, said the boats are “very, very noisy.” He said he would like to see the Public Safety Committee take a closer look at the problem.

“Mr. Sarver’s point is shared by many and I think it’s an accurate point,” he said.

Councilman Dave King asked Mitchell to attend the next Public Safety Committee meeting to discuss the issue.

He also invited Sarver to attend the meeting, an offer Sarver accepted.

Councilman James Rackley suggested Bonney Lake contact other jurisdiction that have had similar problems.