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NEWS
Sea Ray's Quiet Ride Technology
New onboard noise-vibration-harshness (NVH) reducing technology gets the marine industry talkingThe American boating industry is singing the praises of Sea Ray's recently awarded Quiet Ride system. Designed to make powerboating more agreeable, Quiet Ride is the culmination of more than four years of intense CSI-like research and development into acoustical forensics, engineering and sound-attenuation materials.
"The reduction of noise, vibration and harshness, or NVH, has become a key strategic thrust in the automotive industry," said Rob Noyes, Vice President of marketing for Sea Ray. "At Sea Ray, we think the boating industry should be no different. Noise and vibration have long been an accepted part of boating, from engine rumble to the rattle of components while under way, but consumer expectations have changed, and so have ours.
"Quiet Ride is a method of NVH reduction using an exclusive engineering-and-applications process designed to reduce onboard sound and vibration and improve the ride of Sea Ray boats. It is not bolt-on equipment or an afterthought. Rather, it is a fundamental change in the build process to reduce sound at the source," Noyes explained.
Sea Ray has adopted a patented “Tuned Transom” that is said to ‘short circuit’ vibrations created by the engine and sterndrive. This is an exclusive feature that no other boat manufacturer can offer, claims Sea Ray.
Additionally, Sea Ray scrutinised the laminates, joints, components and fasteners it uses in an effort to reduce NVH. As a result, vibration-deadening materials are laminated into the hull and deck of select models to reduce structural tremors and noise.
Bulkheads and acoustical insulation in the engine compartment and key pathways trap and absorb sound; precise robotic cutting and drilling results in exact angles and proportions for reduced vibration; while hatches, storage areas and access holes are sealed to diminish noise in the cockpit area. Gaskets, bumpers, grommets and compression latches are used to reduce squeaks and rattles.
To the ear, the results of Quiet Ride are said to be significant. Measuring decibels (dB) in 14 specific areas aboard a Quiet Ride-equipped 250 SLX® borider (pictured), Sea Ray recorded an average 6.8 dB reduction in sound throughout the boat compared with the same model and engine combo running at the same 3500rpm but without Quiet Ride.
This represents an overall noise reduction of 25 to 50 percent, says Sea Ray. In certain areas of the cockpit, Quiet Ride reduced noise by more than 10 dB. To put these measurements in perspective, a decrease of 10 dB equals a sound being twice as low. Vibration was also greatly decreased, leading to a more enjoyable and smoother ride.
"Just imagine being able to hear your cell phone or stereo at cruise speeds, or being able to have a conversation while under way without shouting. That's what Quiet Ride does," said Noyes. Quiet Ride is now available as standard equipment on board the Sea Ray 250 SLX and 270 SLX, and plans are to expand the technology to other models in the near future.
At last week’s Miami International Boat Show, the National Marine Manufacturers Association and Boating Writers International awarded a 2012 Innovation Award in the Cruiser Category to Sea Ray’s 250 SLX with Quiet Ride.
Your boat-testing crew here at Boatpoint and Boatsales welcome all efforts to reduce harsh running noise on powerboats. After all, a few of us almost feel like we've suffered some hearing loss after testing hundreds of sometimes near-deafening boats over the years. Or maybe that is just part of the ageing process and/or marriage?
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Written byBoatsales Staff
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
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