Tim,All good points from one set of needs!
I have dif. ones;As to sound,I it's low enough,so in setting in the cockpit only 3' from it running with load on it,You and I can talk back and fourth at normel and hear each other,in cabin I hear it less,That being said,I do use a 5/8in.X 20"X20" rubber pad under it,so vibes are not going every were,and a rain tent over it that has it's biggist opening to rear(downwind)(yes it get lots of air).In my case my OB is also 2cycle,so it's much better not to have extra other fuel not useible by ob. It's also lower (hight)then the Honda,so fits in under my seat lid(it open on two sides).I can buy 3 + of them for the cost of a Honda.I can keep going but as you see, we each have our own set of needs,so was just giving some one? other things to look at!So they find what fit them,and I bet this helps them think a little harder.Fair Winds