Vetus Exhaust Mufflers

[freebird1]

Having just sound proofed my engine compartment, i am now more aware of the exhaust noise on my Seamaster Sailer 23'. I have a Bukh DV10 single cylinder already fitted with a Vetus water trap. I've seen the additional mufflers that Vetus also manufacture and wonder what difference i could expect if i installed one. I have plenty of room to play with so alternatives could be considered.

Will i notice the additional sound muffling, or are they just another drain on the wallet??

Any advice would be appreciated.
May be i should add it is raw water cooled.
Thanks

<hr width=100% size=1><P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by freebird1 on 31/03/2004 22:18 (server time).</FONT></P>

 

[philip_stevens]

I had a Konsort with a 20hp Bukh that had no water trap or swan neck, and the exhaust bark was to say the least, noisy!! I fitted a Vetus water trap and a Vetus swan neck, and the difference was incredible. I found that I did not need to fit a muffler.

I am now back in the same position with my "new" boat, in that she does not have a water trap or muffler for the VP2003. The exhaust was very noisy on the delivery trip at the end of last season, and I will be fitting a water trap before launching. I am not sure if I will be fitting a swan neck yet - that may come later as it doesn't really effect the exhaust noise. I will not be fitting a muffler.

<hr width=100% size=1>regards,
Philip

 

[freebird1]

I can imagine what it would sound like with nothing at all, however i am still curious abou the extar muffler. Am i curious to the tune of £42? I'll have to ask her.....
Cheers

Any other opinions / experiences?

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[Born_Free]

If you've already got a water trap, then adding a muffler wont make a lot of difference. Sugest you look into soundproofing the compartment if you want it quieter, it will be much more effective.

<hr width=100% size=1>I have nothing to declare, except my genius
(Sorry Oscar)

 

[Born_Free]

Oooops having posted what I thought was helpul I now see you've already soundproofed. Part one still applies though, its unlikely to make much difference if you've already got a water trap.
Just a thought , do you have a flexible section on the exhaust run, as this can help reduce engine transmitted noise, and are your engine mounts in good condition, as when they age the rubbers can harden and that can also increase transmitted noise levels.
Food for thought perhaps!

<hr width=100% size=1>I have nothing to declare, except my genius
(Sorry Oscar)

 

[freebird1]

Could you define/explain 'flexible'. I have two lengths of exhaust hose: about 2' to water box and 3' to the exhaust outlet. I'm sure the mounts are an issue, but the whole design of the engine compartment causes problems with vibration, as so much of it is demountable to enable access. The Bukh is a bit of a lump and despite the size of the flywheel, leaves nobody in question that it is a single cylinder. I knew from the moment i first pulled the fuel cut off handle why i like sailing so much...

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[StephenW]

Don't bother with the gooseneck.

I had both Vetus water trap and Vetus gooseneck and was advised by good engineers to remove the gooseneck, whci wasn't ideally positioned, and simply put a very large loop of exhaust to prevent ingress of water back to the engine. Has worked very well and is certainly no noisier than before.

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[StephenW]

Don't bother with the gooseneck.

I had both Vetus water trap and Vetus gooseneck and was advised by good engineers to remove the gooseneck, whci wasn't ideally positioned, and simply put a very large loop of exhaust to prevent ingress of water back to the engine. Has worked very well and is certainly no noisier than before.

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[Born_Free]

Hi agan. If there is already rubber or similar type hose in the exhaust line then you have a flexible section which should help reduce the noise. ie. the exhaust line is not all in rigid metal pipe.
It seems the area where you may best investigate now is the engine mounts, and I think if my memory serves me correctly, that you can use the Vetus soft mounts with the Bukh engine, which would give the best results in reducing noise, but check with a Bukh agent first to be sure.
This is however a common problem with a lot of small engines, and it is almost certainly never going to be as quite as a larger one.
Reflecting on your soundproofing, have you got side panels either side of the engine going down to or nearly to the hull and do they have insultion on them, as if the engine compartment is open down below to a large area, this will be acting as an echo chamber......just a thought!
Other than that sail more and motor less!

<hr width=100% size=1>I have nothing to declare, except my genius
(Sorry Oscar)

 

[jfkal]

No difference whatsoever. Save the money.


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[freebird1]

Okay you've all talked me out of buying the muffler. The engine mounts are on my list for next winter but i will speak to Bukh first. The compartment is big and pretty well insulated now, but i will look to see if i can cover any more akward gaps.
Thanks for all of your replies.

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