[C320-list] Engine soundproofing

[Scott Thompson]

I used the kit from West Marine, which is foam plus some heavy material 
covered by shiny foil. I had to remove a bit of the foam near the main 
engine pulley, and then covered that up with foil tape that came with 
the kit. It worked fine for many years to reduce noise somewhat, but 
things were still pretty loud below with the engine running. The only 
maintenance during those years was adding a bit of the foil tape here 
and there to repair the nicks that inevitably occurred now and then when 
removing or reinstalling the engine covers.

That is, until last year when the foam fell apart, letting everything 
sag towards the engine. So I pulled it all out. It left behind a sticky 
layer of adhesive and bits of foam that have proved very difficult to 
remove. I spent many hours working with Gunk adhesive remover, gloves, 
and scrapers last winter to try to clean up the inside of the covers, 
and I was not completely successful.

So I'm thinking that if I try again I do not want to use a product that 
relies on adhesive for installation.

In the intervening years I installed good solar panels so we now find we 
do not need to run the engine at anchor often to charge the batteries. 
And if we need hot water we can always heat some on the stove if the 
tank has gone cold. That does not work for showers, obviously, but most 
of our cruising is in warm weather where cold showers are fine.

Scott Thompson
Surprise, #653 (1999)

On 10/27/2021 1:21 PM, Joe M wrote:
> So making hot water & charging batts on the mooring, that 30 horse engine
> is sounding like 300. It is maddening at times. This is the winter I want
> to knock that noise down.
>
> Looking at the self stick panels from sailor solutions. They are 1” thick.
> My only apprehension is I worry there is not much room to accommodate the
> panels. The front engine cover seems very short on extra space.
>
> Anyone use the panels with success? Installation went ok? And how much of a
> noise difference?
>
> Joe. 2002 Hull # 902

-- 
Scott Thompson
Surprise, #653