450 vs. 409 opinions needed - sound

[bblueg]

We live on a large lake in northern MI (10,000+ acres). The lake is quite narrow and sound travels quite far. Offshore boats are frowned upon(, but somehow WAKE! boats are tolerated). This will be our first inboard. Due to sound concerns, we will not be ordering tower speakers.

I am shopping a new nautique g23 and about to place the order this week. I am trying to decide between the 409 and 450. I have tested the 409(3 times) and found it adequate, but this was with no ballast filled and only pulling a 9 year old at 19 mph(3 adults and 2 children in the boat).

I found the boat noise at speed while IN the boat tolerable.

Question: IS THE 450 THAT MUCH LOUDER IN OR FROM THE SHORE? I don't want to anger the neighbors, but I don't want to drop $110k+ and regret buying the 450.

I know it has more power, will drink more gas, etc. My concern in operating noise in and out of the boat. The 4.5k saved on the motor will allow me to add extra toys, but I am willing to delete some line items to get the correct motor.

First hand experiences, please.

Thanks!

[Quinner]

Both motors are the same displacement using the same manifolds and exhaust system, doubt there will be much, if any, sound difference between them.

Really depends how the boat is used, you could actually experience better fuel mileage with more HP.

Elk is a Beautiful lake, the neighbors on Glen Lake, up near you, are also very sensitive to noise, regularly calling the police with sound related complaints

[vision]

our friends a mile down the lake know when i start my z450. Xs550 was much quieter but can not compare to z409.

[AllianceBJJ]

Better consider resale too......I do not know of anyone who actually has the 409 in there....People aren't going to look too highly on the 409 if no one else bought it and will not consider buying a used one with it....

[Chexi]

I am not sure if you can get yet for a g series, but a fresh air exhaust cuts the decibel level considerably.

[NautiqueJeff]

You do NOT want a 409 in a G23. 450 at a minimum.

[markj]

I second the Fresh Air Exhaust idea. I'm about to order one myself just for noise reduction. That way I can hear the stereo better.

[robertsmcfarland]

I think Jeff said it correct no less than a 450 , for sound ,it has a little more throaty sound than the 409 but does not project pass the boat. for speakers I always have a toggle switch place near the driver that cuts off the tower speakers ,mine stay off 95 % of the time but its nice when you do want them ,your children ,as they grow up will thank you-for the tower speakers. also the speakers have great lights built into the bottom that come on when you cut on the interior lights which really light up things when you need it. my 2 cents

[ES]

+1 for the Fresh Air Exhaust system, it made a HUGE difference in noise level on our 210 SANTE (353 Exc engine). I was noticing yesterday as we were cruising at around 22mph and having a nice conversation with friends, with music in the background. Before installing the FAE we had to really raise our voices to hear each other.

[bblueg]

I second the Fresh Air Exhaust idea. I'm about to order one myself just for noise reduction. That way I can hear the stereo better.

Checked in FAE. No, it is not finalized, but they will have one.

Will likely look into it either way.

[bblueg]

I think Jeff said it correct no less than a 450 , for sound ,it has a little more throaty sound than the 409 but does not project pass the boat. for speakers I always have a toggle switch place near the driver that cuts off the tower speakers ,mine stay off 95 % of the time but its nice when you do want them ,your children ,as they grow up will thank you-for the tower speakers. also the speakers have great lights built into the bottom that come on when you cut on the interior lights which really light up things when you need it. my 2 cents

Am ordering prewired, but not purchasing the speakers...yet. Letting the neighbors get used to this beast being in the lake. Speakers may come later, but at least the it is prewired. No sense getting their bloomers in a bunch before there is a reason to do so.

[NautiqueJeff]

If you do go with a FAE, please order through this link (or let them know that PlanetNautique sent you)! It generates a commission for this site!

http://www.planetnautique.com/vb3/sh...p-Buy-Discount!

[AllianceBJJ]

I would not do the prewire....$1,200 for the "tower speaker prep kit" is crazy.....It can be done cheaper and with better materials by your stereo guy....

My stereo guy always pulls ut the factory and rewires when he does my Wetsounds system anyway....

[bblueg]

I would not do the prewire....$1,200 for the "tower speaker prep kit" is crazy.....It can be done cheaper and with better materials by your stereo guy....

My stereo guy always pulls ut the factory and rewires when he does my Wetsounds system anyway....

I agree $1200 is nuts, but resale and all...I am with the STOCK is best crowd. When it is time to sell, I know I wouldn't want a wiring harness that has been hacked and spliced.

[AllianceBJJ]

I am on my 4th (soon to be 5th) Nautique....It's only wiring from the stereo to the speakers...I have had it done on all of mine and never lost a dime on any of my previous boat sales....You really think that will affect resale?

If you think a stock wiring for your tower is going to affect your resale, why is the 409 even a consideration here?