I really miss my Fresh Air Exhaust. It worked well and significantly reduced noise. My new boat has Side Swipe (SS). SS also works well, it reduced CO exposure and exhaust smell. However Side swipe is too noisy for my tastes. So after some research I found a “Silencer” that will easily fit inline between the SS control valve and flapper valve. Take a look at this link:
http://shopping.rexmar.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=silencers-inline-insert I installed the silencers on the starboard side this evening and I brought home a sound level meter from work.
It took all of 30 minutes to install one side. That's largely because I didn't know what I was doing and because I made several trips to the basement for tools. I used a large standard screw driver, I had a large Phillips screwdriver that I didn’t need, and I used a coping saw.
Removing the old hose between the exhaust valve and the flapper valve was easy, just loosen four band clamps. I rolled the exhaust hose back and forth and pulled on it until it came off.
I removed the four screws on the SS flapper valve, the valve seen on the hull of the boat. It turns out I didn’t need to remove the screws, I never removed the flapper valve.
The silencers are 5 inches long with a 4 inch diameter. I cut off a 4 inch long section of exhaust hose. I placed the silencer and 4 inch hose near the flapper valve. Then I laid some hose next to the silencer and the Side Swipe switched exhaust valve to see how long the other section of hose should be. I cut to fit, slid this longer section over the silencer and pushed the hose on until it went back over the SS switched exhaust valve. I had to add four new band clamps. I tighten up the band clamps and the starboard side was done. No big deal really.
I’m taking the Mighty Enzo to the Crush the Ice for Life event in Rome City Indiana tomorrow. I only installed the silencer on the starboard side so I’ll be able to compare the port and starboard side with the sound level meter. After that I’ll install the silencer on the port side.
I spent $119 plus shipping on the silencers. I spent another >$40 on extra 4 inch hose and band clamps. This addition is well under $200 and very easy to do. I’ll report on the noise improvement soon.
The silencers and new hose... Cutting a 4 inch section
The cover over the SS and the old hose
The finished conversion
Disclaimer: I’m not connected to Rex Marine, marine exhaust hose manufactures, or band clamp manufacturers. Fresh Air Exhaust donated a system to the 2007 Scioto Wakefest. I have received event funds from Centurion Boats which have been used to operate wakesurfing competitions.
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