Top 5 Quietest Outboard Motors for Fishing in 2026

Finding the quietest outboard motors can make a major difference on a fishing boat. A quieter engine means easier conversation, less vibration and a more relaxed day on the water. 🎣 quietest outboard motors

It can also matter when you are trolling slowly or approaching a fishing spot. In these situations, engine noise and vibration become much easier to notice.

Modern four-stroke outboards have made major progress in this area. Independent testing has repeatedly found modern four-strokes much quieter than older two-stroke designs. However, the quietest engine at idle may not be the quietest at cruise or full throttle.

So, which engines should anglers consider in 2026?

Below, we compare five strong choices for fishing boats.

What Makes an Outboard Quiet? 🤫

Engine noise comes from several areas.

The powerhead creates mechanical noise. The intake produces another layer of sound. Exhaust flow adds more. Finally, vibration can travel through the engine mounts and into the hull.

Therefore, a quiet outboard needs more than a low engine note.

Look for:

Quietness Factor	Why It Matters
Four-stroke design	Generally reduces noise compared with older two-strokes
Stable idle	Helps during trolling and slow manoeuvres
Engine mounting	Reduces vibration through the hull
Intake design	Can reduce induction noise
Exhaust design	Helps control exhaust sound
Propeller condition	A damaged prop can create vibration
Engine balance	Smooth running reduces harshness
Trolling control	Helps maintain low, steady RPM

Importantly, boat design also affects what you hear.

A hard aluminium hull, for example, can transmit and amplify vibration differently from a larger fibreglass hull. Independent testing has shown that hull construction can influence perceived engine noise.

1. Suzuki Outboards | Excellent Low-Speed Quietness

Suzuki deserves a place near the top of any discussion about quiet fishing outboards.

Independent Australian testing has found Suzuki engines particularly quiet at idle and cruise. One Fishing World comparison found a Suzuki noticeably quieter than the Yamaha and Evinrude engines tested at around 3,500 RPM. It was also the quietest at idle in that comparison.

That matters for anglers.

Fishing often involves long periods at low speed. You may spend hours trolling, drifting or moving between locations.

Suzuki’s engineering also focuses on reducing vibration and improving smoothness. Its offset driveshaft and Dual Louver System are designed to reduce vibration and noise.

Why Suzuki Works Well for Fishing

Suzuki is especially attractive when you want:

Quiet trolling
Smooth low-speed operation
Strong fuel economy
Low vibration
Reliable four-stroke performance
Good midrange options

For anglers who spend most of their day at trolling speed, Suzuki is a very strong candidate. suzuki outboards

2. Honda Outboards | Smooth and Quiet at Low Speed

Honda is another excellent choice for anglers who value quiet operation.

Independent testing has repeatedly highlighted Honda’s smooth running. A Practical Sailor test of 9.9HP engines measured the Honda at 62 dB at idle and found it to be the quietest overall in that particular test.

Honda has also performed strongly in larger-engine comparisons.

Fishing World reported that a Honda ranked alongside Suzuki as one of the quietest engines at idle and low speed.

That is important because fishing does not always require maximum horsepower.

A motor that remains smooth and quiet while trolling can be more useful than one that simply produces a high top speed.

Why Choose Honda?

Honda makes sense for boaters looking for:

Smooth four-stroke operation
Quiet trolling
Strong low-speed torque
Reliable EFI performance
Long-term marine use
Comfortable fishing trips

Honda’s BLAST technology also helps produce strong low-speed torque and acceleration. honda outboards

3. Yamaha Outboards | Refined Performance and Control

Yamaha has built a strong reputation among Australian boat owners.

The brand offers a broad range of four-stroke outboards, from portable engines through to large offshore models.

Yamaha may not win every independent noise test. However, it remains a strong choice because overall comfort depends on more than decibel level.

For example, independent testing of Yamaha and Honda 225HP engines found Yamaha slightly quieter at several measured points, although the difference varied by RPM and location. quietest outboard motors

Yamaha also offers technologies designed to improve control during fishing.

Variable trolling systems can help anglers maintain a controlled low engine speed. That makes it easier to hold a steady trolling pace instead of constantly adjusting the throttle.

Yamaha Is Worth Considering If You Want:

Smooth power delivery
Precise trolling control
Strong fuel economy
Wide model selection
Excellent offshore applications
Advanced digital control options

For Australian anglers, Yamaha also has a major advantage: a large established marine presence.

If you’re comparing available outboard engines in Australia, it is worth looking at Yamaha alongside the other major brands rather than choosing on noise alone. yamaha outbaords

4. Mercury FourStroke | Quiet Performance with Strong Technology

Mercury’s modern FourStroke range offers another strong option.

Mercury has invested heavily in refinement, electronic controls and engine technology. The result is a range that can work well for fishing, cruising and offshore applications.

Noise performance can vary significantly between Mercury models.

For example, historical independent testing of 40–60HP four-strokes recorded Mercury as the quietest engine in that particular test, at 78 dBA. However, testing at different horsepower levels can produce different results.

That is why buyers should avoid broad statements such as “Brand X is always quieter.”

Instead, compare the exact engine class.

Mercury Advantages

Mercury is attractive for anglers who want:

Smooth four-stroke performance
Strong charging capacity
Digital technology
SmartCraft integration
Good low-speed control
Wide horsepower selection

For a modern fishing rig with multiple electronics, Mercury’s technology package can be especially useful. mercury outboards

5. Tohatsu Outboards | Compact and Refined

Tohatsu rounds out our list.

The company has a long history of producing compact marine engines. Its modern four-stroke range provides efficient power for smaller fishing boats, tenders and portable applications.

Noise performance varies by model, so it is important to compare engines within the same horsepower class.

In a six-horsepower independent test, Tohatsu was among several modern four-strokes that remained relatively quiet, although Suzuki and Honda recorded lower full-throttle noise in that test.

Therefore, Tohatsu can make sense when portability and efficient operation are just as important as absolute quietness.

Quietest Outboard Motors Compared

There is no single laboratory ranking that applies to every horsepower class.

Still, the following gives anglers a useful buying framework:

Brand	Low-Speed Noise	Fishing Suitability	Fuel Efficiency	Technology	Best Use
Suzuki	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Trolling & fishing
Honda	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Very Good	Quiet fishing
Yamaha	Very Good	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Fishing & offshore
Mercury	Very Good	Excellent	Very Good	Excellent	Fishing & modern rigs
Tohatsu	Very Good	Very Good	Very Good	Very Good	Smaller boats

These rankings are general buying guidance rather than universal laboratory scores. Actual noise depends on horsepower, RPM, hull design, mounting and propeller selection.

Why Quietness Matters When Fishing 🎣

A quiet engine does more than make the boat comfortable.

It can improve the entire fishing experience.

First, you can communicate more easily with people on board. Secondly, less vibration makes long trips more comfortable. Finally, smooth low-speed operation helps when trolling.

Noise can also become more noticeable when the engine is close to the angler.

That is particularly true on smaller boats.

A compact aluminium fishing boat may transmit more engine vibration than a larger offshore vessel. As a result, choosing a smooth engine can have a bigger impact than the raw decibel figure suggests.

Quiet Outboard Motors for Trolling

Trolling is one of the best reasons to prioritize engine refinement.

You may run the engine for hours at low RPM. Consequently, a small difference in vibration or engine tone can become noticeable over an entire fishing trip.

The ideal trolling engine should provide:

Stable idle | Fine RPM adjustment | Smooth gear engagement | Low vibration | Consistent fuel delivery

Suzuki and Honda have performed particularly well in independent low-speed noise comparisons. Yamaha and Mercury also offer strong trolling and control systems across their ranges.

Are Four-Stroke Outboards Quieter Than Two-Strokes?

Generally, yes.

Modern four-stroke engines have become popular partly because of their quieter operation.

Older two-stroke engines often produced a sharper and more noticeable exhaust note. Modern four-strokes, by contrast, tend to deliver a smoother and more muted sound.

Testing reported by Cruising World found four-stroke engines considerably quieter than the two-strokes tested, particularly at low and planing speeds.

However, engine age still matters.

A poorly maintained four-stroke with a damaged propeller or worn mounts can be much noisier than a properly maintained engine.

How to Make Your Outboard Quieter

You do not always need a new engine to reduce noise.

Start with the basics.

Check the Propeller

A bent or damaged propeller can create significant vibration.

Therefore, inspect the propeller regularly.

Check Engine Mounting

Loose or damaged mounting hardware can transfer unwanted vibration into the hull.

Maintain the Engine

Regular servicing keeps the engine operating smoothly.

Check:

Engine oil
Spark plugs
Fuel system
Cooling system
Propeller
Mounting hardware

Use the Correct Propeller

Propeller selection affects RPM, acceleration, load and engine smoothness.

An incorrect propeller can make the engine work harder than necessary.

For professional assistance, you can contact Auto & Co PTY LTD to discuss available marine engine options.

What Is the Quietest Outboard Motor for Fishing?

If quiet trolling is your main priority, Suzuki and Honda deserve the closest look.

Independent testing has repeatedly shown strong low-speed noise performance from both brands.

However, Yamaha and Mercury remain excellent choices.

The best option depends on your boat and how you fish.

For example, a Yamaha may be the better choice for someone who values advanced control systems. A Mercury may appeal to a boater who wants SmartCraft integration. Meanwhile, Suzuki may suit an angler who puts quiet trolling and efficiency first.

So, don’t buy based on a brand ranking alone.

Match the engine to the boat.

Consider horsepower, hull design, shaft length, engine weight, propeller, controls and your normal cruising RPM.

That approach will give you a quieter and better-performing fishing rig. 🚤🎣

You can also explore the Auto & Co PTY LTD website for marine engine information and available outboards.

Frequently Asked Questions on quietest outboard motors?

What is the quietest outboard motor for fishing?

Suzuki and Honda are strong choices for quiet fishing operation, particularly at idle and low speed. However, exact results vary by horsepower, boat and operating conditions.

Are four-stroke outboards quieter?

Yes. Modern four-stroke outboards are generally much quieter than older two-stroke engines, especially during low-speed operation.

Is Suzuki quieter than Yamaha?

Some independent tests have found Suzuki quieter than Yamaha at idle and cruise. However, the result depends on the specific models and test conditions.

Is Honda good for trolling?

Yes. Honda engines are known for smooth low-speed operation and strong low-speed torque. Independent tests have also recorded very low noise levels from Honda outboards.

Does engine size affect noise?

Yes. Larger engines can produce more mechanical, intake and exhaust noise at high RPM. However, engine design and sound insulation also have a major effect.