Low cost options to reduce engine noise?

[Mike P]

Hi guys. Are there any low cost options out there that can reduce engine noise? I've seen some really expensive sound deadening/dampening material and I just figured some of you guys might have experimented with lower cost methods. I have a 2020 195S and the sound isn't necessarily a problem but I'd love to reduce it if it's easy and fairly inexpensive. Thanks in advance for any ideas you have.

 

[d_coyne1984]

I had very good luck with open cell foarm from the fabric store. If you are in a high humidity area though you could have issues with it molding. I never had issues in the 3 years I had it in my boat though and it get's pretty sticky in MN summers and the boat sat on a lift. 2 big areas to focus on, perhaps even more so than the engine compartment are the fuel tank hatch and the stern of the boat. The stern of the boat is a HUGE problem because there is a lot of unobstructed space for the noise to bounce around and resonate back there. It acts like a drum. You'll have to take your the tray underneath the cleanout hatch, but I had noticable result creating a 2" foam baffled compartment system in there and covered as much of the fiberglass as I could while leaving about 6" clearance from the so the foam wouldn't get direct contact with any bilge water. The high-density stuff is not what you want for the frequencies produced by these boats. Your mind probably is not going to be blown by doing this, but it is a noticeable improvement.

 

[Mike P]

I had very good luck with open cell foarm from the fabric store. If you are in a high humidity area though you could have issues with it molding. I never had issues in the 3 years I had it in my boat though and it get's pretty sticky in MN summers and the boat sat on a lift. 2 big areas to focus on, perhaps even more so than the engine compartment are the fuel tank hatch and the stern of the boat. The stern of the boat is a HUGE problem because there is a lot of unobstructed space for the noise to bounce around and resonate back there. It acts like a drum. You'll have to take your the tray underneath the cleanout hatch, but I had noticable result creating a 2" foam baffled compartment system in there and covered as much of the fiberglass as I could while leaving about 6" clearance from the so the foam wouldn't get direct contact with any bilge water. The high-density stuff is not what you want for the frequencies produced by these boats. Your mind probably is not going to be blown by doing this, but it is a noticeable improvement.

This is super helpful, thank you so much. Yes, I'm in central Florida so really high humidity but I keep the boat in my garage so maybe that will help. Thanks again!

 

[Ronnie]

I recommend that you start by resealing the engine compartment hatch if it’s not already sealed well. You can use whether stripping or specific use stripping from places like McMaster carr, but If I’ve found foam pipe insulation (that is split down the side and has adhesive on one edge) works fine and is relatively inexpensive at $2 to $4 per 6’ section. If that doesn’t do enough for you, take a look at the corners that make up the engine compartment and if necessary seal them off as well. Duct tape (preferably on both sides of the joint) would work to close any gaps. Next is fill the space in the compartments next to the engine compartment. You don’t have to use foam, pillows or blankets work just as well. I have installed some sound absorbing foam in the area under the clean out tray but caution you not to put any foam on or too close the the water box/muffler (silver metal barrel connected to the engine) as those get warm/hot.

 

[Mike P]

I recommend that you start by resealing the engine compartment hatch if it’s not already sealed well. You can use whether stripping or specific use stripping from places like McMaster carr, but If I’ve found foam pipe insulation (that is split down the side and has adhesive on one edge) works fine and is relatively inexpensive at $2 to $4 per 6’ section. If that doesn’t do enough for you, take a look at the corners that make up the engine compartment and if necessary seal them off as well. Duct tape (preferably on both sides of the joint) would work to close any gaps. Next is fill the space in the compartments next to the engine compartment. You don’t have to use foam, pillows or blankets work just as well. I have installed some sound absorbing foam in the area under the clean out tray but caution you not to put any foam on or too close the the water box/muffler (silver metal barrel connected to the engine) as those get warm/hot.

Thank you Ronnie!