How loud is your 28TE?

[Robb]

Just got a decibel meter and measured the volume at the helm of my 1996 28TE Cummins when running at cruise. I'm reading 88-89 dB measured at my ear while standing at the helm with the pilothouse door closed at 2400 rpm cruise. This is loud. It has an OSHA exposure limit of 4 hours at 88dB. This is about 10-12 dB higher than most modern boats when I cull through some of the sea trial data in the magazines. If I remember correctly, every 3 dB doubles the volume as the scale is exponential so we are taking 3-4 times louder than something like a new Cutwater 28.

I will be working on upgrading the soundproofing package as my 1996 has very little.

I'm curious if anyone else has quantifiable sound readings of there boat with different sound insluation and power packages? This would give me a bench mark to see where I can get to.

I'm willing to loan my meter and pay postage if someone else is interested in taking and posting measurements for the good of the forum. Of course, I'd ask that it be sent back after the readings. Be interesting to see the difference between the engine manufacturers and the sound proofing as the years progressed.

Anyone interested?

[special k]

without metering i can tell you my 2002 w/yanmar 6lpa engine box is in no way uncomfortable at cruising speed. conversation at the helm and mate seat good without raising voices.

Cummins in general are much louder than other diesels. i am speaking of automotive/ truck diesels but feel these characteristics carry over to marine engines as well. good luck with insulating.

[Chris & Dale]

A little humor regarding engine noise. When Dale & I were first shopping for our 28TE we test drove a 1996 w/a Cummins 300+ hp diesel. Had a great run out into the Atlantic and back. After thanking the owner for the ride and walking back to our car Dale stopped me and said "I've never felt so safe in boat before...the 28TE is the perfect size and type for us....BUT (you knew there'd be one)...that damned engine sounds like 2 Harley Davidsons in a box...there's no way in h#%# you'll have one of those! Find me a quieter motor and you got yourself a boat!" As you know, our Steel Hers has a yanmar 300 hp. It's the only knock I've ever heard about a Cummins.

So, I don't need the meter....I have my wife! LOL

[Pitou]

Robb -

Too bad you weren't able to get to the insulating when the engine was out. That's a scarey revelation with the sound meter. At least you know that with the proper insulation you can quiet your environment right down. I'll get in touch with the guy who bought my boat and see if he'll help you out with your query. He's in SF Bay and I'm sure he will.

In the mean time in order to help you out with your planning: http://www.soundown.com/

[Robb]

Kevin,

As I said before, I wish your boat had come for sale a year earlier...

A baseline reference would be much appreciated. I already thinking of pulling the engine again this winter to to the insulating. Now that I know what I'm doing and everything is new and not rusted together I think I can have it out in about 2 hrs.

I need to contact the tech department at Soundown and get the process started. I bet they even have the spec that were used in your later model 28.

Thanks.

[jetter]

I found that the access panel for the transmission oil dip stick and surrounding area had no sound proofing. I added 1'" marine soundproofing mat over the winter and find the noise significantly reduced when I have my Alaskan door closed.

[Pitou]

Robb -

I sent you an e-mail through AOG with contact info for the new owner of my 28 TE. He said that he'd be happy to help you out by taking some db readings for you. Hope this helps.