Are Suzuki 50 HP Motors Unusually Loud?

Blueback · Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 3:16 pm Post subject:

<db meter reading at cruise 95db. It was the same pointed at the motor as at the cabin. The fog was so bad that we had to stop the test ride so could not really do much than one quick test.>

Was your engine a 2 or 4 stroke? 95 dbs is outrageous for a "pleasure" vessel. As a retired marine engineer I know what 95 dbs sounds like and I would not go in any engine-room over 85 dbs without ear muffs. And even with muffs I would not stay too long. Marine Engineers today stand their watch in sound control rooms with a walk around now and then on the engine platforms. WCB regs. would not allow 95dbs without ear defenders, and the time exposed at this level would be limited too.

flrockytop · Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 4:52 pm Post subject:

This was a four stroke

Blueback · Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 5:31 pm Post subject:

Your ruining my preception and reason to change to, as advertised, the quite 4 stroke engines. I'm getting the feeling that our 16' C-Dorys are a resonant drum that we sit inside of.
Now somebody come with an answer please

lloyds · Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 5:40 pm Post subject:

No doubt in my mind, they are a bit of a resonance chamber. In the open boats the sound dissipates better, but I doubt that the average four stroke will make that many decibels. I would be surprised at 85. My crews work along freeways and the only time those areas crack 80+ is when someone hits the airbrake nearby. I don't wear ear muffs or other protection, probably never will. Spend some time with a high powered rifle without protection and you won't have to worry about that intensity much anymore.