Soundproofing on a Boat
Boats have naturally noisy environments, the constant hum of engines and generators to vibrations from pumps, wind, and water impact. Effective soundproofing improves communication, and creates a quieter, more relaxing atmosphere for everyone on board.
Soundproofing also enhances safety, as excessive noise can mask warning signals, interfere with navigation communications, and contribute to long-term hearing strain.
By minimising vibrations and airborne sound, soundproofing materials not only make the vessel more pleasant to operate but also promote efficiency, as a quieter engine compartment often indicates better mechanical isolation and less wasted energy.
Siderise noise reduction products, including soundproofing, can be fitted to give you the peace and quiet that you want when motoring.
We offer two different options for a soundproofing barrier; there is a lead barrier and a lead loaded polymeric barrier which both offer the same level of sound deadening and combined with a good quality, high density foam gives a high performance soundproofing sheet.
An acoustic rating applied to these materials is the insulation value which is measured on its ability to stop sound passing through it. This is measured in decibels (dB) that can be calculated based on the mass of a product at a given frequency. Below are the decibel ratings for our soundproofing products measured at 500hz.
Siderise 23mm Soundproofing with Polymeric Barrier & Silver Foil
The Slimslab is a 23mm soundproofing panel, the thinnest in the Siderise marine range. Ideal for tight spaces, reducing sound by 23 dB @ 500 Hz. Made from high-quality layered materials and delivers top performance for engine rooms and other areas.
Siderise 32mm Soundproofing with Polymeric Barrier & Silver Foil
The Standard is a 32 mm thick Siderise marine soundproofing panel, similar to the Slimslab but with extra foam for greater absorption, typically reducing sound by 24 dB @ 500 Hz. Made from high-quality layered materials, it’s ideal for engine rooms and other boat areas.
Siderise 45mm Soundproofing with Polymeric Barrier & Silver Foil
The 2 Quiet is a 45 mm thick Siderise marine soundproofing panel with a twin barrier, typically reducing sound by 29 dB @ 500 Hz. Ideal for older engines and low-frequency noise, it’s made from high-quality layered materials for top performance in engine rooms and other boat areas.
Siderise 58mm Soundproofing with Polymeric Barrier & Silver Foil
The Super is a 58 mm thick Siderise marine soundproofing panel that typically reduces sound by 26 dB @ 500 Hz. Designed for turbocharged engines and high-frequency noise, it’s made from high-quality layered materials for top performance in engine rooms and other boat areas.
Barrier / Layer Principle
Siderise products have such great absorption qualities because they use the successful “barrier / layer principle”, which is explained below.
1. The Facing: This visible layer is RCD-approved and resistant to oil, water, and diesel. It comes in two finishes: silver ‘O’ foil for a reflective look or white glass cloth for extra durability. This sheet uses the silver ‘O’ foil facing.
2. The Absorption Layer: The open-cell, high-density foam layer absorbs high-frequency noise and acts as a fire barrier rated to BS476 Parts 6 and 7. It won’t burn, even under a blowtorch, and thicker foam in larger Siderise panels provides greater sound reduction.
3. The Barrier: We offer two barriers for low-frequency noise: traditional lead or a high mass 5 kg/m² polymeric alternative. Lead has always been regarded as the best, but modern polymeric barriers achieve similar results while being more cost effective. When fitting to a curved surface, a lead barrier will retain its shape better than a polymeric barrier which tends to stay flat.
4. The Mounting Foam: After the barrier there is another layer of the absorbing foam, which isolates the barrier from the mounting surface. This layer is 6mm thick in all models to help eliminate noise transfer between surfaces.
5. The Bonding Process: To ensure maximum performance and prevent delamination, all layers are fully bonded with adhesive and pressed together under pressure, forming a single, ready-to-install sheet.
Other things to consider that can help to make your engine as quiet as possible
Engine vibrations are one of the main causes of noise pollution, however, a lot can be done to prevent this such as:
• Fitting good quality engine mounts on to a solid engine bed (this will prevent the structural vibration that can be carried through bulkheads and the basic structure of a vessel).
• Fitting a flexible coupling between the gearbox and prop shaft (this will reduce airborne sounds).
• Using a good quality flexible exhaust hose.
• Fitting good quality water locks and mufflers in to the exhaust system.
