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Boat Horns

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by dainisk, Oct 20, 2009.

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  1. dainisk

    dainisk Member

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    Does anyone know of any good quality horns?

    I am looking for a stainless steel dual trumpet horn that will last (air or electric). I have had Ongaro, AFI and some no-name Chinese brand and all have failed after about 2-3 years. Khalenberg seem to have a good product, but evidently don't make anyhting in stainless steel - only chrome plated. (And anything on a boat that is chrome plated looks like crap after a few years.)

    Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you
  2. Capt Bill11

    Capt Bill11 Senior Member

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  3. K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

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  4. Loren Schweizer

    Loren Schweizer YF Associate Writer

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    Buell makes a high quality horn. Take a look at any older Bertram/Hatteras to see how they fare over time.
  5. Yacht News

    Yacht News YF News Editor

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    LOL, ironically, as soon as I saw this thread. "Carnival Victory" sounded her horn, three short blasts ,signifying she was pushing away from the dock and commencing manouvers. Very loud!
  6. dainisk

    dainisk Member

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    Thank you gents for your suggestions. Yes, I was leaning towards Kahlenbergs, though the chrome plating bit naggs me a bit.

    Yachtnew's comment also brings to mind a similar story. A few years ago, the QEII visited Fremantle for the last time. As she departed, and as is the custom for a ship visiting a port for the last time, she leaned on her horn for at least a couple of minutes. WOW!!!!! now that woke everyone up. The deep bass sounds reverberating through the town were absolutely amazing.
  7. Yacht News

    Yacht News YF News Editor

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    You should hear "Queen Mary 2's" whistles then, they are amazing. On the yacht side of things, I've heard a few horns already and those compilations of small horns do get your attention especially from close! I assume most I heard were Kahlenbergs, those are really popular.
  8. david_japp

    david_japp Senior Member

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    Kahlenbergs and similar (Buell etc) not only sounds the best but also they look the best. S/S cant compare with the look of good quality chrome plating which. if looked after, will last for many years.
  9. q240z

    q240z New Member

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    The twin Buells on my 1967 Chris Craft Connie were a $500 option when new. The horns have some minor pitting in the chrome, which isn't unexpected after 40+ years of service, but they still take a shine rather well. They also have a rather pleasantly authoritative note to them.
  10. Seafarer

    Seafarer Senior Member

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    We put a Kahlenberg set on, the modern model of which would be closest to the T-3A, and they held up quite well indeed for over 25 years of ownership.
  11. corinthian99

    corinthian99 New Member

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    Had Kahlenbergs on loads of vessels. Only problem I ever had was that on one boat after 50 years the deckhands had polished them paperthin. 40 years isn't bad going though.
  12. Yacht News

    Yacht News YF News Editor

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