Silencing a SABB?

SHUG

Well-Known Member
Joined
18 Dec 2010
Messages
1,317
Location
E Scotland
Visit site
I now have a nice little boat with a single cylinder SABB engine......a mechanical masterpiece and a work of art.......but the noise level is high.
I can't decide if its air transmitted noise which could be deadened by sound-proofing the engine box or is it mechanical vibration which is resonating through the whole boat.
Tips from the top please!!!
 
I put a water trap and a muffler in the ehaust now sound a lovely deep note, rather hypnotic to say the least, Is your engine bolted on the bearers or rubber mount?
 
The engine is bolted down solidly as the stern tube is attached to the gearbox.
There is a muffler on the exhaust which is fairly quiet.
I think the comments about sound-proofing the engine box are probably right. It may even be acting as a resonant chamber!.
 
Know how you feel. Our stand at the old Earls Court boat show was opposite the SABB stand and they used to run an engine in a boat (Plymouth Pilot) all day long with the exhaust going out through the window. I can still hear it (and feel it) now!

Soundproofing might help a bit, but you are never going to change the forces of that big piston banging 7 or 800 times a minute connected directly to the fabric of your boat.
 
Know how you feel. Our stand at the old Earls Court boat show was opposite the SABB stand and they used to run an engine in a boat (Plymouth Pilot) all day long with the exhaust going out through the window. I can still hear it (and feel it) now!

Soundproofing might help a bit, but you are never going to change the forces of that big piston banging 7 or 800 times a minute connected directly to the fabric of your boat.
You exagerate, 3 or 4 times a minute is more like it, they have a stroke a yard long
 
learn to love the noise/vibration :-) sounds bit hippy, but not much else for it

(tho soundproofing the engine helped a bit, the teeth jarring vibrations were still there)
 
I had a twin 18hp Sabb in my last boat that was rigidly mounted the new owner put a water trap on the exhaust which did make a bit difference but he states its still well noisy but very reliable, guess you have to sound proof it as best you can then live with it after that............new boat has a very modern Nanni i can talk to people when the engines running now
 
I had a twin 18hp Sabb in my last boat that was rigidly mounted the new owner put a water trap on the exhaust which did make a bit difference but he states its still well noisy but very reliable, guess you have to sound proof it as best you can then live with it after that............new boat has a very modern Nanni i can talk to people when the engines running now

They were of course originally made for Norwegian fishing boats. Slow revving easy to service ( look in the tool box provided) basic engine will last forever
 
Thanks for your comments.
The SABB seems to be a bit of a MARMITE engine.....love it or hate it.
I think I'll do the sound proofing and book a dental check for any loose fillings.
Cheers
 
Top