Marine Soundproofing
How Marine Soundproofing Can Improve Your Boat
You bought your boat to enjoy time with family and friends. Is it being wasted?
If the sound quality on your boat is poor, you're wasting time and money. Your boat should be a place of peace and relaxation. Distracting and annoying noises reduce the quality of your boating experience.
A common complaint boat owners have is noise from the engine room disturbing people in the cabin or upper deck. Having to shout to be heard is not the ideal picture they had in mind when they were buying the boat.
Even when the boat is still, the generator or air conditioning system can cause annoying noises. At night, the sounds of lapping water can be a bother for those trying to sleep.
With Soundproof Cow marine soundproofing products, you can truly take advantage of all the peace and relaxation your boat has to offer.
What Marine Soundproofing Can Do for You
Marine Soundproofing products:
- Reduce noise in the cabin so you and your guests can enjoy each other's company, not be bothered by the distraction of noise coming from the engine
- Provide a more enjoyable stay for your guests by reducing noises when docked
- Improve sound quality of the boat, so you don't have to shout to be heard by others
Marine Soundproofing and Sound Absorption: What's the Difference?
Sound is like water. It doesn't have a shape or form, but molds itself to its surroundings. And like water, sound can be absorbed by some materials and contained by others. Click here to learn more sound basics.
Marine sound absorption products soak up sound. They absorb sound waves and prevent them from bouncing off the walls. They improve the quality of the sound within the boat. Click here to learn more sound absorption basics
Marine soundproofing products trap the sound. They contain the sound within one area, making it impossible for the sound to move to other parts of the boat. They also stop unwanted sound from entering an area. Click here to learn more soundproofing basics.
Choosing the Right Product for Your Marine Soundproofing Needs
Marine Sound Absorption Products
Sound absorption materials stop noise from bouncing off the walls and back into the space.
The result? Echoing is reduced and sound quality is improved. Your boat becomes an inviting and relaxing space for you and your family.
To be able to compare the performance of different sound absorption products, we rate them by how much sound they can take in. This rating is called NRC, which stands for Noise Reduction Coefficient. Click here to learn more about NRC ratings.
Below is a list of our sound absorption products that work best for boats. Since the look of your boat is important, these products are selected because they can match any décor. They come in a variety of colors, shapes, and designs that can blend with or enhance the look of your boat.
Click on product titles for more details.
Soft Sound® Acoustic Panels
These panels appear decorative but are really working hard to improve sound quality and speech clarity. Made of a lightweight fiberglass core, they are covered with a soft designer fabric. Soft Sound® Acoustic Panels are available as a wall panel or a baffle that can be hung from the ceiling.
Features & Benefits:
Superior Acoustic Performance - Soft Sound® Acoustic Panels are our premium sound absorption product that can be used anywhere reverberation (echo) is an issue. Our acoustic panels will improve speech intelligibility, improve production and improve any listening or recording environment. Soft Sound® Acoustic Panels absorbs noise generated at low, mid and high frequencies.
Ease of Installation - Soft Sound® Acoustic Panels are lightweight and can be attached to a variety of surfaces. Basic hand tools and a limited amount of construction know-how is all that is needed to ensure a proper installation. Soft Sound® Acoustic Panels can be cut or trimmed on the job site with simple hand tools. Our Acoustic Panels can be mounted permanently with adhesive or temporarily with Hook & Loop or Z-Clips.
Durability - Soft Sound® Acoustic Panels are available with resin hardened edges or, for areas with high traffic, aluminum framing. The fiberglass core of our acoustic panels is firm and resists impacts well; however, we offer an impact-resistant model for areas with high traffic.
Excellent Flammability Rating - Our Soft Sound® Acoustic Panels have a Class A&trade flammability rating. This product passes most building code flammability requirements for exposed materials.
Acoustic Foam Panels
Our Acoustic Foam Panels share all the same great acoustical sound absorbing properties as most of our other foam products, but at a lower price. Acoustic Foam Panels are designed to provide good sound absorption in a minimum thickness. Made of flexible polyurethane foam, the acoustic foam is manufactured to optimal uniform cell structure, maximum airflow resistance, as well as good heat, humidity, flame, and chemical resistance. Acoustical Foam Panels are UL94HF1 fire-rated and flat on both sides. Acoustic Foam Panels are available in a variety of dimensions, with a variety of protective facings and with or with out Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) for an easy peel-and-place application.
Features & Benefits:
Engineered for performance - Acoustic Foam Panels are engineered to be an excellent sound absorption product at a low cost. Acoustic Foam Panels absorb sound generated at low, mid and high frequencies.
Quality - Acoustic Foam Panels are made with flexible, professional-grade acoustic polyurethane foam. The foam keeps its color better and longer than other lower quality foams. Acoustic Foam Panels are firmer than other acoustic foam products on the market, which add protection against rips or tears. The foam is consistent in density and firmness so acoustic performance will also be consistent.
Ease of Installation - Acoustic Foam Panels are lightweight and can be attached to a variety of surfaces. No special tools or materials are needed. Acoustic Foam Panels are available with a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) backing for an easy peel-and-place application.
Fiber Free - Acoustic Foam Panels are safe to use in clean room, medical and computer equipment environments.
Flammability - Acoustic Foam Panels are manufactured from polyurethane foam that has a flammability rating of UL94 HF-1. Before choosing this product, be sure the flammability rating passes your local building code for exposed materials. For the best flammability rating, see our Class A™ Acoustic Foam Panel
Quiet Board™ Acoustic Panels
Quiet Board™ Acoustic Panels are the best solution for areas that are cleaned often, because it can be hosed down. This semi-rigid sound absorber is made of polypropylene beads. These nonporous beads trap sound in their hollow cores. Sound is also trapped in the spaces between beads. Quiet Board™ Acoustic Panels are durable, washable and impact resistant...perfect for heavy-use areas.
Features & Benefits:
Dual Purpose Acoustic Material - Quiet Board™ Acoustic Panels are truly unique in that they absorb noise and deflect noise. The irregular surface texture absorbs 50% of airborne sound, and the smooth, dense polypropylene core material deflects 50% of the sound back toward the noise source. This product is perfect for areas that need both soundproofing and sound absorption.
Value - Quiet Board™ Acoustic Panels are a perfect choice for tight budgets when acoustic improvement and soundproofing are needed. When compared to other one-dimensional products, it's a great dual functioning product for a great price.
Moisture Resistant - Unlike most sound absorption products, Quiet Board™ Acoustic Panels are moisture-resistant. It's also washable, so it can be applied to areas that may get dirty and require a hose down.
Durable - Quiet Board™ Acoustic Panels are impact-resistant with good resistance to chemicals, bacteria and fungi.
Excellent Flammability Rating - Quiet Board™ Acoustic Panels have a Class A&trade flammability rating. This product passes most building code flammability requirements for exposed materials.
Marine Soundproofing Products
Marine soundproofing products trap sound. They keep sound in a desired location.
The result? Noise from the engine room doesn't leak into the cabin. Sounds from the generator or air conditioning don't disturb your guests. Overall, your experience on your boat is improved.
There are four common approaches used in marine soundproofing. The four ways are: adding mass, increasing or adding air space, decoupling or creating a structural break within the wall assembly, and adding sound absorption material within the wall/ceiling cavities. Click here to learn more soundproofing basics.
To be able to compare the performance of different marine soundproofing products, we rate them by how much sound they can block. This rating is called STC, which stands for Sound Transmission Class. Click here to learn more about STC ratings.
Below is a list of our marine soundproofing products. Marine soundproofing products are typically applied behind drywall or sandwiched between existing and new drywall. There is a variety of marine soundproofing products available.
Click on product titles for more details.
Impact Barrier® Flooring Underlayments
This heavy-duty soundproofing solution was designed to improve sound quality and stop noise. As an underlayment, or padding, it reduces transfer of sound. It's made of a composite of an extremely durable, yet soft recycled cotton pad and a heavy barrier material. Its vinyl barrier is resistant to most acids, mild alkalis and oils/grease
Features & Benefits:
Dual soundproofing function - Impact Barrier® Flooring Underlayments will significantly reduce noise from impact, such as foot fall, and reduce airborne sound transmission, such as noise from voices, TV's and stereos. Impact Barrier® Flooring Underlayments have an Impact Insulation Class (IIC) rating up to 78 and a Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating up to 50.
Extends life of Flooring Material - Under normal conditions, Impact Barrier® Flooring Underlayments dramatically extend the life of the finished flooring material. The materials used to create this product are tough and long lasting.
Ease of Installation - Impact Barrier® Flooring Underlayments are available in a convenient 48 inch by 96 inch sheet (32 sq ft) and are placed in a "Running Bond" pattern on the sub-floor. A professional quality Duct Tape should be used over the seams where the sheets meet. Impact Barrier® Flooring Underlayments cut easily with a sharp utility knife.
Comfort Factor - Impact Barrier® Flooring Underlayments make any carpet "feel" plusher and more luxurious. Foams and cheap fiber pads break down and lose the comfort factor within a few years after installation, depending on the amount of traffic. Impact Barrier® Flooring Underlayments will keep your carpeted floor plush and comfortable for many years.
Quiet Barrier® Soundproofing Material
The mass of Quiet Barrier® Soundproofing Material blocks sound while its flexible material dampens sound energy. It can be used behind drywall in wall and ceiling assemblies or sandwiched between existing and new drywall. It can also be used under flooring.
Features & Benefits:
Dual soundproofing function - The mass of Quiet Barrier® Soundproofing Material blocks sound while its flexible nature dampens sound energy, giving improved acoustic performance over competitive rigid products.
Value - Pound for pound, Quiet Barrier® Soundproofing Material products have better noise reduction characteristics than steel and other building materials.
Low Profile - Valuable square footage is maximized. Quiet Barrier® Soundproofing Material is only 1/4 inch thick, saving space and money.
Variety - Quiet Barrier® Soundproofing Material is available in a variety of lengths and widths. Also, Quiet Barrier® Soundproofing Material is available with a peel-and-stick pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). Custom shapes and sizes available upon request.
In-stock - We stock all advertised sizes and configurations of Quiet Barrier® Soundproofing Material in large quantities. Most products are shipped the same day they are ordered and arrive at your project in 3 business days. Custom shapes and sizes available upon request.
Quiet Barrier® Specialty Composites
Quiet Barrier® Specialty Composites are four-layer soundproofing products that reduce noise transfer from structural-borne and airborne sources. Quiet Barrier® Specialty Composites were engineered for extreme noise and heat resistance. This is our premium barrier and acoustic foam soundproofing composite due to the intricate four-layer construction. The first layer is a fiber-reinforced Mylar® facing that blocks high frequency sound, resists tearing and can be wiped clean. The second layer is a thick acoustic foam that absorbs low, mid and high frequencies. The third layer is our Quiet Barrier® Soundproofing Material product that blocks sound energy. The fourth, thin layer is acoustic foam that suspends the barrier layer from the mounting surface. This layer structurally isolates the barrier layer, improving the sound blocking capabilities.
Features & Benefits:
Triple Soundproofing Function - The mass of Quiet Barrier® Soundproofing Material layer blocks sound while its flexible nature dampens sound energy. The thicker of the two layers of Acoustic foam acts as a sound absorber, decreasing ambient reflected noise. The thinner layer of acoustic foam acts as a decoupler, structurally isolating the heavy barrier layer from the construction assembly, ultimately decreasing vibration and increasing the sound blocking performance.
Heat Resistant - Quiet Barrier® Specialty Composites have a fiber-reinforced Mylar® facing that not only reflects high frequencies, but also reflects heat back toward the source. This product is our best performing sound blocking material in exposed locations with above average temperatures.
Durable - The Mylar® facing provides a cleanable, tear-resistant surface for applications that may come in contact with oils or grease. Once punctured, the embedded fibers will prevent additional tearing or damage. The acoustic foam and barrier layers are thermally bonded, providing a much stronger, longer-lasting bond over traditional adhesives.
In-stock - We stock a large amount of Quiet Barrier® Specialty Composites in all advertised sizes and configurations. Most products are shipped the same day they are ordered and arrive at your project in 3 business days.
Ease of Installation - Quiet Barrier® Specialty Composites are available with an optional peel-and-stick pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). Simply peel the silicone-coated paper backing and place the product where it's needed.
Quiet Barrier® Soundproofing Composites
Quiet Barrier® Soundproofing Composites are industrial-grade products that stop sound from entering or leaving a space. These products are composed of Quiet Barrier® Soundproofing Material soundproofing membrane and acoustic-grade, polyurethane foam. The Quiet Barrier® Soundproofing Material provides mass and blocks noise. The acoustic foam works as a decoupler, structurally isolating the Quiet Barrier® Soundproofing Material layer from the wall or ceiling assembly, in turn improving the sound stopping performance. The acoustic foam also absorbs sound energy, ultimately contributing to the noise-blocking performance. Quiet Barrier® Soundproofing Composites are tough, heavy and unattractive, however, they work!
Features & Benefits:
Triple soundproofing function - The mass of Quiet Barrier® Soundproofing Material blocks sound while its flexible nature dampens sound energy. The acoustic foam acts as a decoupler, structurally isolating the heavy barrier layer from the construction assembly, ultimately increasing the sound blocking performance.
Low Profile - Quiet Barrier® Soundproofing Composites range in thickness from 9/16 inch to 1 ¼ inch, saving valuable square footage.
In-stock - We stock all advertised sizes and configurations of Quiet Barrier® Soundproofing Composites. Most products are shipped the same day they are ordered and arrive at your project in 3 business days.
Proven History - Over 1 million square feet of Quiet Barrier® Soundproofing Composites are installed in projects nationwide.
Vibra Block® Sound Deadening Material
Vibra Block® is a premium, industrial grade, high performance sound deadening material used on steel panels and enclosures in a variety of industries. Constructed from a high-performance vibration dampening polymer, Vibra Block® Sound Deadening Material was designed for applications requiring reduction in structural & vibration based noise transmission, and is easy to install with a "peel and place" application. This product is our best vibration dampening material and we offer it in a variety of convenient sizes. Remember, a little bit of Vibra Block® goes a long way!
Features & Benefits
Engineered for Performance - Vibra Block® was specifically created to be a high performance vibration damping material to be used on all varieties of steel, including galvanized, stainless, cold rolled, painted, and plated steels. Vibra Block® stops rattling steel enclosures and equipment.
Ease of Installation - Vibra Block® Sound Damping Material is easy to install with a peel and place application. Simply trim the pieces to size, peel and place and hand roll to ensure good adhesion. No messy spray-on paints or adhesives are needed to install is product.
Value - A little bit of Vibra Block® Sound Damping Material goes a long way. Other damping materials require more product to do the same job as Vibra Block®. Covering only 60% of a surface with Vibra Block® achieves the same deadening results as spraying an entire surface with traditional, tacky material deadeners.
Light Weight and Low Profile - Vibra Block® was engineered to provide maximum performance with minimum added weight and thickness. Vibra Block® is perfect for applications with tight surroundings.
RoadBlockR™
Originally designed for jet aircraft and heavy trucks, this product offers serious automobile soundproofing. Even the most demanding car enthusiasts rave about RoadBlockR™. Designed as self-stick panels, RoadBlockR™ is heavy-duty, aluminum-faced butyl material. It works by reducing, or dampening, sound vibration in the metal panels of your car. So unwanted noise is reduced and sound quality is improved.
Dual Car Soundproofing Function - RoadBlockR™ Damping Material reduces road noise and improves car audio systems performance.
Ease of Installation - RoadBlockR™ Damping Material is easy to install with a peel-and-place application. Simply trim the pieces to fit, peel and place. Hand roll to ensure good adhesion. No messy spray-on paints or adhesives are needed to install is product.
Value - RoadBlockR™ Damping Material is priced to be cost-effective when compared to similar products on the market. Car soundproofing does not have to be expensive to work!
Low Profile - RoadBlockR™ is only 0.078 inches thick so it will fit in the tightest areas. The sheets of RoadBlockR™ are easy to trim so custom shapes can be created.
Packaging - RoadBlockR™ is packaged in 'stay-flat' boxes for product protection. No more creases or annoying folds to smooth out. Also, the Pressure Sensitive Adhesive protective backing stays in contact with the material so it will not dry and potentially compromise the application.