cowling insulation to reduce noise

[lvcajun]

I have a question about my 2001 xr6 on my 1991 champion. I am looking to reduce noise and thought about insulating the cowling with a better noise reduction foam. I know that Overtons used to carry an outboard noise reduction kit, but they no longer do. Has anyone installed one of these. If so where did they purchase one and does it do any good. I have found a few cheap kits , but wanted to purchase a better one. I posted this on the Mercury motor blog, with no response . my 3 year old son loves the boat but has a condition where a decrease in sound would help our trips be more enjoyable. This has been a great site. Keep it up.

[U.S. eh Champ!]

Wish I could help but I really don't have a clue.

[HaulinBass]

Maybe an auto supply store or JCWhitney for the acoustical material your looking for.

[champion221elite]

I'd be leery of adding sound deadening material to the interior of the cowling. There isn't a whole lot of space under those cowlings for air movement. By adding sound insulation, you may be hindering air movement.

Have you considered getting your son a pair of ear muffs to wear while running the outboard. A good set of muffs can reduce sound by 20+ dB. It's doubtful that a good insulation job on your cowling would even come close to that much of a reduction.

Just something to consider.

[erwin1958]

Don't laugh, but I had 200 carbed Merc that was LOUD and once I left the back decklid up and was surprised at how much noise that blocked, at least 50% of it. Maybe you could fabricate some sort of shield about cowl high and fit the splashwell.

[lvcajun]

Thanks for some of your suggestions. I've found what I was looking for with a company called second skin. Their engineer worked with me and Im going to the lake today to test out the sound or hopefully the lack of sound. I was able to take out the existing foam and add two types of barriers with the same space as the original foam. I was suprised that the cowling didnt have any air vents for circulation, is that normal?