1999 SNOB getting louder every year

[gping43]

I've got a beautiful 1999 SNOB with less than 300 hours. I've had it for 4 years, and this year it is by far louder. It is very uncomfotable, and at certain RPM's almost unbearable. Yeah, yeah...give me some smart alec responses about there's no such thing as "too loud"...I've read all of those posts already. But hey, I've got a 1 and 3 year old and if it's loud enough to make my ears ring and I really want to fix the issue.
I figured out how to remove the 'hull hugger' 2-to-1 reducing muffler, and there is no noise or obvious breaks within it (baffles?) There are some thinner areas where light can be seen shining through, but I can't tell what else could be wrong. The foam pads are intact.
Two years ago, the local boat shop screwed up the de-winterizing process and we did overheat a bit...but not for very long. (I've since learned to do the winterize/dewinterize myself)
Does anyone have any thoughts or ideas?

[chris196]

What engine?
Have you looked at Fresh Air Exhaust? I have that on my 1998 SN and it really cuts down the exhaust noise.
I have a GT-40 and there is still just engine noise which obviously changes with rpm, but with the GT-40 the engine actually quiets down some at higher rpms. I forget the exact rpms, but just cruising in the 18-22 range is the loudest. It quiets down as I get to skiing speed.
Do a search on the FAE, sounds like it's worth it to you, I love mine.

[east tx skier]

What engine?
Have you looked at Fresh Air Exhaust? I have that on my 1998 SN and it really cuts down the exhaust noise.
I have a GT-40 and there is still just engine noise which obviously changes with rpm, but with the GT-40 the engine actually quiets down some at higher rpms. I forget the exact rpms, but just cruising in the 18-22 range is the loudest. It quiets down as I get to skiing speed.
Do a search on the FAE, sounds like it's worth it to you, I love mine.

I have noticed that the GT-40 really gets quiet around 3,400 rpm.

2,200 rpm is deafening.

[DanielC]

The hull hugger muffler does have a louder resonance below slalom skiing speeds. I have a 1997 Ski Nautique, and it too is a little noisy at wakeboarding speeds.
I have thought about maybe getting a 4" auxiliary muffler, and possibly seeing if it would fit aft of the 2 into 1 muffler, in the long hose between the muffler, and the stern of the boat.
Another option would be to get the muffler that was used on the mid 1990's "No Wake Zone" boats. That would also require the same year engine cover, also.

[gping43]

What engine?
Have you looked at Fresh Air Exhaust? I have that on my 1998 SN and it really cuts down the exhaust noise.
I have a GT-40 and there is still just engine noise which obviously changes with rpm, but with the GT-40 the engine actually quiets down some at higher rpms. I forget the exact rpms, but just cruising in the 18-22 range is the loudest. It quiets down as I get to skiing speed.
Do a search on the FAE, sounds like it's worth it to you, I love mine.

Yes, I too have the GT-40. I'm going to try changing the impeller first. Maybe i'm not sucking enough (water, that is) Thanks!
Do I need to remove the pulleys to get to the impeller?