Soundproofing Deck, Floor or Hatch in a Boat or Yacht

Marine solutions: Soundproofing a deck, floor or hatch in boats and yachts
When the soundproofing of a deck, floor or hatch is not sufficient enough it is almost certain because of the lack of mass. To soundproof these parts of a boat or yacht you need to apply more weight in the form of mass loaded vinyl and insulation. Especially when low frequent engine noise is an issue, mass is needed to get good results. On this page we describe marine solutions to soundproof a deck, wheelhouse floor, engine hatch and cover.

How to soundproof the floor in the wheelhouse or cabin
When building a vessel, ideally the floor in the wheelhouse or cabin is decoupled from the frame (hull) with vibration insulating products, such as Polypress Strips. These strips isolate vibrations originating from the engine, machinery or propellers. If the deck or floor is already in place , you can soundproof the floor by adding mass to the floor.

The best way to go about is by applying Isomat KE. Isomat is in a sense adding weight to a light weight structure such as a poorly soundproofing floor. The more weight, or mass, you add, the better the soundproofing properties of a floor or hatch, thus the better the result. We recommend an Isomat with a weight of 14 kg/m² to be glued with Contact Adhesive. You can choose between the Isomat KE and TS. The latter is mostly used in luxurious yachts because of the composition and CE certification. (You will need to cover this solution with a carpet or flooring).

How to soundproof an engine hatch or cover
Some hatch or engine covers are a part of the surrounding deck or floor and therefore cannot be soundproofed on the outside, because the hatch could protrude from the floor. The good thing with soundproofing using Isomat (mass) is that it does not matter on which side you apply the Isomat. As long as a floor or hatch increases in weight, it’s fine. So, in case of a hatch, which is part of a deck or floor, you can also soundproof from underneath, or the inside. The result is the same as soundproofing on the outside. Soundproofing a hatch can also be done with Isomat KE or TS.

If the engine is directly underneath the hatch or cover, as in the picture, the finishing touch would be to apply a sound absorber such as Merfocell PU, also shown in the picture, on top of the Isomat. This will increase the insulation of engine noise even more. You can also use Merfocom to soundproof a hatch or cover or the underside of a floor. This product is a Two-in-One combination product that soundproofs and absorbs engine noise.

How to wheelhouse acoustics
To improve the acoustic climate inside the wheelhouse you can mount Akotherm SF or Acousticcell VSP to the ceiling, as a headliner. This product reduces the sound pressure in the cabin or wheelhouse by absorbing engine noise.

Tips and guidelines for a more comfortable and quiet boat ride
On our Tips page you can find more guides to insulate vessels, see our section Boats & Yachts.

Marine solutions and products to soundproof deck, floor or hatch in your boat or yacht

Marine solutions: Soundproofing deck, floor or hatch