INNOVATION

The Hatteras Advantage: Noise Suppression


The Hatteras in-house design and engineering team has made noise suppression a priority for decades.

PIONEERED PROPELLERS

“It used to be that our customers demanded more speed…now, it’s less noise,” says Bruce Angel, Hatteras Yachts Executive Vice President & Chief Design and Technology Officer.

But Hatteras Yachts’ in-house design and engineering team has made noise suppression in our yachts a priority for decades. Back in the mid-1980s, Hatteras pioneered the use of multi-blade propellers, developing five, six, seven and even eight-blade props with Rolla Propellers (now part of Twin Disc). The multi-blade propellers, coupled with deep gears and large shafts, helped Hatteras significantly reduce noise and vibration in addition to improving performance. Today, Hatteras continues to innovate efficient, low-vibration multi-blade propellers

AIR INDUCTION & EXHAUST SYSTEMS

More recently, Hatteras Yachts’ patented the hull tunnel air induction system, which reduces cavitation (the formation of vapor cavities in water by the propeller). This proprietary system is intricate, but basically, “The shockwave of the blade collides with an air cushion that lies between the propeller and the hull bottom,” says Bruce. Resulting in far less noise and vibration being transmitted to the boat through the hull.

Hatteras Yachts also feature a passive underwater exhaust system on select models. At low rpm, exhaust exits through small, elliptical holes in the boat’s transom. Once the engines power up to approximately 1,400 rpm, the exhaust exits via larger vents in the hull. This system not only reduces diesel fumes into the cockpit, it also lowers sound levels on board.

But that’s only the beginning. Hatteras Yachts incorporate noise suppression systems and materials from top to bottom. Even the foam coring in the decks and side walls helps to reduce vibration and sound.

SOUND DAMPING STRUCTURE

Engines are mounted to infused fiberglass stringers which are reinforced with steel backing plates for the engine bed attachment. This process provides for superior damping characteristics throughout the structure.

“Additional acoustic materials are installed throughout the entire vessel further reducing vibration and noise,” states Glenn Spain, Mechanical Engineering Manager.

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