Engine noise

[Patrick I.]

I took the 320 I am in the process of buying out for a test sail this last weekend in the SF bay. I love the boat and the way it handles. The one thing that kind of jumped out at me was the amount of noise that the diesel engine made when motoring. It was loud enough from the cockpit and really quite loud below deck. Has anyone also experienced this and is there a way to minimize this noise with added insulation.By the way, this is a great forum and I appreciate all of the input from such knowledgeable sailors. Thanks, Pat

 

[Ron]

Sound kit.

You can have a sound insulation kit installed. Or do it yourself. Find an RV dealer and they will have sound proofing kits on the shelf. Cheaper than if they say "marine". This should help, but it will not cut all the noise. It's like putting your head under the pillow.

 

[RG Miller]

Less noise

I have a 320 and also noticed how noisey it was. I covered the engine compartment with the "good stuff" and it made quite a difference. Get the expensive "proper" stuff that's about 1 inch thick with the lead barrier. I cut it to fit all around the engine doghouse and in the aft cabin also. Used spray adheasive to hold it on and then taped the seems with that metal tape. There's enough room so that nothing touches and allthough there is still noise, my girlfriend can hear me when I ask for a beer.

 

[Brian West]

Diesel Engine Noise

Diesels are noisy and when youinstall one inside an enclosedcabin the perceived noise levelis increased. I have just finisheda fairly extensive noise reductionproject on my C30 and although thereduction in noise level wasnoticeable, it was not dramatic.Go by the 70/30 rule. You will get70% of the benefit with the first 30%of the effort and be chasing the remaining 30% of the benefit with additional effort.The engine noise reduction kits youcan buy commercially are better forgasoline engines. For diesels, withtheir low frequency acoustics, you need to line the engine compartment with a high density material to absorb the acoustic energy. Either particle boardor MDF will work. Figure on addingabout 100 lbs to the weight of yourboat.