Yacht sound solutions: Expert tips

• Sandor Matla
• Project Engineer
• +31 78 200 13 44

Who is Van Cappellen Sound solutions?

The story of Van Cappellen Sound solutions began with the foundation of Van Cappellen Consultancy in 1984 by Willem van Cappellen sr. We operate as an independent consultancy and collaborate with shipyards. Specialising in marine acoustics, we have been able to introduce several innovative solutions in the past.

Now, thanks to our R&D department, we have the ability to present a range of unique products, from which Van Cappellen Sound solutions was born.

Does Van Cappellen have experience with refits on board superyachts?

We gained experience through noise and vibration control studies over 30 years, both on new build and refit projects. These studies contain insulation plans, vibration analysis and noise level predictions, amongst other things. Especially for refit projects it performs pre- and post-refit noise and vibration measurements which add hands-on experience. Van Cappellen Sound solutions feels it is the right partner for both advice and innovative acoustic products.

What products does Van Cappellen offer?

Van Cappellen Sound solutions is proud to introduce its ENCAPSURE, an acoustic enclosure with a custom-designed base frame. As no project is the same, any specific requirement can be incorporated in this enclosure, whether it’s weight or size reduction. An ultra-silent enclosure, we use the latest technologies and fully non-combustible constructions.

We also developed the FLEXCAP isolator mounts for low-weight equipment on board.

What makes these products suitable for yacht refit projects?

Generator enclosures are replaced during refits as they are worn out (degraded insulation, damaged panels, faulty closing mechanisms) or a higher comfort level is required. Finding a replacement enclosure can be difficult as the units are outdated. We create custom build sound enclosures which would make a perfect replacement with a higher as standard air-borne noise reduction. By replacing the (sub)frame for a custom made one, the client can be sure of adequate structure-borne noise reduction as well.

Many rubber mounts lose part of their performance after 10 years in a harsh engine room environment. The selection of the correct mounts for low weight equipment (10 – 50 kg) is difficult, if not impossible, as there are no competitively priced, robust and easily selectable resilient mounts. The FLEXCAP mounts, with their maximum possible load of 3 – 20 kg and coloured elastomer, are the perfect choice for a client’s refit project.

What can we expect from van Cappellen Sound solutions in the future?

We carry out surveys and noise and vibration measurements on board numerous motor and sailing yachts, which gives us a good understanding of what kind of solutions shipyards and yacht owners are looking for. We then use this knowledge to develop our products; continuously striving to enhance our knowledge with the latest vibro-acoustic technologies in order to serve our clients with practical solutions.