Aluminum Boats with stern drives-Do they seem louder?

[Spivy30]

I have a 68' Starcraft with a 120 mercruiser and the boat seems like its louder then my Sea Ray. I'm talking about the actuall engine not the exhaust. My Sea Ray has a V8 and with the engine hatch open vs the cover being off the starcraft, the 4 banger seems louder. Theres no grinding, pinging, or unusual noises it just seems louder. I'm guess its because the fiberglass kinda muffles the sound vs the aluminum. Just curious if any aluminum boat owners have noitced that? Obviously on the water the aluminum hull is louder.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Aluminum Boats with stern drives-Do they seem louder?

Your right the aluminum seems to telegraph the noise.J

 

[superbenk]

Re: Aluminum Boats with stern drives-Do they seem louder?

The aluminum is stiffer than wood & fiberglass so it doesn't absorb the vibration as much.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Aluminum Boats with stern drives-Do they seem louder?

I think an aluminum hull is louder. I went from a fiberglass SeaSwirl to an aluminum Crestliner (same engine) and the aluminum hull is definitely louder. Though, the glass hull was carpeted with foam seats and engine cover, the aluminum has vinyl everywhere, less noise absorbing materials...

 

[Spivy30]

Re: Aluminum Boats with stern drives-Do they seem louder?

Thank you for the imput guys, every abnormal noise or difference has me worried with this old boat.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Aluminum Boats with stern drives-Do they seem louder?

Yes, aluminum boats are always louder than fiberglass boats.