Noise reduction is a primary focus at Ellis Boat Company. Take a ride on an Ellis boat and you will immediately appreciate the extensive engineering we have done to reduce engine and vibration noise. Our unique suspended floor design, in conjunction with soft engine mounts, high density sound absorption materials, custom exhaust system, five blade prop and numerous other sound dampening technologies are combined to create yachts that are among the quietest available today!

Sound can be quantified using a meter that measures decibels (dB). The smallest difference in noise level that most humans can perceive is 2 dB, while 100 represents the threshold of pain. Decibels are measured on a logarithmic scale, so an increase of ten decibels equate to a tenfold change. In other words, 100 db is ten times louder than 90, and one hundred times louder than 80 (10 x 10). Keep that difference in mind when you compare boats – an apparently small difference, say 75 dB compared to 85, can make a huge difference.

As a point of reference, inside a car traveling at 70 miles per hour on a smooth road the sound level would be about 68 to 70 dB. Standing near the runway of an airplane taking off would produce about 115 dB. An exposed running boat engine would produce about 100 dB.

If you put a simple enclosure around the exposed boat engine, the dB level would drop from 100 to 90. All modern yachts have some level of sound insulation around the engine compartment. With reasonable effort a boatbuilder can reduce the sound level to the mid 80’s. At Ellis Boat Company we go well beyond the common practice, and the effectiveness of our approach can be seen in the results: an Ellis 36 produces only 75 dB at seventeen knots. Compared to a boat with a sound level of 85 dB, your ear would perceive that boat to be twice as loud as an Ellis 36.

In addition, noise occurs at different frequency levels, and an acceptable dB level for one frequency might be unacceptable at another. Some low frequency sounds, such as that emitted by a muffler, can be felt as well as heard. For this reason, we insulate such components from the hull to minimize vibration and noise transmission.

The smoother, quieter ride of an Ellis boat produces less fatigue. At 75 dB you can have a normal conversation in the main cabin while at cruising speed. And with a trend toward quieter boats, the extra effort spent on building the Ellis 36 will payoff in helping with resale value. But don't take our word for it, come take a ride on an Ellis and see, hear and feel the difference for yourself!

Download the Ellis 36 sound reduction information sheet.