Insulated Plywood Partition

[special k]

took mine out completely. it just made doing anything below deck more difficult. mine was plywood with door. no noise difference with yanmar 6lp

[Tree]

I honestly thought mine was fitted by the previous owner so the forward hold could be used for storage - it really doesn't look an OEM part.

[DougSea]

I found that the partition on our 28 DID help reduce the noise, but only when the drop curtains were down. With the curtains opened the ambient noise level drowned out any difference caused by the partition.

Mine also had the tranny coupler access door.

[RobS]

I found that the partition on our 28 DID help reduce the noise, but only when the drop curtains were down. With the curtains opened the ambient noise level drowned out any difference caused by the partition.

Mine also had the tranny coupler access door.

Just plywood or was it covered with sound insulation?

[DougSea]

It had sound insulation on the engine side. And I closed off any gaps with silver air duct (not the usual gray "duct/duck tape" stuff) tape. A tiny gap can destroy the sound deadening abilities of the partition.

[RobS]

Thanks Doug. So then what I am getting from this thread is that in the 90's Albin insulated the bulkhead and sometime circa 2000 they just went with un-insulated plywood. This would appear to be either for the fact that that is also when they starting putting Yanmars in them which are somewhat quieter or it was just a cost saver..

[DougSea]

I would also point out that the partition, especially if properly sealed around the edges, would create a temporary fire block, keeping an engine fire contained aft, away from the helm and cabin. It would also reduce the volume of the engine compartment if a fixed fire suppression system were to be installed.

Food for thought.

[TimQ]

I'm planning to add more insulation this winter, maybe the bulkhead with an access door too.
Thanks to all of you for this exchange.

[jetter]

I noticed a reduction in engine noise when I install Sounddown on the aft side of the door. I "customized" it so the door is still operational. Cummins 370b needs all the sound proofing you can provide!

[twomey]

My 1995 28TE has a plywood bulkhead from the starboard side to the starboard stringer. Then nothing from there to the port side. I'm considering making my own (replacing what is there). I have plenty of SoundDown insulation left over from an earlier project. Reading this note made me wonder if any other owner has a bulkhead that they would be willing to sell. Also, any advice on a DIY bulkhead would be welcome.

Thanks,
Tim

[Tree]

My 1995 28TE has a plywood bulkhead from the starboard side to the starboard stringer. Then nothing from there to the port side. I'm considering making my own (replacing what is there). I have plenty of SoundDown insulation left over from an earlier project. Reading this note made me wonder if any other owner has a bulkhead that they would be willing to sell. Also, any advice on a DIY bulkhead would be welcome.

Thanks,
Tim

Tim. Mine was old and tatty so I've cut a new bulkhead although I'd say it makes no difference to the noise level as to the starboard side there is a huge gap that's left open. I purely remade mine so I had somewhere to fit an engine bay extinguisher to conform with CE approval. It also doubles up as an extra area to store things next to the batteries. I normally put fenders down there as they carry no weight. Potentially I could easily fit theee 5 gallon drums in there with spare fuel if needed.