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Author Topic:   Outboard Noise

GBayWhaler posted 05-05-2011 12:49 PM ET (US)
[Q]ualify the difference in noise level between [two-cycle and four-cycle engine] outboards, specifically Yamaha. Thanks--Stuart
Binkster posted 05-05-2011 12:58 PM ET (US)
No [four-cycle engine] can compare to the sound of a two-cycle.
pcrussell50 posted 05-05-2011 01:47 PM ET (US)
Yep. the Binkster has that one right in concept. There is no outboard noise I know of more wonderful than the sound of a high compression, mid-70's "bubbleback", OMC V4, idling on hose muffs. :)
-Peter
Tohsgib posted 05-05-2011 01:54 PM ET (US)
Until the cops are called.
HPDI's are emmissions compliant but sound like a slightly muffled 2 smoke. 4 strokes sound like your car.
fluke posted 05-05-2011 02:25 PM ET (US)
You know it's funny but the low gutty sound from my Yamaha 90 reminds me of my Triumph 500 I used to ride. Quiet is nice though once your running.
Mark
bluewaterpirate posted 05-05-2011 03:18 PM ET (US)
Coming in from offshore, bow v. stern percpetive 225 Optimax
Trolling
Tohsgib posted 05-05-2011 03:37 PM ET (US)
Wow that thing is loud.
bluewaterpirate posted 05-05-2011 03:57 PM ET (US)
I know but but it sounds great to me. One thing about the Opti it will flat get you out of the hole and up on step quickly plus it's great on gas.
Phil T posted 05-05-2011 06:31 PM ET (US)
I had a classic 1987 Yamaha 90 two-cycle on a Montauk. I have a Yamaha F115 EFI four-cycle on my Outrage 17. There was a period of time where both were parked in the driveway. I purposely ran both, one after the other, on the muffs to illustrate to my better half the noise difference. While I didn't measure it with a sound meter, the four-cycle is significantly quieter. With the boat in the water, the four-cycle is so quiet the only sound I hear is the tell tale stream hitting the water.
GRAND NUSSIE posted 05-05-2011 06:32 PM ET (US)
[Four-cycle engines] just don't sound right. In fact they sound downright wussy. :-)
jimh posted 05-05-2011 08:09 PM ET (US)
There is not really much difference in noise level due to the engine power cycle design. Modern outboard engines are being designed to reduce the noise level produced. Four-cycle engines have been quite effective at creating the impression of very low noise signature at idle.
flippa posted 05-05-2011 08:49 PM ET (US)
The Opti has such a beautiful sound! I loved the 150 on my Outrage 21. It was never lacking for power.
Perry posted 05-05-2011 09:27 PM ET (US)
I like the sound of a 2 stroke motor when it's between my legs (my YZ250). When it comes to outboard motors, I believe the quieter the better and my 4 stroke Honda outboard is very quiet.
Peter posted 05-05-2011 09:51 PM ET (US)
Not too many outboard motors sound as good as an OMC V4 getting throttled up. Sounds like a good 'ol American V8 when you step hard on the gas pedal.
pcrussell50 posted 05-06-2011 02:01 AM ET (US)
Nick, you're probably right about the cops. A high compression motor like a '75 "bubbleback" has a seriously crackly "rasp" when the leg's not in the water. Given that, it's amazingly quiet idling in the water. Peter, yep! It's a sound that God himself must have had a hand in :). And Phil, my Merc 90hp Fourstroke, is like that... tied to the dock, the telltale hitting the water is the loudest sound. I must admit, its kind of neato... but at a price... in both weight and cost. But it's on a Montauk/Alert, not a sporty, "go fast" boat like the ones my "bubblebacks" are on.
-Peter
Binkster posted 05-06-2011 05:43 AM ET (US)
peter,
Is the term "bubbleback" a local term for any OMC V4. I never heard of it before. Maybe I`m just a Merc. "tower"(inline six guy). There is nothing like the sound of a Merc tower, either on the hose or on the water as far as I`m concerned.
Is my `61 Evinrude Starflite V4 with manual shift considered a bubbleback. So far I've only run it on the hose, but will run it on the water at the AOMCI meet in two weeks. It runs good on the hose, we`ll see how it goes in the water. I might be looking for a 135 V4 or a 150 Merc. tower. The boat is only 14 feet long. Is this motor a crossflow V4? I think the loopers came much later.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c191/floridaboy2053/ almost%20finished%20Sea%20Fury/fintailboat6.jpg
seahorse posted 05-06-2011 07:28 AM ET (US)
The "bubble back" cross-flow engine, also referred to as a "baby butt" design, was used on various models of the 135,140, 115, and 112 V4's over the years. Instead of a flat back exhaust cover between the cylinder heads, the cover had a pronounced rounded shape that allowed tuned exhaust passages inside of it for more power. The descriptive nicknames approximate the shape of the exhaust cover protrusion.
adlert posted 05-06-2011 08:37 AM ET (US)
Binkster, if you are wondering if the engine in your linked picture is a cross flow engine then the answer is yes. Beautiful job on that boat by the way. Your work is consistently outstanding.
Robert V posted 05-06-2011 09:16 AM ET (US)
Binkster,
Very cool classic, love the vintage Evinrude motor. Nice restoration job.
Robert
leadsled posted 05-06-2011 10:41 AM ET (US)
Binkster, I think they call motors like your 61 starflite " Turtleheads". Nice looking rig you got there.
Tohsgib posted 05-06-2011 11:21 AM ET (US)
I like turtles!
pcrussell50 posted 05-06-2011 12:15 PM ET (US)
I should add that the "bubbleback" exhaust cover was only present on the v4 crossflows that were the top horsepower models for a given year, AFAICT. For example, in '75 it was only on the 135hp, not the 115hp. In '93, when horsepower was prop rated, the top model was 115hp, and it was a "bubbleback". The 90hp was not.
-Peter
GBayWhaler posted 05-06-2011 01:13 PM ET (US)
Thanks for all of your replys. A lot to chew on.
Binks I am officially partial to 2 strokes as tomorrow I take possession of a mid 90's 17' Edgewater/Marlin dual console. It is currently powered by a Merc 175 that I would guess is early 1980 vintage. It is black with blue graffics (something my wife would say.)
I'm paying entirely for boat value, but told that the engine runs.
"She's a little loud, and way too fast" was the comment. The boat is rated for 100hp.
Can't wait!!!
So Tom (Bigshot)
"Until the cops are called." [reference to noise level]
I have yet to see a boat chase on COPS tv show, but I'd say I've got a pretty good chance of outrunning the local smokies- they run Lipsticked Bayliners (Trophy). Let me know if anyone sees a Georgian Bay COPS boatchase takedown...
Grand Nussie
[Four-cycle engines] just don't sound right. In fact they sound downright wussy. :-)
I'm with ya brother!
Perry
" like the sound of a 2 stroke motor when it's between my legs (my YZ250)..."
This is a family website. I'd be careful once the propeller starts spinning
I'll sound off next week on what I've got. Assuming this thing runs properly, I may give runpastfence a run for his money...LOL
Have a great weekend
Stuart
Tohsgib posted 05-06-2011 01:38 PM ET (US)
It is Nick but I meant the cops are called when running on the muffs. Had it happen a couple times while trying to work on a problem. Kept the mosquitos away for a few days though.
pcrussell50 posted 05-06-2011 01:40 PM ET (US)
While a mid-70's, high compression bubbleback sounds like the hammers of hell on the muffs, (which is what drew Nicks comment about the cops), it's actually quite ordinary sounding, idling in the water.
And one more thing about noise that's almost a question... I'm not sure my Merc 90 Fourstroke is any quieter at 4500 rpm while underway than my bubblebacks. But I only have about an hour under my belt with the Fourstroke, so I allow as to how I might be mistaken about that.
-Peter
Peter posted 05-06-2011 01:58 PM ET (US)
4-strokes are not quieter underway, just different sounding. At 4500 RPM, the 4-cylinder 4-strokes sounds like a dainty sewing machine. ;)
Waterwonderland posted 05-08-2011 04:37 PM ET (US)
Noise level aside, the best sound I ever heard from an outboard was a 1980 something 150 HP Mariner (merc) at WOT trimmed way up. The roostertail was sweet, but the howl from that engine was awesome. Now I have a four stroke sewing machine...sigh.
GBayWhaler posted 05-09-2011 01:24 PM ET (US)
I'm not into sewing. My drycleaner does all the sewing I require. At this rate we may rename the site continuoushemline. Or at the very least get Jim to create another forum for sewing tips and tricks. I'm some of our wives have quilting projects they'd love to share...
The 1980s vintage Merc runs. Its rough with a ton of smoke- Yes Nick it keeps the mosquitoes away and most people as well.
The steering is seized- it will turn from centre in one direction and back to centre, but it won't turn past centre in the other direction.
Despite my burning desire to experience the howl at WOT from my 175 Merc, I decided to play it safe and sort out the sterring issue first.
Stuart
cbgann posted 05-09-2011 09:40 PM ET (US)
I'm with Binkie, the old 6 cyl Merc was a nice sound and the stackers they used to run on the Molanari's wound up around 10k had to be the ultimate, at least in ear-piercing levels.
Binkster posted 05-09-2011 10:57 PM ET (US)
GBay, So your motor will run straight and only turn one direction not such a big deal. Go test your 175 Merc. Lets say your outboard will only turn left. start out with the near shore on your starboard side, run parallel to the near shore then turn left and do a few counter clockwise laps, If it will only turn right do the opposite. BTW you might have to tow the boat to the starting spot in the bay.
cbgann, An inline six Merc Stacker race motor. Now that is the ultimate outboard. I wish I could afford one to run on my DeSilva class F Racing Runabout. They actually race them that way in class F out in California. They will run almost 100mph. It was fast enough for me when I ran a Chrysler 105 racing Stacker(I never had the stacks)outboard on that boat at 70mph at the AOMCI meets. On advice from the folks who care about me I sold that motor. They said I was too old at 73. Why did I take their advice?
pcrussell50 posted 05-10-2011 02:57 PM ET (US)
Earlier in this thread, some folks wanted to know what a "bubbleback" was, and a good textual description was given. Here is a picture that completes the description:
https://picasaweb.google.com/pcrussell50/Tahiti#5605161233348790946
It is my 1975 Evinrude 135hp, the one with the angry, crackly, high-compression rasp, idling on the muffs.
-Peter
L H G posted 05-11-2011 01:16 PM ET (US)
Here is a 1973 Mercury 150HP tower (first year they made them) for Binkster.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem& item=260723989326
Tohsgib posted 05-11-2011 01:55 PM ET (US)
One day I am going to have that guy make me a modern(84-88) 115 with ole red or blue(68-75) decals to look nostalgic...just need the right hull for it.
Salmon Tub posted 05-16-2011 10:16 PM ET (US)
If your chasing skin then louder is better, if your chasing fins then quiet is best.

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Author	Topic: Outboard Noise
GBayWhaler	posted 05-05-2011 12:49 PM ET (US) [Q]ualify the difference in noise level between [two-cycle and four-cycle engine] outboards, specifically Yamaha. Thanks--Stuart
Binkster	posted 05-05-2011 12:58 PM ET (US) No [four-cycle engine] can compare to the sound of a two-cycle.
pcrussell50	posted 05-05-2011 01:47 PM ET (US) Yep. the Binkster has that one right in concept. There is no outboard noise I know of more wonderful than the sound of a high compression, mid-70's "bubbleback", OMC V4, idling on hose muffs. :) -Peter
Tohsgib	posted 05-05-2011 01:54 PM ET (US) Until the cops are called. HPDI's are emmissions compliant but sound like a slightly muffled 2 smoke. 4 strokes sound like your car.
fluke	posted 05-05-2011 02:25 PM ET (US) You know it's funny but the low gutty sound from my Yamaha 90 reminds me of my Triumph 500 I used to ride. Quiet is nice though once your running. Mark
bluewaterpirate	posted 05-05-2011 03:18 PM ET (US) Coming in from offshore, bow v. stern percpetive 225 Optimax Trolling
Tohsgib	posted 05-05-2011 03:37 PM ET (US) Wow that thing is loud.
bluewaterpirate	posted 05-05-2011 03:57 PM ET (US) I know but but it sounds great to me. One thing about the Opti it will flat get you out of the hole and up on step quickly plus it's great on gas.
Phil T	posted 05-05-2011 06:31 PM ET (US) I had a classic 1987 Yamaha 90 two-cycle on a Montauk. I have a Yamaha F115 EFI four-cycle on my Outrage 17. There was a period of time where both were parked in the driveway. I purposely ran both, one after the other, on the muffs to illustrate to my better half the noise difference. While I didn't measure it with a sound meter, the four-cycle is significantly quieter. With the boat in the water, the four-cycle is so quiet the only sound I hear is the tell tale stream hitting the water.
GRAND NUSSIE	posted 05-05-2011 06:32 PM ET (US) [Four-cycle engines] just don't sound right. In fact they sound downright wussy. :-)
jimh	posted 05-05-2011 08:09 PM ET (US) There is not really much difference in noise level due to the engine power cycle design. Modern outboard engines are being designed to reduce the noise level produced. Four-cycle engines have been quite effective at creating the impression of very low noise signature at idle.
flippa	posted 05-05-2011 08:49 PM ET (US) The Opti has such a beautiful sound! I loved the 150 on my Outrage 21. It was never lacking for power.
Perry	posted 05-05-2011 09:27 PM ET (US) I like the sound of a 2 stroke motor when it's between my legs (my YZ250). When it comes to outboard motors, I believe the quieter the better and my 4 stroke Honda outboard is very quiet.
Peter	posted 05-05-2011 09:51 PM ET (US) Not too many outboard motors sound as good as an OMC V4 getting throttled up. Sounds like a good 'ol American V8 when you step hard on the gas pedal.
pcrussell50	posted 05-06-2011 02:01 AM ET (US) Nick, you're probably right about the cops. A high compression motor like a '75 "bubbleback" has a seriously crackly "rasp" when the leg's not in the water. Given that, it's amazingly quiet idling in the water. Peter, yep! It's a sound that God himself must have had a hand in :). And Phil, my Merc 90hp Fourstroke, is like that... tied to the dock, the telltale hitting the water is the loudest sound. I must admit, its kind of neato... but at a price... in both weight and cost. But it's on a Montauk/Alert, not a sporty, "go fast" boat like the ones my "bubblebacks" are on. -Peter
Binkster	posted 05-06-2011 05:43 AM ET (US) peter, Is the term "bubbleback" a local term for any OMC V4. I never heard of it before. Maybe I`m just a Merc. "tower"(inline six guy). There is nothing like the sound of a Merc tower, either on the hose or on the water as far as I`m concerned. Is my `61 Evinrude Starflite V4 with manual shift considered a bubbleback. So far I've only run it on the hose, but will run it on the water at the AOMCI meet in two weeks. It runs good on the hose, we`ll see how it goes in the water. I might be looking for a 135 V4 or a 150 Merc. tower. The boat is only 14 feet long. Is this motor a crossflow V4? I think the loopers came much later. http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c191/floridaboy2053/ almost%20finished%20Sea%20Fury/fintailboat6.jpg
seahorse	posted 05-06-2011 07:28 AM ET (US) The "bubble back" cross-flow engine, also referred to as a "baby butt" design, was used on various models of the 135,140, 115, and 112 V4's over the years. Instead of a flat back exhaust cover between the cylinder heads, the cover had a pronounced rounded shape that allowed tuned exhaust passages inside of it for more power. The descriptive nicknames approximate the shape of the exhaust cover protrusion.
adlert	posted 05-06-2011 08:37 AM ET (US) Binkster, if you are wondering if the engine in your linked picture is a cross flow engine then the answer is yes. Beautiful job on that boat by the way. Your work is consistently outstanding.
Robert V	posted 05-06-2011 09:16 AM ET (US) Binkster, Very cool classic, love the vintage Evinrude motor. Nice restoration job. Robert
leadsled	posted 05-06-2011 10:41 AM ET (US) Binkster, I think they call motors like your 61 starflite " Turtleheads". Nice looking rig you got there.
Tohsgib	posted 05-06-2011 11:21 AM ET (US) I like turtles!
pcrussell50	posted 05-06-2011 12:15 PM ET (US) I should add that the "bubbleback" exhaust cover was only present on the v4 crossflows that were the top horsepower models for a given year, AFAICT. For example, in '75 it was only on the 135hp, not the 115hp. In '93, when horsepower was prop rated, the top model was 115hp, and it was a "bubbleback". The 90hp was not. -Peter
GBayWhaler	posted 05-06-2011 01:13 PM ET (US) Thanks for all of your replys. A lot to chew on. Binks I am officially partial to 2 strokes as tomorrow I take possession of a mid 90's 17' Edgewater/Marlin dual console. It is currently powered by a Merc 175 that I would guess is early 1980 vintage. It is black with blue graffics (something my wife would say.) I'm paying entirely for boat value, but told that the engine runs. "She's a little loud, and way too fast" was the comment. The boat is rated for 100hp. Can't wait!!! So Tom (Bigshot) "Until the cops are called." [reference to noise level] I have yet to see a boat chase on COPS tv show, but I'd say I've got a pretty good chance of outrunning the local smokies- they run Lipsticked Bayliners (Trophy). Let me know if anyone sees a Georgian Bay COPS boatchase takedown... Grand Nussie [Four-cycle engines] just don't sound right. In fact they sound downright wussy. :-) I'm with ya brother! Perry " like the sound of a 2 stroke motor when it's between my legs (my YZ250)..." This is a family website. I'd be careful once the propeller starts spinning I'll sound off next week on what I've got. Assuming this thing runs properly, I may give runpastfence a run for his money...LOL Have a great weekend Stuart
Tohsgib	posted 05-06-2011 01:38 PM ET (US) It is Nick but I meant the cops are called when running on the muffs. Had it happen a couple times while trying to work on a problem. Kept the mosquitos away for a few days though.
pcrussell50	posted 05-06-2011 01:40 PM ET (US) While a mid-70's, high compression bubbleback sounds like the hammers of hell on the muffs, (which is what drew Nicks comment about the cops), it's actually quite ordinary sounding, idling in the water. And one more thing about noise that's almost a question... I'm not sure my Merc 90 Fourstroke is any quieter at 4500 rpm while underway than my bubblebacks. But I only have about an hour under my belt with the Fourstroke, so I allow as to how I might be mistaken about that. -Peter
Peter	posted 05-06-2011 01:58 PM ET (US) 4-strokes are not quieter underway, just different sounding. At 4500 RPM, the 4-cylinder 4-strokes sounds like a dainty sewing machine. ;)
Waterwonderland	posted 05-08-2011 04:37 PM ET (US) Noise level aside, the best sound I ever heard from an outboard was a 1980 something 150 HP Mariner (merc) at WOT trimmed way up. The roostertail was sweet, but the howl from that engine was awesome. Now I have a four stroke sewing machine...sigh.
GBayWhaler	posted 05-09-2011 01:24 PM ET (US) I'm not into sewing. My drycleaner does all the sewing I require. At this rate we may rename the site continuoushemline. Or at the very least get Jim to create another forum for sewing tips and tricks. I'm some of our wives have quilting projects they'd love to share... The 1980s vintage Merc runs. Its rough with a ton of smoke- Yes Nick it keeps the mosquitoes away and most people as well. The steering is seized- it will turn from centre in one direction and back to centre, but it won't turn past centre in the other direction. Despite my burning desire to experience the howl at WOT from my 175 Merc, I decided to play it safe and sort out the sterring issue first. Stuart
cbgann	posted 05-09-2011 09:40 PM ET (US) I'm with Binkie, the old 6 cyl Merc was a nice sound and the stackers they used to run on the Molanari's wound up around 10k had to be the ultimate, at least in ear-piercing levels.
Binkster	posted 05-09-2011 10:57 PM ET (US) GBay, So your motor will run straight and only turn one direction not such a big deal. Go test your 175 Merc. Lets say your outboard will only turn left. start out with the near shore on your starboard side, run parallel to the near shore then turn left and do a few counter clockwise laps, If it will only turn right do the opposite. BTW you might have to tow the boat to the starting spot in the bay. cbgann, An inline six Merc Stacker race motor. Now that is the ultimate outboard. I wish I could afford one to run on my DeSilva class F Racing Runabout. They actually race them that way in class F out in California. They will run almost 100mph. It was fast enough for me when I ran a Chrysler 105 racing Stacker(I never had the stacks)outboard on that boat at 70mph at the AOMCI meets. On advice from the folks who care about me I sold that motor. They said I was too old at 73. Why did I take their advice?
pcrussell50	posted 05-10-2011 02:57 PM ET (US) Earlier in this thread, some folks wanted to know what a "bubbleback" was, and a good textual description was given. Here is a picture that completes the description: https://picasaweb.google.com/pcrussell50/Tahiti#5605161233348790946 It is my 1975 Evinrude 135hp, the one with the angry, crackly, high-compression rasp, idling on the muffs. -Peter
L H G	posted 05-11-2011 01:16 PM ET (US) Here is a 1973 Mercury 150HP tower (first year they made them) for Binkster. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem& item=260723989326
Tohsgib	posted 05-11-2011 01:55 PM ET (US) One day I am going to have that guy make me a modern(84-88) 115 with ole red or blue(68-75) decals to look nostalgic...just need the right hull for it.
Salmon Tub	posted 05-16-2011 10:16 PM ET (US) If your chasing skin then louder is better, if your chasing fins then quiet is best.