However, quiet time may seem like a pipedream for many boaters. It is more likely that unwelcome noise and vibrations from the engine, the generator and equipment such as air conditioning or watermakers, as well as tiresome creaks and squeaks from around the boat and sounds from the outside vicinity, are shattering the silence.

Comfort onboard is almost impossible with inconvenient noise detracting from the experience. For this reason, VETUS prioritizes noise reduction in its mission to enhance life on the water for our customers.

In addition to offering a range of high quality sound insulation and anti-reverberation materials for effective soundproofing when installed in the key areas of the boat, we also incorporate noise reduction features when designing our systems and products.

So, if the stress of holding shouted conversations over a loud engine, the annoyance of the humming generator or the disruption of external noise are preventing rest and spoiling your boating experience, VETUS has the expertise and solutions to help you find inner peace onboard.

The Benefits of Effective Soundproofing

The rewards of installing proper soundproofing are significant.

A quieter onboard environment positively impacts the experience for boat owners, crew, friends and family, while reduced noise and vibration is also beneficial for the longevity of the vessel.

Implementing effective soundproofing measures, including the use of materials that can absorb or block noise, will control vibrations and noise to transform life onboard and protect the boat from damage, wear and tear.

Whether you want to minimize a specific noise nuisance, such as the engine, or reduce the overall noise level in your boat, the new calmer, more peaceful, atmosphere delivered by soundproofing will result in:

• Improved comfort and privacy: Reduction in noise enhances the whole boating experience for everyone on board, meaning precious time on the boat is more fun, enjoyable and relaxing.
• Increased safety and easier communication: As well as enabling more pleasant conversations, soundproofing can make a crucial difference to communication in an emergency if quick action is necessary.
• Better health: Constant exposure to sounds above 100dB can damage your ear – levels which are reached by a load boat engine. Persistent noise can also cause stress and anxiety, often making simple onboard tasks more difficult or strenuous.
• Enhanced sleep and rest: With soundproofing installed in sleeping quarters and cabins, the owner and crew can benefit from improved sleep quality – an important aspect for safety and morale, particularly during long voyages with night passages.
• Increased boat lifespan: Reducing vibrations will result in a decrease in wear and tear on the boat’s components.
• Increased boat value: Investing in high-quality soundproofing materials will add value to your boat when it is time to sell.
• A more peaceful environment: Better engine soundproofing on recreational boats improves time on and in the water for everyone in the vicinity, from fellow boaters, to people in the sea and on the beach.
• Healthier aquatic life: Boat engine sound can negatively affect the behaviour and mortality of fish and other aquatic life.

Easy Soundproofing Steps

Effective soundproofing control involves addressing and containing both noise and vibration at the source.

Usually, the key culprits are the engine room and the generator, followed by HVAC and watermaker. You will also want to block noise from within and outside the boat to particular areas, such as the cabins and sleeping areas.

Make sure you select high quality sound insulation material which is developed for marine applications, such as VETUS’s top of the range Prometech double 60mm thick sound insulation. It should be fire and water resistant. If you already have sound deadening material in place, check it for wear and tear as it may need replacing.

We recommend these main steps in the process:

• Before tackling your soundproofing project, inspect your boat to pinpoint the sources of noise you want to eliminate. This will help you to find the right materials to achieve your objective.
• There are a few initial tasks which may help before installing soundproofing material. These include isolating the vibrating machinery from the hull using flexible mounts. If your engine seems excessively loud, carry out a full service and consider replacing the engine propeller. Seal all openings except the vent.
• Select high quality, marine certified soundproofing material and line the enclosure of the engine, the generator and/or other noisy machinery. Do not block any air vents in the engine area.
• To place a barrier between the noise source and any living quarters or berths, line the ceiling and walls of cabins with sound-absorbent materials, including a carpet if necessary.

Comfortable Silence with VETUS

Enhancing onboard comfort for our customers is a priority at VETUS. As excessive noise is such a negative factor on a boat, we ensure our systems operate with minimal noise, as well as offering a range of high quality sound deadening and anti-reverberation materials.

When soundproofing your boat, the versatile VETUS sound insulation range offers optimal noise reduction and the highest level of safety. Especially developed for marine applications, our products offer liquid-tight and fire-resistant solutions, with the four main product lines based on the highest quality insulation foams including Sonitech and Prometech. The sound absorption coefficients of these base foam materials are tested according to ISO 10534.

VETUS sound insulation is available in various sheet thicknesses. With white or silver glass cloth facing and self-adhesive backing, the top of the range Prometech double for effective noise reduction is available in 25mm, 45mm and 60mm. Ideal for the engine compartment, it is rated Class 0 fire-resistant and includes double damping layers. The Prometech single option is available in 12mm, 35mm or 45mm.

VETUS also offers Sonitech single insulation in 35mm or 45mm thick sheets, with reinforced aluminum foil or white glass cloth facing and self-adhesive backing. When cost or space are the primary concerns, a Sonitech light version is also available – a flexible fire-retardant sheet in 20mm or 40mm.

The VETUS anti-reverberation plate is the best solution to reduce structure-borne sounds.

Looking at further sound reduction measures throughout our ‘around the engine’ range, examples of VETUS innovation include a unique water-cooled, aluminum top cover for our diesel engines. The sturdy top cover with an air-filter housing reduces the sound level of your engine by up to 5 dB(A), while also reducing temperatures by absorbing radiant heat and creating a more efficient air supply to the engine.

VETUS generators are also designed to be exceptionally quiet. Enclosure in the soundproof box reduces the noise level to 57 dB(A) (GLX) or 65 dB(A) / 68 dB(A) (GHX).

The comfort of silence is also ensured with VETUS exhaust products. Examples include the Gooseneck and Muffler (NLPG), saving space in your engine room and creating a lower noise level for more comfortable boat trips. The goosenecks prevent water going back into the exhaust system, while the muffler reduces the exhaust noise.

The VETUS waterlocks are well known for their silencing features. Offering high-performance noise cancellation for your boat, the NLP3 Waterlock has increased capacity to 15 litres and features three-chamber technology for sound reduction of 10 dB over traditional waterlocks. The VETUS NLP Waterlocks, which have dual stage construction with upper and lower chambers, and the NLPHD, HPW and MG models also offer excellent sound reduction.

Developed for fast craft with powerful engines, the VETUS MV Muffler achieves tremendous reduction of exhaust noise.

Our LGS Separator separates the injected raw cooling water from the exhaust gases and also functions as a gooseneck, reducing the exhaust noise and draining the cooling water below the waterline, thus preventing the characteristic splashing sound.

Lining key areas of the boat with the right soundproofing materials, and selecting quiet systems and other sound-reducing products, means noise and vibration will not impact your time on the water – leaving you to enjoy the silence.