Outboard motor with sound absorbing blanket

A marine drive comprising:

• a propulsion unit;
• a supporting cradle that couples the propulsion unit to a transom bracket for attachment to a marine vessel;
• a cowling system that at least partially covers a portion of the propulsion unit and a portion of the supporting cradle;
• a sound blanket positioned between the supporting cradle and the cowling system and configured to block sound emanating from the propulsion unit, wherein the sound blanket comprises a non-hygroscopic material having a non-woven fiber layer;
• and
• wherein an upper portion of the sound blanket is coupled to the supporting cradle without use of an adhesive, and wherein a lower portion of the sound blanket is unsecured to any component of the marine drive.

A marine drive, comprising:

• a propulsion unit;
• a supporting cradle that couples the propulsion unit to a transom bracket for attachment to a marine vessel;
• a cowling system that at least partially covers a portion of the propulsion unit and a portion of the supporting cradle;
• a sound blanket positioned between the supporting cradle and the cowling system and configured to block sound emanating from the propulsion unit, wherein the sound blanket comprises a non-hygroscopic material having a non-woven fiber layer;
• and
• wherein the sound blanket is configured to be at least partially immersed in water when the marine drive is in operation in a body of water.