Sound-Proofing Engine Compartment - Tips?

[RSMacG]

Well, sound "proofing" may be an overstatement, but I am considering some sound insulation within the engine compartment for obvious reasons. I've never done this before, and there's nothing there currently, so any advice would be gratefully received. Given nothing is square, plumb or flat, this is going to be interesting...

* Is there a particular insulation that is recommended or to be avoided?

* Should I be considering covering all surfaces possible, or is the bulk of the benefit found by insulating the backs of hatches, directly beneath the cockpit, etc?

* Any best practices with respect to actually affixing it? I was thinking 2" double-sided velcro tape, so I could remove and reconfigure or replace later?

* Any hard-won lessons or "gotchas" to share?

Many thanks in advance!

Rob

[imagine2frolic]

The more you cover the more quiet she will be. I used the heavy foam with the silver reflector on one side. I sprayed the glue to the foam to the wall, etc. etc., and the reflector gave off a lot of light.......i2f

[James S]

Sound is like water in that it will pass through even the smallest openings...take some care in filling around wire and pipes where they pass through bulk heads and the like.

[jkleins]

The actual "soundproof" insulation is pretty heavy and is unlikely to stick with double face tape or Velcro. The manufacturers recommend screws fairly closely spaced. It is also very expensive, so I am, like you, hoping to hear that there are alternatives.

Jim

[Lowcountry]

Dynamat works very well.

Introduction

[jkleins]

Originally Posted by Lowcountry

Dynamat works very well.

Introduction

Have you used this on your boat? and if so did you layer the products to what thickness? It seems too thin and easy to work compared to other sound insulators but if it does that could be nice stuff for what I need.

Jim

[gettinthere]

A lot of noise is caused by vibration. Look for vibrating surfaces and stop the vibrating.

Surf here:
Soundown (Sound Down, sound down, sounddown) - The Woldwide Leader in Noise Control Engineering

and here:
Silent Running - high performance sound and vibration dampening coating for marine vessels

Lots of good info to peruse.

[Lowcountry]

No, but I have seen it used frequently in heavily modified German sports cars, and it is definitely effective at deadening droning noises.

[panfiltp]

All surfaces must be covered. As said above, all gaps, cracks etc will pass a surprising amount of noise. The heaviest materials are best for lower frequency noise like reciprocating engines. Typical insulations use open cell foam layers with a lead (or barium) layer inside plus a thin foil on the outside (toward the noise source).

[CarlF]

I've had good results with this. It's a little expensive but is very easy to install since it comes in neat 12" squares that can be cut with a knive. It even looks good.

LED lighting, soundproof, Sailor's Solutions Inc.

[barnakiel]

We have / had the heavy foam with silver finish (aluminum foil perhaps). Glued. Good stuff but does not last and soaks oil/water.

b.

[bstreep]

Originally Posted by CarlF

I've had good results with this. It's a little expensive but is very easy to install since it comes in neat 12" squares that can be cut with a knive. It even looks good.

LED lighting, soundproof, Sailor's Solutions Inc.

This product is on our list for our compartment.

Dynamat is a great product - but it's primary use is soundproofing - and we want both sound and heat.

[Patrick_DeepPlaya]

I did a write up on my installation of a product from SoundTechNW. It's a foam product with a heavy rubber layer in the middle. Works great!

S/V Deep Playa – Pearson 424 - Engine sound proofing

-p