Top 10 Quiet Outboard Motors for Fishing Boats

When it comes to fishing, silence is golden. The quieter your outboard motor, the less likely you are to startle fish and disrupt their natural behavior. Anglers who rely on stealth understand the importance of using a quiet motor, especially when navigating calm waters or fishing in shallow areas. Today’s outboard motors have advanced significantly, offering a range of options that balance power, efficiency, and noise reduction.

In this article, we explore the top 10 quiet outboard motors for fishing boats. Whether you are outfitting a small bass boat or a larger fishing vessel, these motors provide excellent performance without compromising on noise levels.

Why Choose a Quiet Outboard Motor?

Before diving into the list, it’s important to understand why quietness matters. Loud motors create vibrations and noise that can alert fish to your presence, causing them to scatter or dive deeper. This is particularly true for species like bass, trout, and walleye that have keen senses. A quiet outboard motor allows anglers to approach fishing spots discreetly and maintain the tranquility needed for success.

Additionally, quieter motors improve your overall boating experience by reducing noise pollution and fatigue during long trips.

Factors That Make an Outboard Motor Quiet

Several elements contribute to an outboard motor’s noise level:

Engine Type: Four-stroke engines tend to be quieter than two-stroke engines due to cleaner combustion.
Decibel Rating: The noise output measured in decibels (dB); lower dB equals quieter operation.
Propeller Design: Efficient propeller designs minimize cavitation and vibration.
Exhaust System: Some models route exhaust through the propeller hub or water to muffle sound.
Build Quality: High-quality materials and precision engineering reduce mechanical noise.

With these factors in mind, here are the top 10 quiet outboard motors for fishing boats in 2024.

1. Yamaha F25

Yamaha has long been synonymous with reliability and smooth operation. The F25 is a 25-horsepower four-stroke motor that excels in quietness thanks to its advanced engineering and refined exhaust system.

Noise Level: Approximately 55 dB at cruising speed
Features: EFI fuel injection for efficient combustion, variable camshaft timing
Weight: 126 lbs
Best For: Small to medium fishing boats requiring smooth, silent power

The Yamaha F25’s compact design and muffled exhaust provide whisper-quiet performance without sacrificing fuel economy or responsiveness. Its reputation among anglers is well-earned.

2. Honda BF20

Honda’s BF20 outboard combines advanced four-stroke technology with sound-dampening features that reduce engine noise substantially.

Noise Level: Around 56 dB
Features: Integrated water-cooled exhaust system, lean burn control
Weight: 137 lbs
Best For: Lightweight fishing boats where noise reduction is critical

Honda employs a water jacket around the exhaust manifold to cool and muffle sound emissions effectively. The BF20 is also known for its durability and low emissions.

3. Mercury FourStroke 15 HP

Mercury’s four-stroke line features quiet-running engines designed specifically for small boats needing gentle propulsion with minimal noise.

Noise Level: Approximately 54 dB
Features: Multi-port fuel injection, efficient combustion chamber design
Weight: 99 lbs
Best For: Canoes, jon boats, and ultralight fishing vessels

This motor delivers smooth acceleration with minimal vibration, making it ideal for anglers who prioritize stealth.

4. Suzuki DF15A

Suzuki’s DF15A outboard is a lightweight four-stroke motor designed with noise reduction as a focus.

Noise Level: Around 55 dB
Features: Lean burn control technology, offset driveshaft for smoothness
Weight: 99 lbs
Best For: Small fishing boats and kayaks needing silent approach capability

Suzuki’s engineering includes balancing techniques that reduce engine vibration—a major contributor to overall noise.

5. Tohatsu MFS18A2S

Tohatsu offers budget-friendly yet surprisingly quiet four-stroke motors such as the MFS18A2S model.

Noise Level: Approximately 56 dB
Features: Water-cooled exhaust system, direct fuel injection
Weight: 121 lbs
Best For: Anglers looking for quiet but cost-effective options

The water-cooled exhaust helps muffle operational sounds while maintaining strong torque at low RPMs—essential for fishing situations.

6. Evinrude E-Tec G2 20 HP

Though Evinrude discontinued their production in recent years, many anglers still seek out their E-Tec G2 models due to their remarkable quietness paired with two-stroke power benefits.

Noise Level: About 58 dB (notably quieter than traditional two-strokes)
Features: Direct injection two-stroke technology reduces noise & emissions
Weight: 114 lbs
Best For: Those wanting two-stroke power with reduced noise levels

Evinrude’s innovation allowed them to blend the efficiency of two-strokes with near four-stroke quietness.

7. Yamaha F40LA

For anglers needing more horsepower but still valuing quiet operation, Yamaha’s F40LA offers a fantastic balance.

Noise Level: Roughly 59 dB under load
Features: Variable camshaft timing, EFI system
Weight: 184 lbs
Best For: Mid-sized fishing boats requiring stealthy power boosts

This motor is widely praised for its smoothness and minimal mechanical clatter despite higher output.

8. Mercury Pro XS FourStroke 60 HP

While Mercury’s Pro XS series is often associated with high-performance noisy engines, the four-stroke models like the 60 HP version deliver surprisingly quiet operation combined with power.

Noise Level: Around 60 dB cruising speed
Features: Multi-port fuel injection, advanced baffling system
Weight: Approx. 275 lbs
Best For: Larger bass boats or multi-species fishing vessels emphasizing stealth

The Pro XS balances performance needs with sound-reducing innovations not usually found in high-powered motors.

9. Evinrude E-Tec G2 40 HP

Another entry from Evinrude’s G2 line that features two-stroke direct injection technology maintaining low noise while providing strong thrust.

Noise Level: Approximately 59 dB
Features: Direct fuel injection reduces combustion noise and emissions
Weight: Around 250 lbs
Best For: Anglers who prefer traditional two-strokes without typical loudness penalties

Its engineered quietness makes it popular among those transitioning from older noisier models.

10. Suzuki DF40A Four-Stroke

The Suzuki DF40A rounds out our list as a reliable mid-range four-stroke outboard that emphasizes silent operation alongside fuel efficiency.

Noise Level: About 58 dB under typical conditions
Features: Lean burn technology, offset driveshaft design minimizes vibrations
Weight: Approximately 189 lbs
Best For: Medium-sized fishing craft requiring dependable low-noise propulsion

This Suzuki model is known for its smooth acceleration curves that don’t disturb fish or anglers alike.

Tips for Maximizing Quiet Operation on Your Fishing Boat

Choosing a quiet outboard motor is just part of creating a low-noise fishing setup. Here are some additional tips:

Regular Maintenance: Keep your motor well-tuned to prevent unnecessary rattling or knocking.
Use Proper Propellers: Select propellers matched to your boat size that reduce cavitation.
Sound Dampening Materials: Consider adding sound insulation around mounting points.
Operate at Lower RPMs: Fish are less likely to detect slow-moving or idling engines.
Positioning: Mount the motor correctly to avoid resonance through the hull.

Conclusion

Investing in a quiet outboard motor can significantly enhance your fishing experience by enabling stealthy approaches and preserving water tranquility. The ten motors highlighted above represent the best current offerings in terms of balancing quietness with power and reliability across a range of boat sizes and angling needs.

Whether you prefer compact engines like the Mercury FourStroke 15 HP or more robust choices such as the Yamaha F40LA, you can find an option optimized for silent operation without sacrificing performance—helping you stay close to fish without disturbing them.

Whichever model you choose, remember that combining quality equipment with smart boating practices will always yield better results on the water. Stay quiet, stay patient, and enjoy your next successful fishing adventure!