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varkpilot · 04-02-2017, 10:41

I just got an ad on email for an Ultra, some kind of anti-fouling device. Anybody have any experience with these? Do they actually work? At 47 feet, my Commander is a tad expensive to haul and anti-foul. Sure would be nice to avoid doing that.

Stumble · 04-02-2017, 12:49

There have been a number of these things to come out over the years, none of them have ever been shown to reduce fouling by a third party independent test. Let me put it this way, if you think hauling your boat is expensive think what the shipping companies pay to dry dock a 1,500' long tanker.

If they haven't bothered to install them...

TMT2 · 04-02-2017, 13:19

We put a pair of ultrasonic units onboard 12 months ago on our 1975 Gulfstar 53ft Ketch...I built them from a kit offered by JAYCAR...had a diver clean the hull the day before we switched them on. Hauling out in April...will report with photos on this forum.

TMT2

varkpilot · 04-02-2017, 13:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stumble

There have been a number of these things to come out over the years, none of them have ever been shown to reduce fouling by a third party independent test. Let me put it this way, if you think hauling your boat is expensive think what the shipping companies pay to dry dock a 1,500' long tanker.

If they haven't bothered to install them...

That's kinda what I thought. For 2,500 English pounds, think I'll pass.
LOL! I suspect that the shipping companies have a bit more money than I do.

varkpilot · 04-02-2017, 13:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMT2

We put a pair of ultrasonic units onboard 12 months ago on our 1975 Gulfstar 53ft Ketch...I built them from a kit offered by JAYCAR...had a diver clean the hull the day before we switched them on. Hauling out in April...will report with photos on this forum.

TMT2

Thanks. I'll look forward to your post.

TMT2 · 04-02-2017, 13:33

For what it's worth - the JAYCAR kits total cost was $220.00 and about 12 hrs of assembly/soldering labor.

varkpilot · 04-02-2017, 13:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMT2

For what it's worth - the JAYCAR kits total cost was $220.00 and about 12 hrs of assembly/soldering labor.

Now THAT is imminently doable. If it works...I'm really curious to see what you find when you haul. Thanks much.

**JPA Cate** · 04-02-2017, 15:10

Some friends with a steel Ganley had trouble with barnacle growth in the engine water inlet, which led to overheating, installed an ultra-sonic anti-barnacle device, and reported that it kept that clear; however it did not keep away ALL barnacles, so of somewhat limited usefulness, unless the problem is the same as theirs.

Ann

**tkeithlu** · 04-02-2017, 16:06

Barnacles have really poor auditory systems; they sort of missed out on that part of evolution. On the other hand, they absolutely hate having to live in even very dilute copper solutions. They'll get up and leave if you insult them thusly.

Madwand · 04-02-2017, 16:31

There are two very lengthy threads on the Jaycar product if you Google it. Many hours worth of reading, but the results were mixed and nothing definitive was reported. My guess is that the price is low enough that you won't mind trying it, but it seems like you will most likely regret it. I was very interested in it for my 30 foot Catalina, but I have decided it's not worth the risk. Not so much the price, but the hours invested and the permanent installation of a transducer and control box taking up precious space.

varkpilot · 04-02-2017, 17:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ann T. Cate

Some friends with a steel Ganley had trouble with barnacle growth in the engine water inlet, which led to overheating, installed an ultra-sonic anti-barnacle device, and reported that it kept that clear; however it did not keep away ALL barnacles, so of somewhat limited usefulness, unless the problem is the same as theirs.

Ann

Haven't had any problems with the inlets yet, but that's sure good to know. Thanks, Ann.

varkpilot · 04-02-2017, 17:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkeithlu

Barnacles have really poor auditory systems; they sort of missed out on that part of evolution. On the other hand, they absolutely hate having to live in even very dilute copper solutions. They'll get up and leave if you insult them thusly.

Maybe if I put a copper penny in my mouth and cuss the little devils out really well, they'll go away!

Just funnin'. Thanks.

varkpilot · 04-02-2017, 17:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Madwand

There are two very lengthy threads on the Jaycar product if you Google it. Many hours worth of reading, but the results were mixed and nothing definitive was reported. My guess is that the price is low enough that you won't mind trying it, but it seems like you will most likely regret it. I was very interested in it for my 30 foot Catalina, but I have decided it's not worth the risk. Not so much the price, but the hours invested and the permanent installation of a transducer and control box taking up precious space.

I went to the Jaycar website and they sell the kit for less than 300 USD, so I might try it just to keep barnacles out of my engine inlets, as per Ann. I've got plenty of space down in the engine room, so that's not a problem, and I've got more than enough time these days. I'll google the product again, see if I can find the write-ups you mention. Thanks much.