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How to Soundproof a Boat Engine? | Innovative Tips

soundproof boat engine

How to soundproof a boat engine? Well, in this post, I'll walk you through the step by step process of soundproofing a boat engine. The steps are quite simple and cost-effective. It goes without saying that you don't require any professional help.

It was my first experience on the boat. Everything was awesome, I along with my family was having a great time until the unbearable noise started hitting our ears drums badly.

I dropped the plan of buying a boat because of the noise coming out from the boat engine.

The boat owner was well aware of my professional expertise, and he asked me up front, about the solution.

[Also Read]: Best Quiet Propane Generators

As a soundproof consultant, I've to help people get rid of the unwanted noise, right?

I suggest some solutions, and they worked for him. When I look back to that boat trip, I feel as if I went on an experimental tour.

I'll be sharing all the tips and tricks that I suggest to the boat owner. 

However, I would like to bring to your eyes that it is really IMPOSSIBLE to completely eliminate the unwanted noise. 

The best that you can do is to eliminate the noise to a manageable level.

Before moving to the discussion, I would request you to go through my previous article on soundproofing an aluminum boat.

How to Soundproof a Boat Engine in a cost-effective way?

1. Soundproofing the Outboard Motors

The mantra of success is concentrating on one work at a time. 

Firstly, I'll share with you the secrets of effectively soundproofing the outboard motors, and later the best practices that you need to follow to soundproof the inboard motors.

Install Installation in the Cowling

It goes without saying that the measure source of noise is the boat engine. 

If you're hearing the word "cowling" for the first time, then let me tell you, what does it mean?

Have you ever got an opportunity to go for a boat ride?

Well, if your answer is "Yes", then you would have definitely noticed a thin cover of fiberglass on the engine. This is called the Cowling.

But, at the same time, most of the people, aren't aware of the fact, that the cowling is a part of the engine, and it should be treated with care.

Failing to do so can lead to further complications. Even a single wrong move can prepare a foundation for the trouble.

So, what is the solution?

Installing the insulation in the cowling can serve the purpose. 

If you're a boat owner or an employee working on the boat, in both the scenarios, you can perform the installation process by yourself.

Go to Amazon and purchase some polyurethane with an aluminum backing to properly protect the foam from heat, grease, and fuel.

Not aware of which product to choose, then follow my suggestion, try Uxcell (Check the price on Amazon)

The reason why I recommend Uxcell is that it has worked extremely well for my clients. 

The foam is quite effective and the product performs really well against the high-frequency sound.

For dampening both the high-frequency as well as the low-frequency, you'll need to use a dense material like mass loaded vinyl.

If you're a soundproof enthusiast, then you must be aware of the fact, that the mass loaded vinyl are can be applied anywhere and everywhere for the soundproofing purpose.

The ONLY query I hate from my clients about the MVL is related to its price.

As we all know, there is NO FREE LUNCH in business, so we need to pay a hefty price for the high-end products in any category, isn't it?

Same holds true for MVL. However, if you're looking for an alternative, then you can try Stringer Sound Dampening material.

Allow me to share the trick with you. 

During the material installation process, cover as such as possible of the inner cowling with obstructing any air vents or let it touch on the moving parts.

Even by mistake, if you've obstructed the air vents in the process, the consequence can be overheating.

In the rare of the rarest case, you may have to face a consequence in term of engine failure, if abrasions are obstructed during the installation process.

 Install Insulation on the Cowling

If you are the one least concerned about the look of your boat, then you can consider covering the outer surface area of the cowling as well.

After you've performed this step, you may find a tangible decrease in the engine noise.

Try this cowling cover. As far as quality is concerned, I know this is the best available on the market.

Still, you're skeptical about this product?

(Check out the customer review on Amazon)

The good news is that these covers are custom designed, and at the same time, they won't cover any air vents.

Pay close attention while installing them. 

Well, I'm done with the Outboard motors. Moving further, I'll walk you through the soundproofing process of the inboard motors.

3. Soundproofing the Inboard Motors

This is much easier as compared to the previous one.

Try Rubber Insulation Matting

First and foremost, you need to buy some rubber matting. You can purchase my favorite on Amazon.

I'll suggest you should measure the dimension, and then place the order accordingly.

By doing so, you can save quite a few bucks, right?

Once you have got the product in your hand, the next thing that you've to do is to simply fit it under the boat engine.

The benefit of installing insulation mat is that it reduces the vibration between the boat engine and the boat body.


Install Insulation

The next thing that you need to do is to use sound deadening material such as mass loaded vinyl (check the price on Amazon) to line the inside of an enclosed motor. 

Stick it as firmly as possible to the motor enclosed.

Bonus Tips: It's always advisable to use insulation panels that have self-adhesive for the best soundproofing results.

It makes the insulation process a lot easier.

In case, you're NOT able to find the insulation panels with adhesives, then the best thing that you can do is to use Green Glue for the adhesive.

Make sure to cover all the areas, as even the smallest of the gaps can decrease the panel's performance drastically.

You can use mylar tape to cover all the edges and the corners.

What Cause Boat Engine Noise?

It's not about only the boat engine but about all the combustion engine. These engines produce a lot of noise.

The reason is that these engines are known for controlling the explosions. 

As a result, such noise is created because of the resulting vibration of the exhaust as well as a propeller in the water.

Wrapping UP:

As a soundproof consultant, I've already tasted these steps. 

As mentioned earlier, these steps will definitely work for you.

However, these steps by no means will eliminate the noise completely rather it will reduce to a tolerable level.

In case, you've liked this piece of information, then please share it with your friends and colleagues.

Feel free to ask your query in the comment section. I'll try my best to reciprocate at the earliest.

Are you aware of the best soundproof curtains available on the market?





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