Looking For Reliable Horn

Alex F

Alex F

Well-Known Member
Nov 14, 2006
9,166
Miami / Ft Lauderdale
Boat Info
2005 420DB with AB 11 DLX Tender, Raymarine Electronics (2x12" MFDs) with Vesper AIS
Engines
Cummins 450Cs, 9KW Onan Generator, 40HP Yamaha for tender.
I've fixed my original horn few times. The location is horrible (anchor locker) and the fix by taking the horns apart and cleaning them lasts only short wile. As you can imagine, few good wave splashes voids all of your efforts quickly.

My next attempt was installing electric version (Dual Stainless Steel Trumpets Marine Electric Train Horn for Boats/RV/Trucks 12V Chrome) without an air compressor. I figured if I put it up on the arch, I'll be keeping the tubes as far from the sea water as possible and they should last. Well, this was a good idea but these horns just don't last. I've replaced it at least once, maybe even 2 times already. It's not a hard fix but I checked my last purchase, it was just a little over a year ago. I don't think that replacing the horns every 1.5 years is a solution.

Does anyone have recommendations on somewhat reliable horns? I prefer to stick with just electric version, as running a hose would be a PITA project.

Also, does anyone have any recommendations on how to keep these horns alive? I assume they get corroded inside from the moist air. I don't think sea water is an issue here, as mine is on the radar arch 20' from the water.
 
Not sure what brand you bought, but I have had good luck with my Ongaro twin stainless trumpets. Not salt water here, but they are almost 10 years old and work perfectly. Mine are arch mounted and not pointed that much down. I am sure that rain water gets in them when running at speed. They are all stainless steel including the internals.
 
Creekwood said:
Not sure what brand you bought, but I have had good luck with my Ongaro twin stainless trumpets. Not salt water here, but they are almost 10 years old and work perfectly. Mine are arch mounted and not pointed that much down. I am sure that rain water gets in them when running at speed. They are all stainless steel including the internals.
Click to expand...

Last one I bought "Amarine Made 12v Marine Boat Horn 125db Stainless Steel Dual Trumpet Horn for Ship Truck RV Trailer, Low and High Tone , 18-1/2" for about $60. The previous one (don't recall if it was the same brand) died, so I needed something quick for a trip. It had good reviews on Amazon, so I thought it was worth the shot.

Is this what you have?
https://www.hodgesmarine.com/ong10028-ongaro-deluxe-ss-dual-trumpet-horn-12v.html
 
Alex,

I had the same problem on my 450DA, At least every year I had to clean the horns and then oiling the compressor was a constant chore.

About 5 years ago I installed a Kahlenberg D-0A Air Horn kit and that solved my horn problems. The compressor and air tank should be mounted in the bilge in a dry spot snd my bilge was dry so that eliminated one of my problems with was moisture that got to the horns thru the sound vent which was below the rub rail. I guarantee you that bridge tenders will hear these Kahlenberg horns over their 13" TV's or stereos.

The 450DA has a platform behind the fuel tanks so locating the compressor and tank were easy. Running the air tubing is as easy as running electical wiring and requires no continuing maintenance other than a shot of machine oil occasionaly.

Here is a link to the Kahlenberg website:

https://www.kahlenberg.com/model-d-0a-complete-kit.html
 
The Kahlenberg's on our 44DB were foolproof. Just make sure you mount the tank and compressor where you can access it. On the 44, they were mounted inside the swim platform on the SB side and a mortal pain to access if you are over 5'5" tall.

Bennett
 
fwebster said:
Alex,

I had the same problem on my 450DA, At least every year I had to clean the horns and then oiling the compressor was a constant chore.

About 5 years ago I installed a Kahlenberg D-0A Air Horn kit and that solved my horn problems. The compressor and air tank should be mounted in the bilge in a dry spot snd my bilge was dry so that eliminated one of my problems with was moisture that got to the horns thru the sound vent which was below the rub rail. I guarantee you that bridge tenders will hear these Kahlenberg horns over their 13" TV's or stereos.

The 450DA has a platform behind the fuel tanks so locating the compressor and tank were easy. Running the air tubing is as easy as running electical wiring and requires no continuing maintenance other than a shot of machine oil occasionaly.

Here is a link to the Kahlenberg website:

https://www.kahlenberg.com/model-d-0a-complete-kit.html
Click to expand...

Thanks Frank!
I've read quite a bit positive comments about Kahlenberg and it sounds like the "Cadillac" of horns. Justifying the cost is one thing, but the installation of the rig is what I'm trying to avoid. Running the tube from the ER to the top of the arch could be a 1-2 days project (have to go either through salon or remove the cockpit fridge, then snaking through the zigzagging arch mounts before I get to a speaker hole....). Needless to say it's a project.

The electric horn install takes me about 30min-1hr max. If I could find a reliable one that would be awesome.

bbwhitejr said:
The Kahlenberg's on our 44DB were foolproof. Just make sure you mount the tank and compressor where you can access it. On the 44, they were mounted inside the swim platform on the SB side and a mortal pain to access if you are over 5'5" tall.

Bennett
Click to expand...

You just got to love that location. Every time I have to get there, it's a oh crap moment. Since I installed shelving above the batteries, for me the PORT side isn't much better option. :(
 
Alex F said:
Last one I bought "Amarine Made 12v Marine Boat Horn 125db Stainless Steel Dual Trumpet Horn for Ship Truck RV Trailer, Low and High Tone , 18-1/2" for about $60. The previous one (don't recall if it was the same brand) died, so I needed something quick for a trip. It had good reviews on Amazon, so I thought it was worth the shot.

Is this what you have?
https://www.hodgesmarine.com/ong10028-ongaro-deluxe-ss-dual-trumpet-horn-12v.html
Click to expand...
Yes except mine are powder coated white on the stainless. Very loud too, considering they are electric. 122db at 1m
DSC_0059.JPG
 
The Ongaro horns on my boat are probably original or 39 years old.

The deeper toned one quit at the end of last season but even the single one that remains is plenty loud.

If I can't fix it, I'll replace it with an identical one for sure.
 
Soulshine said:
The Ongaro horns on my boat are probably original or 39 years old.

The deeper toned one quit at the end of last season but even the single one that remains is plenty loud.

If I can't fix it, I'll replace it with an identical one for sure.
Click to expand...

There's no doubt that back then they make them so much more reliable.
 
Alex, curious if you ever found a suitable replacement horn. I'm currently looking at the Wolo Ocean Alert brand.
 
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