12 Volt Airhorns on Sailboats

[NewMoon]

New Moon has a FIAMM Fultone II, powered by a small 12V compressor. Louder and much more of a big boat sound than an all-electric horn, with a pleasing combination of two frequencies. Far less expensive, and smaller and easier to install than a train horn setup.

Our original one was poorly mounted, not tilted downward, such that it did not drain out salt spray, so it got pretty clogged and corroded inside. We liked it so much that after 10-12 years we replaced it with another (new on eBay for about $130). Horn trumpets are available in either stainless steel or chromed brass.

Here's one source, at $108: Fiamm Fultone Ii Twin Trumpets Horn - 428767, Horns at Sportsman's Guide

The air tube from the compressor connects to the trumpets via a barb the extends below the trumpet mounting base.

[boatpoker]

I've never understood why all production powerboats come with a horn but no manual bilge pump and all production sailboats come with a manual bilge pump but no horn ??

[Canibul]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

I've never understood why all production powerboats come with a horn but no manual bilge pump and all production sailboats come with a manual bilge pump but no horn ??

I guess some people figure power boats suck while others think that sailboats really blow?

[boatpoker]

I have no idea about the pumps but I guess sailboats don't need a horn cause' they always have right of way no matter what

[Blue Stocking]

Originally Posted by Canibul

I guess some people figure power boats suck while others think that sailboats really blow?

---there ya go

[wingless]

The sound from my Kahlenberg Chimetone D-1 air horns is amazing.

Mine is driven by a custom Oasis high-volume high-pressure compressor.

A/V Test Clip

[Randyonr3]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

I have no idea about the pumps but I guess sailboats don't need a horn cause' they always have right of way no matter what

except, THEY DONT... San Francisco Bay is a good example.. tankers, barges , and container ships in a marked channel have the right of way, but if you feel frisky, you can go out and chalenge them.. I believe the ferry boat also due to them being on a fixed schedual...
Good example of being right, dead right.

[Group9]

My ex father in law, who owned a trucking company, gave me an old Ford pickup from his company that the regular horn had gone out on. His truck mechanics, had just rigged up an 18 wheeler air horn to it.

It used to scare me every time I blew it!

[garrobito]

..I sailing bay area and Randyonr3 is right... the right of way is non existence... have a big baby on board make you more visible than an active AIS unit...
Military Air Horns | Boat Whistles | Cruise Ship Horns | Kahlenberg

[a64pilot]

Why stop there?
Yeah, it's a Hemi
Chrysler Air-raid Siren - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[wingless]

Originally Posted by wingless

The sound from my Kahlenberg Chimetone D-1 air horns is amazing.

Mine is driven by a custom Oasis high-volume high-pressure compressor.

A/V Test Clip

Here is an auction for a decently-priced set of older bronze / brass Kahlenberg Zero-Series air horns. That may be compared to new D-0A Kahlenberg horns.

The Zero series horns have a nice sound and consume less air than other models, specified at 17.6 cfm, w/ a wide operating pressure range of 50 to 200 psi.

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by endoftheroad

Who here has one?
And suggestions for a quality Airhorn?

I have such a surplus of 12 volt power, it would be great to blast at the Yahoos running at high speeds through the anchorage, make em spill their beer.
Not to mention the great safety aspects of such a device.

Thanks

$150 or so will get you a very loud 12 volt DC dual trumpet electric horn at any marine retailer (West Marine, etc.).

For much less money you can buy a portable "canned air" horn that's just as loud and you can point it at the offender. For your purpose, I think that is a better solution.

[endoftheroad]

Those zero series horns are attractive.
Anyone have any suggestions where horns of that style would be best mounted on a sailboat?
More specific, a Westsail 32?
Thanks


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[wingless]

Originally Posted by endoftheroad

Those zero series horns are attractive.
Anyone have any suggestions where horns of that style would be best mounted on a sailboat?
More specific, a Westsail 32?

The thing to remember is that the horns are really, really loud.

The typical solution is to mount them on a hard top, directly above the helm. That way they are not pointed at anyone's ears.

Does that work on your boat?

[Pelagic]

Quite satisfied with the canned handheld signaling device

It also has the portable advantage of being part of your abandon ship gear or if you are making a long medical emergency run with your tender.

I have seen a few illegal horns fitted on small yachts.... The wrong frequency and Db rating for thier tonnage