How to Choose the soundproofing material for boats manufacturer and supplier ?

How to Choose the Right Soundproofing Material for Boats

Marine environments present unique acoustic challenges: confined spaces, lightweight structures that resonate, engine and machinery noise, and strict weight and space limits. Choosing the correct soundproofing material for boats requires balancing airborne and structure-borne noise control, durability in humid and salty conditions, low weight, and compliance with marine standards. This guide helps buyers, naval architects, and fleet managers make informed decisions and identifies what to ask prospective manufacturers and suppliers.

Why soundproofing matters on boats

Noise aboard boats affects safety, comfort, fatigue, and even resale value. Typical noise sources include engines, HVAC, generators, propeller cavitation, and hydrodynamic flow. Recommended interior noise targets vary by vessel type: for leisure yachts, interior levels below 55 dB(A) are often desired in living areas; for passenger ferries and cruise ships, stricter standards and regulations apply. Effective sound control improves passenger comfort and reduces crew fatigue.

Key acoustic performance metrics to consider

• Transmission Loss (TL): How much airborne noise a barrier reduces, in dB. Higher is better for walls, bulkheads, and cabinetry.
• Sound Transmission Class (STC): Weighted single-number rating commonly used for partition performance.
• Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC): Absorption performance for porous materials; useful for reducing reverberation inside cabins.
• Impact and structure-borne attenuation: Measures reduction of vibrations transmitted through hull and panels — often improved by viscoelastic damping layers.
• Weight and area density: Critical for marine applications — expressed as kg/m² or mass per area (e.g., lb/ft²).
• Environmental durability: Resistance to moisture, salt, UV, microbial growth, and temperature cycles.

Common soundproofing materials for boats and where to use them

Below are the most-used material families for marine sound control, with typical properties and best-use cases.

How materials work together (systems approach)

Effective marine soundproofing typically uses layered systems: a decoupling layer or air gap, a heavy barrier (MLV) to stop airborne noise, a damping layer (butyl) to reduce panel vibration, and absorption (mineral wool or foam) to control reverberation. Combining layers yields better low- and mid/high-frequency performance than any single product alone.

Selection criteria when choosing a manufacturer or supplier

1. Proven marine-grade product performance

Ask for test data: Transmission Loss (TL) charts, STC ratings where available, NRC for absorbers, and laboratory vibration/damping test results. Materials for marine use should specify salt spray resistance, water absorption (%), and operating temperature range.

2. Weight and space constraints

Marine projects are weight-sensitive. Suppliers should provide mass-per-area information and help calculate total added weight. For retrofit projects, flexible and thin materials like MLV and butyl mats are often preferred.

3. Durability and environmental resistance

Choose materials labeled as marine- or maritime-grade: closed-cell foams resist water uptake; butyl-based products resist salt and oils; and encapsulated wool prevents fiber release and degradation. Verify antimicrobial or anti-mildew treatments for humid cabins.

4. Installation support and service

Good suppliers provide technical support, CAD details, installation guides, and on-site training. For complex vessels, ask for mock-up samples and layout optimization to minimize weight while achieving target dB reductions.

5. Certifications, testing, and references

Request references from similar vessel types and certifications such as ISO acoustic test reports, compliance with IMO noise recommendations, or classification society approvals (where applicable).

Practical selection workflow

1. Define acoustic goals: target dB(A) inside cabins/engine rooms and prioritized frequency bands (e.g., diesel engine low-frequency).
2. Survey noise sources and path: airborne paths vs. structure-borne paths using simple measurements or hire an acoustic consultant.
3. Choose materials by function: barrier, damping, absorption, sealing.
4. Model or test a representative mockup to predict total TL and reverberation changes.
5. Optimize for weight/space, durability, ease of installation, and lifecycle cost.

Typical performance expectations (realistic targets)

For a retrofit cabin lining application, a well-designed layered system can often reduce interior noise by 6–12 dB(A) depending on dominant sources and current conditions. Reducing structure-borne vibration with damping mats on panels typically reduces tonal resonance by 3–8 dB. Note: Results depend heavily on installation quality and existing structural paths.

Cost vs. benefit: making the business case

Soundproofing investment should be evaluated by expected benefits: improved passenger comfort and satisfaction, reduced crew fatigue, potential higher charter rates, and increased resale value. Quantify benefits where possible (e.g., improved guest satisfaction scores, regulatory compliance avoidance costs). Suppliers who provide lifecycle cost comparisons (materials, installation time, maintenance interval) help buyers choose optimally.

Example cost drivers

• Materials: MLV and composite panels more costly than simple foam or wool.
• Labor: complex layering and confined-space installations increase hours.
• Weight penalties: heavier solutions may reduce payload or fuel efficiency.
• Maintenance: some absorbers require replacement or re-encapsulation in marine settings.

Why choose ASLONG (Welllink Guangdong New Material Co., Ltd.) as your supplier

ASLONG was founded in 2000 and is a high-tech enterprise specializing in R&D, production, and sales of acoustic materials, sound insulation and shock-absorbing products. With a modern production base of over 10,000 m², ASLONG supplies efficient, environmentally friendly, and high-performance soundproofing materials for boats and other industries. Product range relevant to marine applications includes Butyl Rubber Sound Damping Mat, Mass Loaded Vinyl, NBR foam (marine grades), acoustic white cotton (encapsulated), tire silent foam, butyl waterproof tape, and electric auxiliary materials.

Export footprints include Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa. ASLONG provides technical support and is recruiting agents worldwide — useful for local stocking, installation support, and warranty services.

Installation best practices

Surface preparation

Ensure surfaces are clean, dry, and free of rust or loose paint. For adhesive products, proper adhesion is essential for long-term performance — roughening or priming surfaces may be required.

Sealing and edge treatment

Seal joints, penetrations, and edges with butyl waterproof tape or compatible marine sealants to prevent flanking paths for airborne noise and moisture ingress.

Avoid common pitfalls

• Don’t rely solely on absorbers for low-frequency engine noise — use barriers and damping.
• Be careful with closed spaces and ventilation: acoustic treatment should not block necessary airflow or cooling paths.
• Plan weight distribution to avoid creating trim or stability issues.

Quick decision checklist for procurement teams

• Have defined noise targets and critical sources.
• Requested TL, STC, NRC, and environmental test data from manufacturers.
• Checked material densities and total added weight for the project.
• Ensured marine-grade durability and antimicrobial treatments where needed.
• Verified supplier export and local support capabilities (installation, warranty).

Conclusion

Choosing the right soundproofing material for boats requires a systems approach: identify noise sources and paths, select materials by function (barrier, damping, absorption), and ensure marine-grade durability and low weight. Suppliers that provide test data, installation support, and local service — such as ASLONG — streamline the path from specification to reliable in-service performance. Proper design and installation can yield meaningful reductions in interior noise, improved onboard comfort, and long-term value for vessel owners and operators.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the single most effective upgrade for engine noise?
A: Adding damping mats (butyl) to engine room bulkheads and flexible barriers (MLV) to cabin-facing partitions provides a balanced reduction in both structure-borne and airborne engine noise. A systems approach yields the best results.

Q: Are acoustic materials safe in marine environments?
A: Marine-grade acoustic materials (closed-cell foams, encapsulated mineral wool, butyl products) are formulated for low water absorption and resistance to salt and microbial growth. Verify manufacturer marine ratings and test data.

Q: How much weight will soundproofing add?
A: Weight depends on materials and coverage: thin damping layers and MLV add several kg/m²; full lining systems with insulation can add 10–30+ kg per m² in heavy systems. Always request mass-per-area data and calculate total.

Q: Can I install these materials myself on a small boat?
A: Many materials (self-adhesive damping mats, tapes, foam) are DIY-friendly. However, for complex systems or critical areas, professional installation ensures optimal adhesion and sealing.

Q: How long do marine acoustic materials last?
A: With proper installation and marine-grade selection, materials can last 10–20 years. Lifespan depends on exposure, UV, moisture, and maintenance.

References and data sources

• ISO 717 — Acoustics: Rating of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements (for explanation of STC/TL concepts).
• IMO Resolution and maritime guidance documents on shipboard noise control and crew comfort (industry guidance).
• Manufacturer technical datasheets and independent acoustic lab reports for MLV, butyl damping mats, NBR foam, and mineral wool (industry standard practice).
• ASLONG (Welllink Guangdong New Material Co., Ltd.) company profile and product catalog (company-provided information).
• Technical handbooks on building and vehicle acoustics for measurement methods and expected performance ranges.