Sound proofing Outboard

All things outboard related here!
4 Stroke, 2 Stroke & Electric
Post Reply
User avatar
James England
Mega Poster, I Really Need To Get Out More !
Posts: 1115
Joined: 01 Aug 2015, 12:25
Boat Make: F-Rib 360
Outboard: 1999 Johnson 2-Stroke 15 HP
MMSI Number: 235914355
Location: Copthorne, West Sussex
Has thanked: 39 times
Been thanked: 61 times
Contact:

Sound proofing Outboard

Post by James » 27 Jun 2019, 10:41

Hi

This weekend I am going to get the 2-Stroke out and prepare it for my next trip.

One problem I have is it's pretty loud at Idle which means I can't really hear other boaters when just sitting on the water having a chit-chat.

Has anyone added some kind of material to the inside of the cover?

My engine is 1999, but the previous model was quieter but I don't know why since they are pretty much the same blocks expect the casing all changed.

The hood has the standard foam.

James
James

2015 F-Rib 360 married to a 1999 fully rebuilt 15hp 2 Stroke Johnson engine and 22 litre fuel tank.
Mods: Launch wheels, Towing Eyes, 2 Bench Seat Cushions, and 1 Bench Seat Bag
Boat name: Cichlid

PeterM
Super Poster
Posts: 841
Joined: 20 Jul 2015, 14:53
Location: Bournemouth & Poole
Has thanked: 70 times
Been thanked: 254 times

Re: Sound proofing Outboard

Post by PeterM » 27 Jun 2019, 10:53

OCA covers do a range of sound reducing covers ( developed for special forces) . I dread to think of the cost …. but experience really is that not much reduces the noise :( … You used to be able to get stick on sound deadening sheets for cars ( from halfords etc ) - but be wary of stuff inside the cowling as it can reduce airflow and get really really hot in there = catch fire :( . Generally air is drawn from the top back of the cowl to the bottom front of the engine where it goes 'in' ( to help cooling as it flows over the block & electrics etc and to reduce the risk of water ingress)

User avatar
ColoradoFourWheeler United States of America
I'm New
Posts: 22
Joined: 19 Jun 2019, 14:26
Boat Make: 2001 Maaxon CS420FL
Outboard: 1969 Evinrude 25903B 25HP Sportster
MMSI Number: 10
Location: Denver, CO USA
Has thanked: 1 time
Been thanked: 5 times

Re: Sound proofing Outboard

Post by ColoradoFourWheeler » 27 Jun 2019, 13:32

That's just the downside of 2-strokes. I don't mind it so much personally and I like the upsides of having 2-strokes (except fuel efficiency of course) like the weight, power and I might be old fashioned but there's something I love about that old outboard motor smell you get from 2-strokes. I"ve never tried to deaden mine for the same reasons @PeterM mentions, I don't want to heat her up (and I'm not special forces... or am I....?).
2001 Maxxon 4.2m (14') CS420FL SIB • 1969 Evinrude Sportster 25HP 25903B Outboard • Folding Trailer With Ball Hitch

User avatar
James England
Mega Poster, I Really Need To Get Out More !
Posts: 1115
Joined: 01 Aug 2015, 12:25
Boat Make: F-Rib 360
Outboard: 1999 Johnson 2-Stroke 15 HP
MMSI Number: 235914355
Location: Copthorne, West Sussex
Has thanked: 39 times
Been thanked: 61 times
Contact:

Re: Sound proofing Outboard

Post by James » 27 Jun 2019, 21:29

The sound doesn't annoy me.
It would just be nice to have a conversation with another boat while idle lol.
The heat side of things did cross my mind.

I think I will just leave it as it is. I'm not after a 4-Stoke just yet as I love my Johnson
James

2015 F-Rib 360 married to a 1999 fully rebuilt 15hp 2 Stroke Johnson engine and 22 litre fuel tank.
Mods: Launch wheels, Towing Eyes, 2 Bench Seat Cushions, and 1 Bench Seat Bag
Boat name: Cichlid

User avatar
ChrisParish Great Britain
Supporting Member
Posts: 2049
Joined: 23 May 2018, 15:30
Boat Make: Bombard Aerotec 380
Outboard: Suzuki DF20A
MMSI Number: 235916094
Location: Poole
Has thanked: 123 times
Been thanked: 636 times

Re: Sound proofing Outboard

Post by ChrisParish » 27 Jun 2019, 21:58

James wrote: ↑
27 Jun 2019, 21:29
I love my Johnson
Careful.... you’ll go blind.
These users thanked the author ChrisParish for the post (total 2):
James (27 Jun 2019, 23:43) • ColoradoFourWheeler (28 Jun 2019, 13:21)
Not a complete idiot - some parts are missing.

User avatar
9-R Republic of Texas
Super Poster
Posts: 932
Joined: 12 Feb 2016, 13:56
Boat Make: Boston Whaler Montauk 170
Outboard: Mercury 90hp EFI
Location: The Republic of Texas
Has thanked: 204 times
Been thanked: 122 times

Re: Sound proofing Outboard

Post by 9-R » 01 Jul 2019, 15:54

Definitely quieter than a 2s but even our 4s 20hp had an annoying pitch that was loud at WOT. My wife hated it and we'd have to yell/talk loud to communicate. I tried doing some sound deadening material in strategic places that helped a little. I didn't pursue it any further.
Wrote a note said, 'back in a minute'. Bought a boat and I sailed off in it.

Post Reply

Return to “Outboards”