Engine Noise Levels

Rick from Maine · Posted: Tue Sep 26, 2006 8:37 pm Post subject: Engine Noise Levels

One of the major factors in choosing an engine(s) is noise levels. But, objective data isn't available. So, On our Erie Canal cruise, this year, we took noise level readings for 22' Cruisers, with door and windows closed. If the table below doesn't come out aligned properly, I'll resubmit this data.

C-Dory 22' Cruiser Engine Noise Levels

Noise Level Readings taken at Helm Seat with Door & windows closed

Noise Level in DB
Engine Manf. Twin/Single HP Idle 5 MPH 10 MPH 15 MPH 20 MPH
Honda Single 90 56 60 70 72 74
Yamaha Twin 40 46 58 64 66 72
Suzuki Twin 40 60 63 73 75
Yamaha Single 80 53 56 68.5 70 72

Rick from Maine

Dora~Jean · Posted: Tue Sep 26, 2006 10:00 pm Post subject:

Very interesting data Rick. I have twin Yami 80's on my CD25, possibly explains why they're fairly quiet on my boat too. Amazing on the Suzuki's that they're a bit higher in noise level, I've listened to them on Sealife Mike's boat, they're nearly dead silent at idle. There will be slight variations in the readings due to each boat's particular layout and interior configurations. Thanks, tough data to obtain.

oldgrowth · Posted: Tue Sep 26, 2006 11:31 pm Post subject:

Rick from Main – I have found trying to post a table on this site is difficult. All multiple spaces are changed to a single space when you post it. If you highlight the table then select the code button you can use multiple blank spaces so your data is ligned up. However you will have to use your preview button and make adjustments in your table until all columns line up. Unless someone has changed their global settings for the default fonts on their computer the columns should be lined up for anyone using Internet Explorer.

If I did not make my self clear on how to do this, let me know and I can give more detailed instructions.

Da Nag · Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 11:06 am Post subject:

Interesting stats, but I think there's more to the story...

Decibels are one thing, but frequency is another. Having had both a Yamaha 80 on Da Nag 19, and the Honda 90 on Da Nag 22, I find the Honda less annoying. It's not a perfect comparison, as the engine is farther back on the 22, and the sound gets somewhat interrupted by the bulkhead even with the door open.

Still, the Yamaha had a much deeper, "throaty" sound to it, which resonated and caused more vibrations through the hull. The Honda has a much "smoother" sound at the RPM's I run it at. Even if the decibels are higher on the Honda, I find the overall sound less annoying than the Yamaha.

It's not a huge difference, certainly not enough to make me pick one over the other. I just think there are many variables to the noise issue...decibels being important, but not the only factor.

Rick from Maine · Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 6:28 pm Post subject: Engine Noise Levels

Hi Bill,

You raise a good point. There's amplitude and frequency involved, as best witnessed by "Spousal Deafness". This data is only amplitude. Given my deafness of higher frequencies, I probably wouldn't be concerned if engine noise was in the high frequency range. Alas, I'm not able to get frequency data, too.

Rick from Maine