Overhead Material

It seems I have to make a choice on overhead material in saloon and cabin and I'm looking for some input.

I planned on white, lightweight fiberglass panels that cover thermal insulation with seams covered by wood trim. This is the material that is going on the bulkheads.

However, my builder has opened the possibility of Whisper Walls that will have an acoustic cloth material covering the tracked hanging overhead backing. I'm sure the Whisper Walls will help reduce airborne noise much more than the fiberglass panels. But I've always liked the ease of cleaning a hard panel overhead (my last boat had Formica overheads and they were a breeze to clean and my current boat has wood overheads - but both boats are noisy, too). Also, I've seen plenty of soft overheads since they are clearly the preferred solution. But I've always thought they could be easily damaged or stained and could retain smells and mold.

I'm curious about thoughts from folks who've had both or can possibly alleviate my concern about Whisper Walls and smells/mold. And for those who suggest that controlling moisture and keeping air circulating is the best mold prevention - I agree with you but I think choosing materials wisely helps.

Thanks, I appreciate any experience with these materials.

We have used planks of noise insulating material, held up with varnished bands .

The material is usually in your dentists office in squares , but a search will find 4 ft planks 1 inch thick with insulation that look like planks.

It is so cheap and easy that its almost as easy to replace as scrub.

FF, thanks for your comment. Are you talking about the acoustic ceiling panels you see commonly used in drop-down ceilings?

Yes , the insulation is a help north or south , and the noise absorbing is very useful.

If they get wet and stain from a leaking hatch or fitting , just toss a few.