sailboat engine sound insulation

Privacy Guaranteed - your email is never shared with anyone, opt out any time.

Updating a classic fiberglass cruising yacht.

How to replace sailboat engine compartment insulation:

When I bought my 1990 Ericson 32 the engine compartment was lined with reflective engine insulation, but many of the panels were disintegrating.  The plastic mirrored surface was peeling back, and the foam underneath was flaking off.  Once the foam bits landed on the sole (floorboards) of my boat, if stepped on would turn into an icky black mass of gunk.  

I needed to replace this insulation for general neatness more than for sound insulation.

West Marine sells engine compartment insulation kits, consisting of adhesive foam insulation, tape, and in some cases, fasteners to help the foam attach to vertical and inverted surfaces.  The kits come in 1” and ½” foam thicknesses.  

This spring I had my engine removed for unfortunate reasons, but the work afforded me easy access to the engine compartment.  

Step 1:  Remove as many attached accessories as possible from the compartment walls

If your boat is anything like mine, you have hoses and pumps and other accessories screwed into the wall of the engine compartment.  If you can remove as many of these as possible it will make the installation of the new insulation much easier.  Before you start, take pictures of how everything looks so that you will be able to re-install everything the same way. 

Step 2:  Clean out the old foam.

The next step in the process is to scrape out all of the old insulation.  This was not a difficult process and I found that a drywall spreading blade worked well as a scraping tool.  Because the new insulation relies on an adhesive backing to stay in place, it is important to get the underlying engine compartment walls as clean as possible.  

Step 3:  Cut the new insulation to fit the spaces appropriately

The adhesive on the foam is delivered with a peel-off layer.  It’s useful to measure the foam carefully and then ‘dry-fit’ it once or twice to ensure a good fit.  Then peel off the protective layer and stick it on.  Here’s a photo of the back of my engine compartment, after I had completed the rear wall and was at work on the port side.  I elected not to remove my fuel filter and coolant tank overflow from the wall, and I could install the foam behind the bilge pump hoses.  

The ¾” West Marine foam includes special fasteners for attaching the insulation to inverted surfaces.  One of the fasteners I used for the ceiling of the compartment is circled in green: 

 After the insulation was installed, I used the included reflective tape to seal up the exposed edges as best as I could: 

At this point I had expended the majority of the foam included in my first kit.  The roll is only 32” by 54”.  I needed a second kit to complete the compartment cover.  

Fast forward a couple of months and I had a good opportunity to work on the much more accessible compartment cover.  I went to West Marine and bought another kit. 

My second kit did not come with the same fasteners my first kit had.  Indeed I had not realized until I reached the end of the process that I had purchased the ½” foam kit instead of the 1” foam that I used for the back of the compartment.  By that time, with the pieces cut up and adhered to my compartment cover there was no taking everything back to exchange it.  To keep the foam fastened to the inside of my engine compartment cover in addition to the adhesive backingI used some plastic-capped roofing nails driven lightly.

I think the 1” insulation is a better product.  It is stiffer and will no doubt do a better job of insulating sound than the ½” version.  

The best part about completing this small project is that I won’t have to worry about insulation foam gunk underfoot, at least for, hopefully a decade or so. 

Similar Posts

Good work by Pineapple Sails

How to remove an Edson radial quadrant: (Clean and Rehab)

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

• 1-866-949-9269
• No products in the cart.

• Soundproof a Space – Restaurant – Office
• Soundproof a Car Compressor – Boat Pump – or Other Equipment

Boat Soundproofing

Boat insulation offers integral noise protection for those who enjoy being on the water. By learning how to soundproof your boat and what products to use, you can better prepare for loud noises avoid potential guest complaints. Explore the benefits of soundproofing and insulating your engine room.

How to Soundproof a Boat

Reasons to consider marine soundproofing, benefits of boat soundproofing.

• What Parts of the Boat Need Soundproofing

Boat Engine Soundproofing

How to soundproof the boat engine and products to use, other soundproof cow products to reduce boat noise, boat soundproofing products.

Soundproofing Barriers

Quiet Barrier® HD Soundproofing Composite

Quiet Barrier® HD Soundproofing Composite (w/PSA)

Quiet Barrier® LD Soundproofing Composite

Quiet Barrier® LD Soundproofing Composite (w/PSA)

Quiet Barrier® MD Soundproofing Composite

Quiet Barrier® MD Soundproofing Composite (w/PSA)

Quiet Barrier® Specialty Composite

Quiet Barrier® Specialty Composite w/PSA

Silent Running Soundproof Coating (5 gallons)

Silent Running SR-500 (1 gallon)

Vibra Block Sound Deadening Material (Pad)

Vibra Block Sound Deadening Material (Sheet)

Vibra block sound deadening material (strip), boat sound absorption products.

Quiet Board™ Water Resistant Panels

Echo Absorber™ Acoustic Panel (Natural Blend – 1″x2’x4′)

Echo Absorber™ Acoustic Panel (Natural Blend – 1″x4’x4′)

Echo Absorber™ Acoustic Panel (Natural Blend – 2″x2’x4′)

Echo Absorber™ Acoustic Panel 1″ (Case of 14)

Echo Absorber™ Acoustic Panel 1″ (Case of 6)

Echo Absorber™ Acoustic Panel 2″ (Case of 3)

Echo Absorber™ Acoustic Panel 2″ (Case of 8)

Quiet Board™ Acoustic Panel 1″ (Case of 13)

You bought your boat to enjoy spending time with family and friends out on the water. While you may have envisioned it as a place of peace and relaxation, a noisy motor or annoying sounds coming from the engine room may be creating a less-than-desirable environment onboard.

Anything from the generator to the engine to the air conditioning system could be making excessive noise. With Soundproof Cow marine soundproofing products, you’ll be able to enjoy spending time on the water while taking advantage of all the peace and relaxation your boat offers.

There are many different types of boats, from cozy houseboats to luxurious yachts. Although you might not be concerned about soundproofing a canoe, soundproofing can make a big difference in your maritime experience on an engine-powered vessel.

Motorboats are loud. Boat owners face noisy engines, wind sounds and water hitting the hull simultaneously. Any noise reduction can significantly improve your experience. The top reasons to soundproof your boat include the following:

• Reduce noise in the cabin so you and your guests can enjoy each other’s company and not be bothered by the distraction of noise coming from the engine.
• Provide a more enjoyable stay for your guests by reducing noises when docked.
• Improve the sound quality of the boat, so you don’t have to shout to be heard by others.
• Reduce noise for other nearby boaters.

When you maximize sound quality and reduce noise through soundproofing, you and your passengers can enjoy all the benefits of the water. Being on or near water is great for the body and mind. Research shows that being on a boat brings peace, calm, unity and happiness. It releases feel-good chemicals in the brain, like dopamine and serotonin and reduces stress levels. For example,  72% of Americans  feel healthier after being on the water. Perhaps this is the reason millions of Americans go boating every year.

However, if extreme boat noise causes stress and anxiety for you and your passengers, you cancel out the therapeutic benefits of cruising blue waters. If your boat is too noisy to enjoy a soothing sail, it is time to consider boat soundproofing materials. By reducing noise levels on your boat, you’ll enjoy the following benefits:

• Increased hearing safety:  Boating Magazine says boat engine noise  can reach over 100 decibels  (dB).   This is a dangerous level of noise. Sounds over 85 dB  can cause hearing loss  after prolonged or repeated exposure. The higher the dB, the less time it takes for hearing damage. How do you know if your boat is dangerously loud? If you have to raise your voice to be heard or can not understand someone standing three feet away, it is time to consider noise reduction.
• Better operational safety:  Noise is distracting and masks other sounds that might point to danger. For example, the typical smoke detector  emits 85 dB of sound . You need to be able to hear smoke detectors no matter where you are on your boat at all times. By soundproofing the boat engine compartment, you can maintain safe noise levels and be able to hear alarms.
• Reduced noise-related stress:  Noise causes stress, defeating the purpose of a relaxing cruise with family and friends. One  study from 2016  found that annoying noise increases depression and anxiety. Noise also  triggers your body’s stress response , which can eventually lead to the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. Just  a 10 dB increase  in noise can negatively impact mental health. When it comes to noise, it’s just not worth dealing with if you can soundproof your boat.
• Improved insulation:  Marine  soundproofing insulation  can reduce noise and help insulate your boat for a more comfortable experience. Many soundproofing materials like wool and fiberglass can help keep a boat cool in the summer and warm in the winter. With marine sound insulation panels, you will be able to enjoy your boat more year-round.
• Meet Sound Ordinances:  Some states have a maximum noise level for motorboats. For example, in Alabama, noise  cannot exceed 86 dB,  measured at 50 feet from the vessel. In New Mexico, boaters must be careful not to generate complaints from other boaters in state parks. Soundproofing is one way to keep your boat in line with state regulations and make other boaters happy.

What Parts of the Boat Need Soundproofing?

Certain boat parts might need more soundproofing than others. The amount of noise your boat generates may also depend on its materials, quality and age. For example, newer boats tend to hold new parts, meaning the machinery will generate more noise. On the other hand, a very old boat may be on its last leg, producing more noise due to faulty parts. The boat’s materials and quality may also influence how the boat conducts noise.

For those who want to learn what parts of a boat need soundproofing, the boat’s engine, doghouse and compartment area are a great place to start. These areas and machinery need the most soundproofing out of the entire boat. Before you begin soundproofing, you might want to educate yourself about sound. Simply put,  sound is a vibration  that can travel through solids, liquids and air. Your goal as a soundproofing DIYer is to focus on reducing the transmission of vibrations through air and solids.

For example, you might find noise from the wind as you sail, or from the vibrations of water hitting the boat. However, a loud engine is the number one cause of the noise, meaning that soundproofing your engine room can increase guests’ boating experiences and make it easier to hear others during your trip.

A boat’s engine might be loud for a variety of reasons. Most likely, the engine has the wrong propeller pitch or a malfunctioning exhaust. Improper or malfunctioning parts could lead to increased revolutions per minute (RPM) and rising noise levels, which have adverse effects on the engine.

If you are ready for a nice quiet ride, asking  an acoustics expert  for help is a good place to start. An expert can determine which parts of the boat need soundproofing and the best materials to use. If you’re a DIY boater, you can purchase boat engine sound insulation and other easy-to-install materials to quiet your boat. Soundproof Cow products come with simple installation instructions, and many only require a few essential tools.

If you’ve ever spent time on a boat, you know the engine can be extremely loud and is likely your boat’s greatest source of noise. There is a tremendous amount of vibration noise due to the action of the engine reflected by the metal frame of the boat.

The result is that guests on your boat often need to shout to be heard, and you and your fellow boat passengers could even be sustaining long-term hearing damage without even realizing it.

Marine engine soundproofing can make boat trips much more pleasant and desirable for all involved. Since soundproofing a boat is not all that difficult and quite inexpensive relative to the cost of the boat itself, there is virtually no reason not to soundproof your boat engine. Here are  three common boat engines  that may need soundproofing:

• Inboard drive:  An inboard drive, sometimes called an inboard motor, is an engine enclosed inside the boat.
• Outboard motor:  Outboard motors are a common type of boat engine mounted to the rear wall or transom of the boat.
• Sterndrive:  A sterndrive is an inboard drive and outboard motor combined.

You can use soundproofing materials to reduce noise and improve sound quality regardless of the boat’s motor type.

You may also need to soundproof other boat parts to dampen sounds like water lapping against the boat, making sleeping difficult on overnight boat trips. This might include the hull, which is the body of the boat, and the cabins.

The best way to tackle boat noise is to focus on soundproofing the engine compartment. When soundproofing an inboard motor compartment, install a quality foam barrier to  lose more than 30 dB  of noise.

Also, you will want to seal panel joints with a  soundproofing sealant  or  tape  to keep sound from leaking and ensure panels fit tightly together. Also, close up gaps around any pipes or cables penetrating the soundproofing material and make sure hatches and doors close tightly. Lastly, avoid sealing up vents to ensure your engine gets proper ventilation. Here are a few installation tips to keep in mind:

• Thoroughly read all instructions provided with soundproofing materials and adhesives before getting started.
• Make templates to make sure you cut the right-sized soundproofing panels.
• Be sure to leave adequate ventilation.
• Avoid placing sound insulation materials in any wet areas unless the material is waterproof.
• Keep a minimum of six inches clear between soundproofing and exhaust manifolds.
• Use sharp tools when cutting soundproofing materials for a clean cut.
• Seal all edges, joints and corners with seam tape to keep water out.

We recommend one of our  Quiet Barrier® Specialty Composite  products to soundproof your boat. This four-layer composite effectively reduces airborne and vibration noise transfer from high noise-producing entities like cars, heavy construction machinery and boats. The top film layer resists heat and high-frequency sound and is easy to clean. The next layer is a thick sound-absorbing foam that soaks up all frequencies. The third layer is our superior sound-blocking  Quiet Barrier® MD Soundproofing Material . Finally, the fourth foam layer isolates the barrier layer from vibrating surfaces to enhance its power.

The Quiet Barrier® Specialty Composite has multiple barriers and foam levels for maximum strength. You can choose an easy peel-and-stick backing to place it easily and stay in place, giving you reliable and consistent noise protection on your boat. You’ll only need a few basic tools, such as a utility knife and a tape measure, to install Quiet Barrier® Specialty Composite. Adding this soundproofing barrier around your boat engine makes it easier for you and your boat passengers to relax and enjoy the ride, free of the most troubling noises boat riders usually experience.

You can also use Quiet Barrier® to line the hull or cabin walls or as a cabin carpet underlayment. Our Quiet Barrier® Speciality Composite includes:

• Quiet Barrier® HD Soundproofing Composite: Our   Quiet Barrier® HD Soundproofing Composite  is a thicker composite that includes a 1/4-inch industrial-grade soundproofing barrier. This powerful barrier is also available with  a peel-and-stick backing .
• Quiet Barrier® MD Soundproofing Composite:  Our  Quiet Barrier® MD Soundproofing Composite  features a medium thickness with a 1/8-inch barrier and is also available with  a peel-and-stick backing .
• Quiet Barrier® LD Soundproofing Composite:  Our  Quiet Barrier® LD Soundproofing Composite is our thinnest Quiet Barrier® composite with a 1/16-inch barrier layer. This barrier is easy to fit anywhere. Choose Quiet Barrier® LD with peel-and-stick backing  for simple installation.

You can also use the following noise-blocking  barriers to soundproof your boat :

• Fiberglass composites:  Fiberglass composites are designed to go wherever you put regular insulating materials. Our  Quiet Barrier® Fiberglass Composite  is perfect for silencing noisy pipes or applying to the ceiling. These barriers are extremely flexible, so they can fit just about anywhere you need noise control.
• Mass-loaded vinyl barriers:  Mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) is as tough as it sounds. MLV  barriers are made of salt , small metal particles and sand. They add mass to block sound waves and keep them from penetrating walls and ceilings. You might use easy-to-install  Quiet Barrier® MD Soundproofing Material  to line cabin walls and avoid boat engine noise.
• Temporary barriers:  Our  Quiet Barrier® Acoustic Quilts  offer a quick and simple soundproofing solution for various situations. These fiberglass quilts feature a vinyl cover and are designed to absorb sound. You can lay them on the floor, line hulls, cover hatches or line engine compartments, and watch your family get restful sleep.

If you have an outboard motor, you may have an engine cover called the cowling. Typically, a cowling does very little to reduce motor noise. Consider lining the cowling with  acoustic foam panels with aluminum facing . These panels are designed to handle high-heat areas and are available with peel-and-stick backing for easy installation. The aluminum surface helps protect the foam from heat, grease and fuel. You can cut panels to the size you need and place them inside the cowling to eliminate unwanted sounds. You’ll want to cover the inside of the cowling as much as possible without blocking air vents or touching moving parts.

Tired of waves slapping against the hull all night? Do you wish you didn’t have to wear earplugs while resting in your cabin? Here are some other soundproofing materials to fit your needs so you can watch your worries sail away:

Why Choose Soundproof Cow for Marine Sound Insulation?

When you are out at sea, the only sounds you want to hear are lapping waves, seagulls, gentle conversation and laughter. At Soundproof Cow, we are here to make sure the sound of a roaring engine does not disrupt your boating adventures.

With our high-quality soundproofing solutions and results-focused approach, you can count on us to do what it takes to solve your noise issues. We will work with you to determine what your needs are and then recommend the best marine engine insulation materials and products for your unique situation.

We are committed to helping you find the soundproofing solutions you need to enjoy a noise-free sail. Along with the best customer service!

Ready to Enjoy Smooth Sailing With Soundproof Cow?

A peaceful voyage starts with Soundproof Cow. If you have not herd, we offer a free acoustic analysis so we can learn more about your boat soundproofing needs and develop a tailored solution that works for you. We have a vast selection of brand-name sound-dampening and -deadening materials, and we offer No Bull Sales and a Forever Sale for veterans and active service members so you can save on your project.

Do not let boat noise stop the  moosic –  shop Soundproofcow.com today !

If you have questions, we’re here to help. To get started, give us a call at 866-949-9269 or reach out online today to  schedule your free acoustic analysis .

Soundproof Other Equipment

AC (Commercial) AC (Residential) Boat Car Compressors Construction Equipment Generators PC Pool Pump Pumps RV Server Enclosures

I just wanted to send a quick thank you for your rapid response and helpfulness. I very much appreciated it. You have been responsive in every way all through the process. It has been a pleasure doing business with you and your company.

• Site Credits
• Privacy Policy
• Copyright © 2024. All Rights Reserved

Analysis / Questionnaires

• Get a Free Acoustic Analysis
• Take The Soundproofing Questionnaire
• Get Quality Discounts

NEWSLETTER SIGNUP Join the Herd

Get soundproofing tid bits and be the first to know about our special sales.

Subscribe Form - (Full Version)

• Name * First Last
• Email Address *
• Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Boat Engine Noise and How to Soundproof it

Our Foam Barrier composite is specifically designed to reduce noise pollution from enclosed areas where a high degree of sound proofing is required combined with resistance to wear and tear. Originally designed to reduce noise from inboard engine bays this sound absorbing material is the ideal solution for sound proofing engine noise in large and small boats. The polyurethane skin on the surface of the insulation is a tough, oil and water resistant coating protecting the insulation which is able to give effective sound absorption wherever internal engines or hydraulic power packs are used without the problem of liquid or dust contamination.

Although designed as a marine sound insulating material for installation into the engine bays of boats, this versatile insulation has a wide variety of other uses where a reduction in noise is required. Onboard generators can be sound proofed using this insulation which can be fabricated to any thickness to give the best sound proofing possible. Comprising a mineral loaded soundproofing mat sandwiched between two layers of sound absorbing foam, this very efficient acoustic insulation is finished with a very tough, impermeable black polyurethane skin resistant to most fluids associated with petrol and diesel engines.

SA25FF/B/6 is easily cut to shape when required and can be installed using our special contact aerosol adhesive. We do not offer a self-adhesive version of this material due to its weight. With a mass of 5kg/m2 it is possible a self-adhesive version could delaminate in higher temperatures.

For installation into the engine compartment of a boat, the sound insulation should line all of the sides and the top of the bay. Insulating the top will mean inverting the product so it is suggested that additional mechanical fixings are used here to further secure the product.

If you are a boat builder looking for an effective solution to sound proof a boat engine then contact us. We will be pleased to help design the best form of sound proofing possible to reduce the noise from any boat engine or onboard generator.

Written by Stephen Young

© Sound Service (Oxford) Ltd. 2007

Please verify you are a human

Access to this page has been denied because we believe you are using automation tools to browse the website.

This may happen as a result of the following:

• Javascript is disabled or blocked by an extension (ad blockers for example)
• Your browser does not support cookies

Please make sure that Javascript and cookies are enabled on your browser and that you are not blocking them from loading.

Reference ID: d955d55a-615e-11ef-9574-b43f96adff85

Powered by PerimeterX , Inc.

• Forums New posts Unanswered threads Register Top Posts Email
• What's new New posts New Posts (legacy) Latest activity New media
• Media New media New comments
• Boat Info Downloads Weekly Quiz Topic FAQ 10000boatnames.com
• Classifieds Sell Your Boat Used Gear for Sale
• Parts General Marine Parts Hunter Beneteau Catalina MacGregor Oday
• Help Terms of Use Monday Mail Subscribe Monday Mail Unsubscribe

Reverse or Neutral

• Thread starter jrocheleau
• Start date Sep 17, 2008
• Oday Owner Forums
• Ask An Oday Owner

I've heard conflicting views on what to do with your transmission when under sail. Should it be kept in neutral or reverse when sailing?  

What I've been told is to put it in reverse when under sail. This came from the best diesel mechanic in our area. He's the guy that works on most of the boats including the ferry and cruise boats here. I don't know if the make and model make a difference. Ours is a Universal M25. Hope this helps!  

Capt Jim24025

Depends on your engine and tranny Check with the engine manufacturer. My VolvoPenta w/saildrive says to use Reverse but my Perkins 107 manual says to use forward. In lieu of that, try them both and find out which one stops the prop from turning. You want to stop the shaft from turning to prevent excessive wear on the transmission and packing bearing. I've also been told that a stationary prop has less drag than a moving prop (but that seems counter-intuitive to me). Capt. Cook  

My spin... Right on, Cap'n... I have a Volvo/Perkins MD2030 hooked up to a Volvo MS25S saildrive. Manual states when under sail, place shifter momentarily in reverse to stop prop and then place in neutral. Cheers, Bob  

Hello All! Do you know right position of the Paragon reverse gear (Atomic engine) under sail? I didn't find it at the operation manual.  

Konstantin said: Do you know right position of the Paragon reverse gear (Atomic engine) under sail? I didn't find it at the operation manual. Click to expand

Thanks a lot! Hello Rad! My name is Konstantin. I'm from Russia and I've bought the same boat (O'Day 32)! I see that it is really rare boat and there is not a lot of information. How long you own your boat?  

Attachments

• This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more…

Looking for ways to save money on your heating and cooling costs?  Look no further, installed insulation can actually save you money in the long run. Moscow & Pullman Building Supply in-house insulation crew installs insulation in commercial properties, as well as, new and existing residential homes.

We recognize that homeowners are increasingly more concerned about energy costs, indoor air quality, and “green” building techniques—that is why we carry Formaldehyde-free insulation. We offer several options to choose from including insulation for attics, crawl spaces, walls, and more!

• Knauf Kraft-Faced Batts and Rolls (For use in walls or attics)
• Knauf Unfaced Batts (For use in walls, attics, and floors)
• Knauf Jet Stream Blow-In Fiberglass Insulation (For use in attics, walls, and hard-to-reach locations)

Insulation is rated by its R-Value. The higher the R-Value, the more resistant to warm or cool air transfer it has. Here are MPBS, we recognize every job is different, which is why we offer free estimates and recommendations for each job.

For a FREE estimate or for more information, please contact 208.882.4716 ext. 1330

Jet Stream Blown-In Fiberglass 

This type of insulation has a higher R-Value, which means it provides excellent resistance again warm and cool air transfer, making it an energy efficient choice. It is designed to last for years!

In-House Professional Crew

Our dedicated crew of insulation installers are prompt, professional, and tidy. They are reliable and on the ball! They mainly serve the Moscow-Pullman area, but also work in surrounding areas up to a 50+ mile radius.

Acoustic Unfaced Fiberglass Batts Great for sound-proofing walls between rooms that might provide more noise than desired, for example, wall in between the laundry or mechanical room and a bedroom.

Check out Matt, a talented member of our in-house insulation crew, in the videos above. See how Jet Stream® Blow-In Fiber Glass Insulation is prepped & installed!

Whether you are looking to retro-fit your home’s existing insulation or looking for a complete insulation package for a new residential or commercial property, we can help.

Find  Tips From the Pros.  Visit our Contact Us Page for more information.

The Musings of a Hopeless Wanderer

Engaging in the eternal search for the meaning of life...or a good time.

• Netherlands

Monday, September 3, 2018

Tackling moscow by train and boat.

Our first full day in Moscow started fairly late since we were still catching up on sleep.  Around 1, we finally were able to get our act together and get out the door. 

We stopped by a cafe to get some breakfast and headed over to the Red Square.  Since the festival is going on, we had to go through metal detectors.  Once we cleared security, we reached the State Historical Museum which provided an entrance to the Red Square.

We walked the length of the Red Square, passing by the Kazan cathedral.

Under normal conditions, the Red Square is a large walking area with the State Historical Museum on one end and St. Basil's on the other end.  On the sides is the Kremlin wall on one side and then the GUM shopping mall and the Kazan cathedral on the other side.  Presently, the walking area has been considerably narrowed and the fesitval grounds occupying a large space between the Kremlin and the mall.

We even asked a stranger to take our picture!

After walking around the Red Square, we had to leave to meet up with our Metro Tour.  

Moscow has famously pretty metro stations so metro tours are quite popular.  We booked a relatively inexpensive tour through a tour group which met outside of the Red Square.

On our way, we passed by the Kremlin gardens and the tomb to the unknown soldier and the eternal flame.

We soon met up with our group which, fortunately, was only 5 people.  Our guide told us that we were going to visit 8 stations during the 1.5 hour tour.  

Honestly, a lot of the stations blended in to me so I won't be able to give you a detailed description of all of them.  However, I did learn that there are 222 metro stations and the trains come every 2-3 minutes reliably.  For that reason, Moscow > DC. 

One of the first metro stations we visited had bronze statues all over of various depictions.  Many of the statues had superstitions tied to them.  For example, for a statue of the dog, it's held that if you rub the nose of the dog, you'll have good luck.  Consequently, most of the statue is tarnished - except for the nose.  I joked to Tomas that they probably rotate the "good luck" portion of the statue to ensure the entire statue gets polished.

However, I do remember some of the stations.

Novoslobodskaya is a station adorned with stained glass on the walls.

There was also Belarusskaya, which paid tribute to Belarus.

Another station which name I cannot remember but had pretty mosaics in the ceilings.

My favorite station was Komsomolskaya.  It's the busiest station and a hub for other connecting trains.  It was built during Statlin times and he wanted the station to embody beauty to set a good first impression to Russia.

I'd seen pictures of it beforehand since it's the most famous but it's so much more impressive in person.

Look at these ceilings!

Overall it was a very interesting tour.  Not sure of any other city which could offer a metro tour.  DC certainly can't...

After the tour, we headed back of the hotel to rest for a bit.  We had purchased tickets to a tour hour boat down the Moscow river.  The tickets were good for any time on any day and the boats left every 20min.  We decided to knock the tour out that day and headed over to the pier.  

We arrived at the pier and saw a boat by the company we had purchased from boarding.  We approached and they shook their head and said it wasn't the right boat. 

So we waited for another boat.

Another boat came along by the same company we had purchased from so weapproached them.  Again - we were told it wasn't the right boat and the boat we were looking for was coming.  

A third boat came along which was NOT by the company we had purchased from.  By this point, it had been longer than 20min waiting and I was starting to suspect that the correct boat was actually one of the ones which turned us away.   We approached the 3rd boat to ask if they knew which boat we should be on.  However, when we approached,  they waved us aboard without scanning our tickets.

So, we boarded the 3rd boat....which was definitely not ours.

We settled into an upper deck, open air table to take in the views.

We passed by pretty buildings.

The somewhat impressive cathedral of Christ the Savior.

This random statue.

After about hour on the cruise, Tomas remarked that it had been about an hour so we should be turning around soon.  I reminded him that we actually had no idea how long this cruise was or where we would be dropped off.  Since we were on the wrong boat.

Fortunately, it did turn around and took us back to the pier.  

For dinner, we decided to go to this burger place, Black Star Burger, which our guide told us about.  Tomas really liked his - I thought mine was OK.  It was a decent size patty with a mountain of Cole slaw on top.  We've realized that apparently Russians dislike getting their hands dirty while eating so some restaurants will give out gloves to use.  This particular restaurant gave out black gloves.

Tomas modeling our dinner.

Since little mum has been asking about pictures which show my feet, I assume she wanted to see my new shoes.  I recently bought Allbirds which are suppose to be super comfortable walking shoes which you wear without socks and can be washed.  I didn't wear them too extensively beforehand, so that was probably my first error.  I also didn't bring another pair of good walking shoes,  which was likely my second error.  The Allbirds were great the first two days without socks.  Midway through the third day, my right foot was quite unhappy. Left foot was a trooper. So, now I have a bandaid on the heel of my right foot and wear socks.  

No comments:

Post a comment.