There is nothing worse than being out on the open sea aboard your “pride and joy” (hopefully that would be your boat) and having to put up with excessive marine diesel engine noise, or hull slap as the waves pound at the bow of your craft. Generally it is easiest to treat the problem right at the source, namely the engine compartment or the inner hull area. The best way to do this is to line the walls of the compartment with a mass loaded vinyl (MLV). Our Luxury Liner Mass Loaded Vinyl is an excellent choice to block sound. You would adhere the vinyl to the engine compartment walls using waterproof contact cement or a quality marine adhesive. It is imperative that all the products used in these areas be waterproof as well as flame retardant. The next step would be to liberally caulk the newly installed vinyl at the seams and around the perimeter. This in itself might be enough soundproofing for most boaters, but for a little extra soundproofing protection, we suggest that you also adhere a layer of the America mat right to the surface of the vinyl. That’s right; just glue the America Mat right to the MLV. Sealing the edges and gaps with your waterproof contact cement or marine adhesive. Lastly, always remember to follow the same procedure for the engine hatch or the engine room door (larger vessels). This is similar to how we soundproof box for generator.

This method of soundproofing can also be used on the inside of the bow below decks. It will minimize the effect of wave slap on the hull areas especially near berthing compartments and crews quarters. That’s pretty much the whole story for soundproofing a boat. For further information on soundproofing, we have everything you need here at Soundproofing America free. Check out our guides on other unique soundproofing projects like building a sound barrier fence and aircraft soundproofing. Thanks all, and may you always experience fair winds and calm seas.