The answer to whether noise attracts or repels fish would be, it depends ! On the species particularly. I know from experience that for most game fish, the strike rate is better if the trolled baits/lures are well behind the boat, as much as 200 metres even. That suggests to me that the fish are spooked by the proximity of the boat.
Mr Efficiency, You have squarely nailed the answer, "It depends".
If there is any hard and fast rules on the subject they have eluded me for many years.
Sure some boats raise fish better than others, and I have both caught and not caught a large number of gamefish on a wide variety of boats.
This is the allure of fishing, and exactly why the sport is not called "catching".
My motto is "If you don't go, you'll not know" so wake me early, eh?