I'm considering buying a 1979 O'day 30 and have consistantly read about the noise and vibration from the engine (15hp). I have about a 1/2 hour run on power to cruising grounds from my marina. I'd appreciate opinions on just how bad the noise in the cockpit is, and whether anyone out there has retrofitted sound insulation and how effective it was. Thank you as I'm sitting on the fence and its a little uncomfortable. Gary
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Don Evans
Taming the Sound Dragon
Gary, what insulation do you presently have in the engine compartment now? If its minimal or non-existant I would buy Soundown's sound insulating barrier. I did this upgrade to my boat some years back using their 1.5" foam/lead composite and it made a world of difference to the noise level. Take a look at their web page for ideas and products. Don
Gary, what insulation do you presently have in the engine compartment now? If its minimal or non-existant I would buy Soundown's sound insulating barrier. I did this upgrade to my boat some years back using their 1.5" foam/lead composite and it made a world of difference to the noise level. Take a look at their web page for ideas and products. Don
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GARY
Ventilation a problem?
Thanks Don, Your info and the related web site are a great help. The engine is currently uninsulated. When you installed insulation on your boat, did it act as a thermal blanket as well and did the engine temperature rise for a given rpm. Gary
Thanks Don, Your info and the related web site are a great help. The engine is currently uninsulated. When you installed insulation on your boat, did it act as a thermal blanket as well and did the engine temperature rise for a given rpm. Gary
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Don Evans
Temperature Rise
Yes it did Gary. By sealing off most of the engine compartment the temperature inside the engine compartment rose from about 100 F to about 150 F (checked this with a thermister). What I did was to install a blower in reverse and duct outside air into the compartment using a clam shell vent installed in the hull just below the deck and routed through dryer hose. This brought the temperature of the ambient air in the engine compartment down to about 120 F. The air then exits a small opening left uninsulated below the tranny, under the engine and into the bilge area under the cockpit. This solved the temperature rise, but more importantly brought much needed air for the diesel as well. Don
Yes it did Gary. By sealing off most of the engine compartment the temperature inside the engine compartment rose from about 100 F to about 150 F (checked this with a thermister). What I did was to install a blower in reverse and duct outside air into the compartment using a clam shell vent installed in the hull just below the deck and routed through dryer hose. This brought the temperature of the ambient air in the engine compartment down to about 120 F. The air then exits a small opening left uninsulated below the tranny, under the engine and into the bilge area under the cockpit. This solved the temperature rise, but more importantly brought much needed air for the diesel as well. Don
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GARY
Not your average boater
Okay Don, Now this doesn't sound as easy as eating pie. In the timid province of Long Island we're taught it's not good form to drill holes in the sides of our boats. In all seriousness, I greatly admire your abilities, but your temperature fix is a little beyond my novice abilities. Let me go back to my original question. Uninsulated, how bad was the sound in the cockpit, could you carry on a conversation without shouting? Thanks, Gary
Okay Don, Now this doesn't sound as easy as eating pie. In the timid province of Long Island we're taught it's not good form to drill holes in the sides of our boats. In all seriousness, I greatly admire your abilities, but your temperature fix is a little beyond my novice abilities. Let me go back to my original question. Uninsulated, how bad was the sound in the cockpit, could you carry on a conversation without shouting? Thanks, Gary
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Don Evans
OK Gary No Holes In Hull...
LOL. The sound up top was tolerable but the thunka-thunka of the diesel was very much present. It was the drumming down below in the salon that was intolerable. The diesel would set up a resonance frequency with the plywood engine box. How about adding a vent in the engine compartment door, down below. Or through a rear compartment bulkhead. I know it will "leak" sound but if you feel more comfortable it might be a better alternative. And any insulation to absorb engine noise is better than nothing. You do have to get some air down there if you are going to seal it off with insulation and reduce the sound. Diesel's need lots of air to combust. Don
LOL. The sound up top was tolerable but the thunka-thunka of the diesel was very much present. It was the drumming down below in the salon that was intolerable. The diesel would set up a resonance frequency with the plywood engine box. How about adding a vent in the engine compartment door, down below. Or through a rear compartment bulkhead. I know it will "leak" sound but if you feel more comfortable it might be a better alternative. And any insulation to absorb engine noise is better than nothing. You do have to get some air down there if you are going to seal it off with insulation and reduce the sound. Diesel's need lots of air to combust. Don
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Robert Frank
Oday 30 Engine Compartment sound reduction
The engine compartment sound deadening kits (Hamilton Marine in Searsport, Maine) which use a synthetic lead vibration shield, with a foam backer, and mylar face work quite well. Use the spray adhesive AND the supplied aluminum grommet fasteners to prevent separation from the compartment sidewall due to high heat. Can actually talk on cell phone with engine running, and crew inside can hear cockpit conversation without yelling above the engine. Had to purchase 2 kits, had enough to do back of quarterberth panel, entire engine compartment top and sides, and on panel separating the aft locker. Cost was around $150 I think, definately took the strong knock out of the vibration. would probably recommend it if "quiet" isn't the ultimate goal.
The engine compartment sound deadening kits (Hamilton Marine in Searsport, Maine) which use a synthetic lead vibration shield, with a foam backer, and mylar face work quite well. Use the spray adhesive AND the supplied aluminum grommet fasteners to prevent separation from the compartment sidewall due to high heat. Can actually talk on cell phone with engine running, and crew inside can hear cockpit conversation without yelling above the engine. Had to purchase 2 kits, had enough to do back of quarterberth panel, entire engine compartment top and sides, and on panel separating the aft locker. Cost was around $150 I think, definately took the strong knock out of the vibration. would probably recommend it if "quiet" isn't the ultimate goal.
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