challenger soundproofing?

[davo]

Just rode in a new challenger 180 255hp. Very impressed. Smooth & quick to plane. Only concern is its very noisy. At speed its nearly too loud to talk over. Does anyone know if after market soundproofing is possible on the box to reduce the noise even if a bit? Also I've read fuel consumption quotes here of 3-5 g/hr, but on boattest.com they quote over double this for the 215 hp version a couple of years ago. I'm aware there's a lot of variables, but general 1/2 load(3-4 people) normal cruise(70% of max) is generally a fair guide. Can anyone offer ball park figures, or are the boattest figures reasonably accurate?

cheers

 

[Craigmri]

Dave,

That was one of my complaints about my Challenger 180 215hp. We couldnt converse or hear the radio at all when cruising. Engine is high strung.

Craig

 

[Dr Honda]

1/2 load... 75% power on the 255hp... I think you would be seeing closer to 12~15 gal/hr. Full throttle will be close to 20 gal/hr

Noise... like Craig said... it's a high strung motor, and along with wind nose... it's going to be loud. At most high end mobile stereo shops... they have some sound deadening mats that could help, but it's expensive, and will add weight. (using more fuel)

 

[davo]

??? thanks for the replies. So from the fuel side of things if it holds 28 gal of fuel it'll only have 2 hrs of gas roughly unless you putter around dead slow?? Dealers I've spoken to said I'll get a full day of riding with it. I guess that may just be spin or something. BP claim figures like Dr Honda said.
The noise thing is a concern, it would be nice to talk to people on the run without screaming. The larger twin boats seem to be quieter by 10 db or so. Can you guys give me an idea of how the speedster 200 with twin 155hp would on the ears & at the bowser. ie 35 kts. 4 people. Ball park figure are fine.
cheers