Choosing a outboard motor with a capacity of up to 5 hp is not an easy task, especially if your priority is to use a motor. noiseA quiet engine is important not only for comfortable fishing, but also for compliance with the rules in protected water bodies, where loud noises can frighten fish or disturb the rest of other vacationers. Best Models of 2026Compare them in terms of noise, efficiency and reliability, and tell you what to look for when buying.
Motors under 5 hp are often used on PVC inflatable boats and small aluminum vessels, and their advantage is that they do not need to register with the GIMS (provided that the boat is also not subject to registration). two-stroke It's usually louder than four-stroke motors, and electric motors are the quietest, but with limited operating time, and we'll help you figure out which option is right for you.
Why is the noise level of the outboard motor important?
The noise from the engine affects not only your comfort, but also your comfort. fishing-efficiencyFish, especially predatory fish (pike, pike), are sensitive to foreign sounds. Studies show that a loud motor can reduce the number of bites by 30-40%. In addition, some protected areas have noise restrictions, which can lead to a fine.
Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB).
- 🌊 Electric motor 40–50 dB (whispering, light wind)
- 🛶 Four-stroke petrol engine 60–75 dB (conversation, vacuum cleaner)
- ⛽ Two-stroke petrol engine 80-95 dB (motorcycle, lawnmower)
It is also worth considering. vibrationIt's transmitted to the hull of the boat, and it creates additional noise in the water, and the less vibrations you have, the quieter the engine is.
Top 5 quietest outboard motors up to 5 hp in 2026
We analyzed the feedback from fishermen, independent test experts and specifications to rank the quietest engines in this segment, and the chart below shows the key parameters of the leading models.
| Model | Type | Power (hp) | Noise level (dB) | Weight (kg) | Price (from, rub.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minn Kota Endura C2 55 | Electrical. | 0.7 (equivalent to 3 hp) | 45 | 10.5 | 65 000 |
| Honda BF5D | Four-stroke | 5 | 62 | 27 | 120 000 |
| Yamaha F5BMHS | Four-stroke | 5 | 65 | 26 | 135 000 |
| Suzuki DF5AS | Four-stroke | 5 | 64 | 25.5 | 118 000 |
| Torqeedo Travel 1003 C | Electrical. | 1 (equivalent to 3bhp) | 42 | 15.5 | 180 000 |
Electric motors Minn Kota and Torqeedo They're the ones that lead in silence, but their power is limited by the battery capacity.Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki) noisier but suitable for long journeys.
Electric motors vs. gasoline: which is quieter?
If your goal is silenceThey're not only silent, they don't create vibrations that scare fish away.
- ⚡ Limited working hours (depends on battery capacity).
- 🔋 Additional weight (The batteries weigh 10–30 kg).
- 💰 High cost (The price of the electric motor + battery is comparable to a gasoline engine).
Gasoline engines, even the quietest, lose in noise but win in the air. autonomy and capacityFour-stroke models (e.g., Honda BF5D) quieter two-stroke engines, thanks to engine design and silencer system. Mercury ME F 5 M) is cheaper but noisier and requires mixing of oil with petrol.
What battery to choose for an electric motor?
A 3-5 hp engine will be suitable for a 100-150 Ah lithium-ion battery (12-24 V voltage). Operating time will be 4-8 hours at average speed. Lead-acid batteries are cheaper, but heavier and require regular maintenance. LiFePO4Batteries: They are lightweight, durable and can withstand up to 2,000 charge cycles.
How to reduce the noise of the gasoline engine?
Even if you choose a gasoline engine, you can reduce its noise with several techniques:
Use rubber dampers to fasten the motor to the transom |Install an additional muffler (e.g., Waterlock)| Check and adjust valve gaps (for four-stroke engines)| Use high-quality fuel (octane number not lower than 92) | Lubricate moving parts according to TO regulations
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Special attention should be paid motor mountVibrations transmitted to the trawler of the boat, increase noise in the water. Rubber pads or special shock absorbers (for example, from Attwood) will help reduce vibration by 20-30%. screw-state Damaged blades create additional noise and reduce efficiency.
⚠️ Attention: Some folk ways to reduce noise (such as wrapping a muffler around a cloth) are dangerous! This can cause the engine to overheat and fire. Use only certified accessories.
Review of the best models: pros and cons
Let’s take a closer look at the top models from our ranking.
1. Minn Kota Endura C2 55 The best electric motor for fishing.
- ✅ Pros: Full noiselessness, 5 speeds forward / 3 back, telescopic control handle.
- ❌ Cons: High battery price, limited range.
2. Honda BF5D - the quietest gasoline engine.
- ✅ Pros: reliable four-stroke engine, low fuel consumption (1.5 l / h), easy start.
- ❌ Cons: More expensive than analogues, requires running.
3. Torqeedo Travel 1003 C - a premium electric motor.
- ✅ Pros: ultralight (15.5 kg), removable battery, solar panel included.
- ❌ Cons: price above 180 000 rubles, power is equivalent to only 3 hp
If you often fish in shallow water, choose a motor with a transom (for example, Minn Kota RiptideThis will avoid damage to the screw and reduce noise when driving on reeds.
Where to buy a quiet outboard motor? Official dealers vs. market
Buying a motor is better from dealership or in trusted online stores (for example, Outboard Motors. RU, Mothball.com., Ozon with a seller rating above 4.8), this guarantees:
- 📄 Official guarantee (1-3 years depending on the brand).
- 🔧 Service services (e.g., the Honda and Yamaha wide network of SRTs.
- 🛡️ Protection against counterfeiting (There are many counterfeit engines in the market.)
In the secondary market (Avito, Yula) you can find engines cheaper, but the risks are high:
- 🚨 Hidden malfunctions (e.g., wear of the piston group).
- 📉 Lack of security.
- 🔄 Possibility of buying stolen motor (check the GIMS database).
⚠️ Attention: When buying a gasoline engine, check it out. serial Fake engines often lack engraving or are poorly designed.
Conclusion: which motor to choose?
The choice depends on your tasks:
- 🎣 For fishing in small water bodies - electric motor (Minn Kota or Torqeedo).
- 🚤 For long-distance travel and family holidays - four-stroke petrol engine (Honda BF5D or Suzuki DF5AS).
- 💰 For the budgetary option - two-stroke engine (Mercury ME F 5 M), but be prepared for more noise.
Don't forget that Silence is not the only criterionPay attention to this. fuel, engineweight (important for PVC boats) and brand reliabilityThe optimal balance of price and quality is offered today Honda and Suzuki.
Electric motors are quieter, but they require a lot of battery investment. Four-stroke gasoline is noisier, but it's more autonomous, and it depends on your budget and your style of use.
FAQ: Frequent questions about quiet outboard motors
Can the two-stroke motor be made quieter?
Yes, but not fundamentally. Install a quality muffler (e.g., Sierra), check the condition of the propeller and use fuel with an octane number of 95. However, it is impossible to completely eliminate the noise of a two-stroke engine, since its design is initially louder than the four-stroke one.
How long does an electric motor work on a single charge?
Depends on the battery capacity and the power of the motor. Minn Kota Endura C2 55 12B/100Ah will work with:
- At 1st speed, up to 10 hours.
- At 3rd speed - 4-5 hours.
- At the maximum - 1.5-2 hours.
To increase the operating time, you can connect the second battery in parallel.
Do I need to register the engine up to 5 hp?
Not if the power of the motor It's not more than 5 hp. (3.68 kW) and the boat is not subject to registration (length up to 20 m, weight up to 200 kg, power up to 8 kW). However, if you use the engine on a boat or yacht, the rules may differ - check with the local GIMS office.
What's the quieter engine? Honda BF5D or Yamaha F5BMHS?
In the 2026 test, Honda BF5D It's 2 to 3 dB quieter, thanks to an improved silencer system and a balanced crankshaft, but the difference is not critical, because both are among the quietest in their class. Yamaha It is better for the water (better for the sea).
Can I use an electric motor in winter?
Yes, but with reservations:
- Lithium-ion batteries lose up to 30% of their capacity at temperatures below 0°C.
- Lead-acid batteries can freeze in severe frost.
- After use in the cold, the motor must be dried to avoid corrosion.
For winter fishing, it is better to choose models from moistureproof (for example, Minn Kota Riptide).